Body piercings make a real style statement. From eyebrow piercings to tongue and bellybutton piercings, this body art can help you to stand out from the crowd. However, if you’re to achieve the best results, it’s really important that you care for your body piercings.
To avoid infections, try to follow these simple but effective tips.
The first three days
For at least three days after your piercing procedure, make sure you keep the area as dry as possible. For example, if you have a piercing in your face, it may be better to take baths rather than showers. If you have a piercing in your lower body, it’s a good idea to sponge-clean yourself for this initial period.
Clean and dry
It stands to reason that after having a piercing, you should keep the area clean and dry. Most experts advise that you should clean the area with a saltwater solution twice a day. Preferably, you should do this after washing or bathing.
To do this, simply fill a clean jug or bowl with a solution containing a quarter of a teaspoon of salt per shot glass of warm water. Once you’ve prepared this, submerge the relevant part of your body in the water for a few minutes. If it’s not possible to submerge the area, you can wet a clean cloth in the solution and apply it as a compress instead.
This helps to soften any discharge and enables you to clear the entry and exit points of the piercing with some gauze or a cotton bud. Once you’ve done this, move the body jewellery a little so that you can work some of the saline solution through the piercing. Once you’ve completed this process, dry the area with a paper towel or some kitchen roll.
Bear in mind that before cleaning your piercing, you should always wash your hands with antibacterial soap.
Be gentle
Once you’ve got used to cleaning your piercing, you might be tempted to rush the process and this can lead to carelessness. Bear in mind that if you aren’t gentle enough or you don’t use enough salt in your solution, you can increase the risk of infection and irritation.
In the event of an infection
If the skin around your piercing becomes red, swollen and sore, or if it produces a yellow or green discharge, it is infected. If this happens, go to see your doctor ASAP. Any delay in treatment could result in a serious infection and compromise your health. It could also mean you’re more likely to lose your piercing.
Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic cream. If your infection is more serious, you might need antibiotic tablets. Unless you’re told otherwise, leave your jewellery in. This will help to ensure effective drainage.
As long as you’re sensible and take good care of your new piercing, you should be able to ensure it remains infection-free. Once it has healed, you won’t have to worry about going through this painstaking cleaning process anymore.