How to Clean a New Piercing
Important: Healing times vary from piercing to piercing. Always follow the instructions given to you by your piercer, and contact Earth’s Edge when you have questions or concerns.
Always Wash Your Hands First
Always wash your hands before touching your new piercing. Touching a piercing with unwashed hands can introduce bacteria and may cause irritation or infection.
Oral contact can also irritate a new piercing, so avoid unnecessary contact with the area while it is healing.
Clean the Piercing Twice a Day
For most body piercings, purchase an antibacterial soap in a pump bottle. Earth’s Edge suggests Softsoap. Clean the area around the piercing twice daily.
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Place a small amount of antibacterial soap in your hands.
- Work the soap into a gentle lather.
- Carefully clean around the piercing.
- Rinse the area completely with warm water.
Avoid over-cleaning or under-cleaning. Both can irritate the piercing and slow down the healing process.
Use Salt Soaks for Comfort
Salt soaks may help reduce discomfort and support the healing process. To prepare a salt soak, mix:
- ¼ tablespoon of un-iodized salt
- 8 ounces of warm water
Soak a clean cotton ball or clean paper towel in the solution and place it on the piercing for about one minute. Repeat this two to three times each day.
H2Ocean Piercing Aftercare
H2Ocean is a sterilized saline solution that can be used on a piercing four to five times daily. It can help keep the area clean and may help reduce buildup around the piercing.
Follow the product directions and the instructions given to you by your piercer.
Products to Avoid
Using the wrong cleaning products can irritate a new piercing. Do not use the following products unless instructed by a qualified medical professional:
- Bactine
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Alcohol
- Ointments
What Is Normal During Healing?
It can be normal for a new piercing to bleed for a day or two. The area may also feel tender, swollen, or itchy. A whitish fluid may appear during the healing process.
These symptoms can be part of normal healing, but contact Earth’s Edge when something does not seem right or when your symptoms become worse.
Avoid Swimming While the Piercing Heals
Keep your new piercing out of swimming pools for at least two weeks. Avoid oceans, lakes, and rivers for six to eight weeks.
Water in these environments can expose the piercing to bacteria and other contaminants while the area is still healing.
Protect the Piercing From Irritation
- Wear loose clothing to avoid pressure and rubbing.
- Do not wear inappropriate jewelry.
- Cover the piercing while tanning until it is fully healed.
- Get plenty of rest to support proper healing.
- A daily multivitamin may also support the healing process.
Do Not Remove the Jewelry Too Soon
Some people assume they can remove their jewelry at any time and easily put it back in. This is not always the case. Something should remain in the piercing for at least the first five to six months.
When jewelry must be removed for a short time, Earth’s Edge recommends using monofilament line or a properly sized retainer. Retainers are available in different sizes at the shop.
You may eventually need a shorter or smaller piece of jewelry. Follow these general guidelines:
- Oral piercings: wait at least two to four weeks.
- Most other piercings: wait eight to twelve weeks.
- Navel piercings: wait at least twelve weeks.
Return to Earth’s Edge before changing the jewelry so a piercer can check the piercing and recommend the correct size.
Typical Piercing Healing Times
Healing times vary from person to person and from piercing to piercing. Earth’s Edge provides the following general estimates:
Six to Eight Weeks
Earlobe, eyebrow, septum, PA, labia, hood, tongue, and lip or labret.
Eight to Sixteen Weeks
Helix, nostril, ampallang, frenum, apadravya, nipple, surface, and industrial piercings.
Six to Nine Months
Navel piercings.
Oral Piercing Care
Oral piercings require additional aftercare. Purchase an antiseptic mouthwash and dilute it with an equal amount of purified water.
After eating, smoking, or drinking, rinse your mouth with the diluted mouthwash for 30 seconds. Avoid spicy foods and hot beverages during the first few days. Sucking on ice may help reduce swelling.
A shorter piece of jewelry may be purchased after two to four weeks, depending on the piercing and how the area is healing.
Common Causes of Irritation or Infection
In Earth’s Edge’s experience, the following can cause irritation or infection:
- Oral contact
- Touching the piercing with unwashed hands
- Using incorrect cleaning products
- Over-cleaning or under-cleaning
- Wearing inappropriate jewelry
- Wearing tight clothing over the area
Common Questions
New Piercing Cleaning FAQ
How often should I clean my new piercing?
Clean the area around most body piercings twice daily with the antibacterial soap recommended by Earth’s Edge. Salt soaks may be used two to three times daily, or H2Ocean may be used four to five times daily. DO NOT USE BOTH!
Can I use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol?
No. Earth’s Edge advises against using hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, Bactine, or ointments on a healing piercing.
Can I swim after getting pierced?
Avoid swimming pools for at least two weeks. Avoid oceans, lakes, and rivers for six to eight weeks.
When can I change my jewelry?
Oral jewelry may sometimes be changed after two to four weeks. Most other piercings should wait eight to twelve weeks, while navel piercings should wait at least twelve weeks. Ask your piercer before making the change.
Is swelling and whitish fluid normal?
Mild swelling, tenderness, itching, and whitish fluid can be normal during healing. Contact Earth’s Edge when symptoms become severe or when you are concerned.
Questions About Your New Piercing?
Thank you for choosing Earth’s Edge for your piercing needs. Call or stop by the shop when you need help with aftercare, jewelry, or the healing process.