New piercings are especially sensitive and it is important that you keep the jewelry that was placed in the hole in until the piercing has healed. I know it can be hard, especially because starter jewelry usually isn’t the most interesting or beautiful, but it is best for the healing process.
Keeping the new piercing clean is also important. I’ve been to several piercing salons and often you will get different takes on the best way to care for your new hole. From my experience, plain drugstore antibacterial soap and clean paper towels to dry should do the trick. Every now and again, even on my old piercings if they get agitated I will do a sea salt soak with warm water, but it’s not something I do on a regular basis.
It is important to keep an eye on your piercings and know your body. If you notice a bump or rash forming it may be your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. Sometimes your body will get infected and try and reject the jewelry on its own. According to Director of the Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic, and Laser Surgery in Mount Kisco, New York Dr. David Banks, “If your skin is raised or there’s a ring or bump forming around the piercing, your body may be telling you it’s not happy with your newest accessory.”
Here are some quick Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind:
1. Don’t over clean.
Like I said earlier, keep it simple with a plain antibacterial soap. Whatever you do, stay away from harsh disinfectants such as rubbing alcohol. It can do more harm than good by slowing down the healing process and even ruining skin cells.
2. Do clean sheets and towels.
Anything that touches or rubs up against your piercings (especially new ones) is affecting your piercing. If you put something filthy in the presence of an open sore than the likelihood for infection is pretty high. Try to stay away from dirty towels and keep your sheets cleaned regularly so that as you sleep at night you’re not counteracting your healing process.
3. Do keep your hands clean.
Just like with the dirty sheets and towels, playing with your piercing with dirty hands is a definite no no. If you need to touch your piercing for whatever reason, make sure you wash your hands first.
Q&A: Why Do My Body Piercings Stink?! was originally published on blackdoctor.org
