How to clean a new piercing: step-by-step aftercare
Wash your hands, rinse gently with sterile saline, pat dry with clean disposable paper and do not twist the jewellery. Over-cleaning slows healing; cleaning when needed is enough.
ReadGuide
Category: Aftercare
Saline solution for piercings: what to look for and why to use it
Choose a sterile, additive-free 0.9% sodium chloride saline sold in a pressurised spray can. Contact lens solution, homemade salt water and products with additives are not recommended.
Read12 things not to do during piercing aftercare
The most common mistakes are twisting the jewellery, picking crusts, using alcohol, peroxide or ointments, touching with dirty hands, changing jewellery too early and not staying away from pools and the sea.
ReadHow to sleep with a piercing: tips for ears, nose and navel
Don't sleep on a new piercing; for ears, sleep with a travel (donut) pillow or a hole cut in your pillow, use a clean pillowcase and avoid positions that squeeze the jewellery while you sleep.
ReadShowers, pools, the sea and sport: what can you do with a piercing?
Showering is fine, but don't leave shampoo and soap residue on the piercing. Stay away from pools, jacuzzis, lakes and the sea throughout healing. When exercising, clean immediately after sweating and prevent knocks to the jewellery.
ReadPiercing healing times: a spot-by-spot table
The earlobe takes about 6–8 weeks, the helix 3–6 months, inner cartilage spots 6–12 months, the nose 4–6 months, the septum 2–3 months and the navel 6–12 months. Times vary by person and…
ReadPiercings in daily life: make-up, hair, hats and masks
Don't let make-up, hairspray or cream touch the area around the piercing; use items that put on pressure, such as hats, headphones and masks, gently, and choose a hairstyle that prevents your jewellery from catching.
ReadPiercing aftercare timeline: what to expect week by week?
Mild swelling in the first days, lymph and crust in the first weeks and decreasing tenderness in the following weeks are expected. At every stage, simple aftercare, not touching the jewellery and a check-up appointment are the most important steps.
ReadWhat is downsizing? When should piercing jewellery be shortened?
Downsizing means replacing the long initial bar with a shorter one once the initial swelling has gone down. A long bar can lead to irritation, bumps and snagging. Your piercer decides the timing; it is usually at the end of the first weeks.
ReadThe first 48 hours after a piercing: what to do and what's normal?
In the first 48 hours, mild swelling, redness and tenderness are normal. Don't touch the piercing, drink plenty of water, sleep comfortably and follow your piercer's instructions. See a doctor if there is severe pain, spreading redness or fever.
Read