Piercing caught or torn: first aid and next steps
At the moment it catches
If hair, a sweater or a towel catches on the jewellery, stop pulling immediately. First free the jewellery, then keep the area clean.
Minor case
If the jewellery is in place and there is no bleeding, calmly clean with saline, avoid pressure for a few days and show it to your piercer.
Tear or bleeding
- Stop the bleeding by pressing with a clean cloth or gauze.
- Don't scrub or rub the area.
- If the tissue is completely torn or the bleeding doesn't stop, go to the nearest emergency department.
Afterwards
A piercing is not done in the same spot until the tear has healed. Healing is awaited according to the doctor's decision and the piercer makes an assessment.
Prevention
To reduce snagging on hair and clothing, choose flat jewellery instead of wire and pointed jewellery; be careful during active sports.
What to do immediately
If the jewellery has caught on something and torn the tissue, stay calm. Wash your hands, control the bleeding by applying pressure with a clean cloth and gently clean the area with sterile saline. Don't force the jewellery out.
When to see a doctor?
Go to the emergency department or a doctor in case of a deep tear, bleeding that won't stop, tissue loss or the jewellery embedding in the tissue. The torn area may need stitches.
Afterwards and prevention
After the injury has healed, assess the situation with your piercer; you need to wait long enough before re-piercing. As a precaution, watch out for things that can catch, such as hair, sweaters, necklaces and towels, and instead of removing long dangling jewellery for sports and sleep, switch to a suitable model.
First steps if your jewellery has caught on something
Don't pull the jewellery. First calm down and gently free it from what it caught on. If there is bleeding, apply light pressure with a clean cloth. Rinse the wound with saline; don't use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. In most cases, keeping the jewellery in place helps healing; even if there is a tear, consult your piercer instead of removing the jewellery.
When is emergency help needed?
Go to the emergency department if the bleeding doesn't stop, the tear is deep or a piece of cartilage has come off. Tell the doctor if your tetanus vaccination is not up to date. Also get a doctor's assessment without delay if there is severe swelling around the wound, fever or pus. Injuries should be taken seriously, especially in the tongue, nose and genital areas.
Prevention: which jewellery is safer?
Flatback labrets and short bars snag less than dangling or ring jewellery. Remove dangling earrings or switch to a secure model for sports, sleep and crowded places. Check that closed rings are shut and the end is not pointed. Be careful with things such as long hair and scarves.
Healing after an injury
After snagging, the piercing becomes sensitive. There may be mild swelling and soreness for a few days. Keep rinsing with saline and avoid pressure and friction. Don't rush to change the jewellery; wait for the wound and piercing to settle. Consult your piercer if bleeding, pain or discharge increases. In case of a tear, a doctor's assessment, stitches if needed and a tetanus check may be required.
Wearing it confidently again
If it is possible to continue with the same piercing, it is a good idea to switch the jewellery to a safer model. Choose a flatback labret instead of dangling and ring jewellery. If you want a torn lobe re-pierced, the doctor and piercer wait for healing to be complete; this usually takes a few months.
Common mistakes
- Pulling the jewellery out
- Waiting while the bleeding doesn't stop
When should you get help?
A deep tear, bleeding that won't stop or tissue loss.
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your piercer or doctor about your personal situation.
Official and reliable sources
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FAQ
How long should you apply pressure to bleeding?
Press continuously with a clean cloth for a few minutes; if it doesn't stop, go to the emergency department.
Does a tear heal on its own?
Minor tears can heal; deep ones need a doctor.
If the jewellery came out, should I put it back in?
Don't force it in; consult your piercer.
This content is for general information only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment.