At the beginning, it is advisable to cover it with a sterile gauze to protect it from the bacteria present in the air. For the first three days, it is essential that you don’t touch, scrub, scratch or rub the area for any reason whatsoever. From the fourth day, until it has completely healed, you will need to carefully clean and dry the wound twice a day. Remember to always do this with clean hands because germs could infect the hole, even if you have had your piercings for years.
And don’t remove it early because, apart from encouraging the spread of microbes, it could damage the inside of the wound and the sides of the hole. Unfortunately, sometimes hygiene isn’t enough and the piercing becomes infected anyway. It isn’t serious, but it is essential to treat the infection as soon as possible because it could turn into perichondritis or an abscess.
How to know if a piercing is infected
If it weeps, hurts, burns or itches, the area is very hot or becomes red or excessively swollen, your piercing may be infected. Although you shouldn’t confuse an allergic reaction with an infection. If the discharge is a thick yellow or green liquid with an unpleasant smell, there is no doubt: different bacteria and germs are multiplying in your wound. Another clear indication of a current infection is the presence of a fluid-filled cyst. Additionally, fever is another symptom.
If you present any of these symptoms, consult a health professional immediately so they can check the condition of the wound and prescribe you the appropriate antibiotic treatment. Don’t remove the earring until the wound has healed, unless the antibiotics haven’t taken effect and you have been advised to do so by the doctor or professional that did the piercing.
Steps to heal a piercing
Knowing how to heal a piercing is the first thing you should learn. To clean the piercing, you can buy delicate antibacterial soap. However, to disinfect it, you need an antiseptic solution that you can make at home. You just need to dissolve ¼ of a spoon of salt in a glass of warm water and apply it to the wound with the help of a cotton wool bud or sterile gauze twice a day. Once the wound has healed, you will also be able to use this solution to immerse the earring in for a few minutes. From day four, you should turn the earring to prevent it from sticking to the skin.
If a scab forms around the hole, you need to soften it with warm water and then remove it carefully with a gauze or cotton bud, without pulling off the scab. Perform backwards and forwards movements to get rid of any residue.
The next step is to dry the piercing thoroughly with another pierce of sterile gauze. Finally, only if you need to, it’s time to apply antibiotic cream.
Applying a cold compress is recommended to help the swelling and to ease the pain. But never apply ice directly to the skin since it could cause damage. There are silicone discs available, designed to prevent abrasions. And remember that a fundamental aspect you should bear in mind to prevent infections and allergies is that the piercing material is of a good quality. Here at Tous, we are concerned about your health and the way you look, so all of our piercings- both for the ears, and belly button or nose- are made using premium quality hypoallergenic materials like steel, gold or silver. In addition, they can be used as the first piercing.
How to look after an ear piercing
In the lobe, cartilage, inside the ear….Depending on where it is going to be, it will take longer or less time to heal. For example, the ear lobe will take between 6 and 8 weeks while the cartilage takes between 4 months and 1 year.
Make sure your sheets and pillows are clean and don’t sleep on the side of the piercing. If you have long hair, try to cover the piercing with a sterile gauze whenever you can; that way, you will prevent germs from the hair from getting into the hole. Take extra care when you are going to wear a helmet, if you wear scarves and when you put on your perfume or hair spray for example.
At Tous, you will find a wide range of piercings, both for the lobe and cartilage, like our selection of tragus piercings for example. Romantic, elegant, casual, colorful….you are bound to find a model that perfectly suits your style. And if you haven’t pierced your ear yet, you can wear one of our earcuffs.
Healing a piercing on the nose
To know how to heal a nose piercing, the first thing you should know is that you shouldn’t worry if a white, transparent or yellowish liquid appears and forms a small spot around the hole during the healing process. It is completely normal and harmless, since it is grease and not puss.
For a piercing situated on the nostril to heal completely, it takes between 2 and 4 months, and between 6 and 8 months if it is on the nasal septum. Germs spread in the nose so daily hygiene is vital.
Rings, gold, silver, colored, with a gemstone, in the shape of a star, heart or the Tous bear. We have the perfect nose piercing for you.
How to look after a navel piercing
Bear in mind that it takes around three months for the hole to heal completely, but it could even take a year.
Avoid wearing tight clothing or clothing that can cause friction since it could irritate the wound and delay the healing time. In the same way, avoid movements that could cause traumas or injuries to the affected area and avoid wearing clothing that could get stuck on the navel d ring. And, finally, you should take a look at our Muran glass navel piercings or piercings with pearls since they are perfect for showing off in summer and creating trends.