Deeper Than Self-Care

Getting pierced is an exciting process that adds an extra touch of style to one's appearance. However, many people forget that maintaining piercings and ensuring they remain clean is an essential part of the process. The importance of cleaning your piercings properly cannot be overemphasized. Proper cleaning and aftercare are vital to reduce the risk of infections, swelling, and other complications. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to clean your piercings properly.

1. Clean Hands Are Essential

Before touching your piercing, it is essential to ensure that your hands are clean. Dry with a clean towel or tissue. The importance of clean hands cannot be overstated. Hands harbor a multitude of bacteria, posing a potential risk of infection when they come into contact with your piercing.

2. Saline Solution

Cleaning your piercing with a saline solution proves to be a highly effective method. Saline solutions are saltwater solutions designed to promote healing and prevent infections. Gas stations, drug stores, and online health stores sell saline solutions. To use the saline solution, soak a clean piece of cotton in the solution and apply it to the piercing. It is advisable to use a different cotton piece for each piercing to avoid spreading bacteria. Ensure that you do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean your piercing. These substances dry out the skin, which extends the healing process.

3. Cleaning Products

If you opt for over-the-counter cleaning products, check that they are effective and safe to use on piercings. Avoid using antibacterial products, as these products are harsh and can cause dryness. Piercing aftercare products are designed to promote healing and contain antibacterial properties. However, before using any product, ensure that you seek advice from a professional piercing artist.

4. Be Careful When Changing Jewelry

You may want to switch piercings occasionally to add an extra touch of style. However, during the process, it is essential to be extremely careful. The first thing to do is to clean your existing jewelry before changing it. Next, wash your hands with soap and warm water before touching the jewelry. Finally, insert the new piece, making sure that the area is clean. You shouldn't remove your piercing until it has fully healed, as this increases the risk of infections.

5. Avoid Touching Your Piercing

Finally, avoid touching the piercing as much as possible. When the area is touched, bacteria and dirt are transferred to the area, increasing the risk of infections. You should clean your piercing twice a day, avoid excessive cleaning, and let your body do the healing. 

To sum up, cleaning your piercing is essential to ensure it remains healthy and infection-free. It is essential to wash your hands, use saline solution, opt for piercing cleaning products, avoid touching the piercing, and be careful when changing jewelry. By following these steps, you can effectively minimize the chances of infection, swelling, and other potential complications, ensuring a smoother and more successful outcome. Remember that it is essential to consult with a professional piercing artist if you notice any abnormalities or concerns. Finally, be patient, let your body heal, and enjoy your new piercing!

For more information about piercings, contact a professional piercer in your area.