To clean your piercing for proper healing:
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If you have questions or need a professional piercing in Mississauga, call (905) 897-3503.
1. Wash Your Hands Thoroughly
Before touching your piercing or the surrounding area, wash your hands with antibacterial soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Pay special attention to cleaning under your nails and between your fingers, as these areas can harbor bacteria.
Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue, and dry your hands with a clean paper towel. Avoid using shared towels, as they can introduce germs.
If you don’t have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content, but washing with soap and water is preferred.
Why This Is Important:
Your hands come into contact with countless surfaces throughout the day, making them a significant source of bacteria. Washing thoroughly minimizes the risk of transferring bacteria to your piercing.
2. Prepare a Cleaning Solution
Choose one of these options for cleaning:
Option 1: Saltwater Solution
Mix ¼ teaspoon of sea or non-iodized table salt with 8 ounces of warm water. Stir until the salt is completely dissolved.
Use warm, not hot, water to avoid burning or irritating the sensitive area.
Avoid over-concentrating the solution—too much salt can dry out the skin and slow healing.
Option 2: Mild Antibacterial Soap
Choose a fragrance-free, liquid antibacterial soap such as Dial or Softsoap.
If the soap feels harsh or causes irritation, dilute it with water in a 50:50 ratio.
Do not use bar soap, which can leave residue or harbor bacteria.
What to Avoid:
Hydrogen Peroxide or Rubbing Alcohol: These can kill healthy cells and delay healing.
Ointments (e.g., Bacitracin): These block airflow to the wound, slowing oxygen delivery to the tissue.
Why This Is Important:
Using the right cleaning solution prevents irritation and promotes proper healing by maintaining a balanced environment for the skin.
3. Clean the Piercing Area
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process:
Prepare Tools: Dip a cotton swab, Q-tip, or sterile gauze into your prepared cleaning solution. Make sure the swab is fully saturated.
Apply Solution: Gently press the wet swab onto the pierced area. Allow the solution to soak for 2-3 minutes to loosen any debris or dried matter.
Remove Crusts: Use a fresh swab to carefully wipe away any dried material or crust that has formed around the piercing. Do this gently to avoid irritation.
Rotate the Jewelry: Slowly and gently rotate or move the jewelry only when the area is moist. This ensures the solution reaches all parts of the piercing and prevents the jewelry from sticking to the skin.
What to Avoid:
Never force the jewelry to move if it feels stuck. This could tear the healing tissue and increase the risk of infection.
Why This Is Important:
Proper cleaning removes bacteria and debris, while gentle jewelry movement prevents it from adhering to the skin during healing.
4. Rinse with Warm Water
After cleaning, rinse the piercing thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining cleaning solution or debris.
Ensure no soap, salt, or residue is left behind, as these can irritate the skin or slow healing.
If rinsing in the shower, ensure the water pressure isn’t too strong, which may cause discomfort.
Why This Is Important:
Residual cleaning solutions can dry out the skin or irritate it. Rinsing ensures the piercing stays clean and comfortable.
5. Dry the Piercing Completely
Use a clean, disposable paper towel to pat the area dry gently. Avoid rubbing, as this can irritate the sensitive skin around the piercing.
Do Not Use Fabric Towels: Fabric towels can harbor bacteria and may snag on the jewelry, causing injury or irritation.
Allow the area to air dry for a few minutes after patting to ensure it’s completely dry.
Why This Is Important:
Keeping the piercing dry prevents bacteria from thriving in moist environments, reducing the risk of infection.
Specific Care Based on Piercing Type
Ear Piercings (Lobes and Pinna)
Sleep on the opposite side or on your back to avoid irritation.
Use your unpierced ear for phone calls or headphones.
Nose Piercings
Do not remove the stud for at least 8 weeks, as nose piercings can close quickly.
Avoid unnecessary touching of the stud.
The stud’s stem may point upward inside the nostril; adjust slightly if uncomfortable.
Tongue, Lip, and Cheek Piercings
Rinse your mouth with alcohol-free mouthwash or saltwater after eating, drinking (except water), or smoking.
Avoid oral contact (kissing, oral sex) for the first 6 weeks.
Suck on ice chips or popsicles during the first 48 hours to reduce swelling.
Belly Button Piercings
Clean with a saltwater solution. Create a suction seal with a cup over the piercing and soak it for 10 minutes.
Alternatively, use saltwater-soaked cotton swabs for cleaning.
Wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid irritation.
Nipple Piercings
Soak the area with salt water for 10 minutes, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
Avoid tight or rough clothing that can irritate the area.
Genital Piercings
Clean with warm water and antibacterial soap, letting it sit on the skin for 3 minutes before rinsing.
Avoid sexual contact until the piercing is fully healed. When resuming, use barriers (like condoms) to protect the area.
Urine may irritate but usually does not cause infections—rinse if discomfort occurs.
When Can You Change Your Jewelry?
You can change out your jewelry once your piercing is fully healed. Healing times vary depending on the type of piercing—for example, ear lobes typically take 6-8 weeks, while cartilage, belly button, and nose piercings can take 3-12 months.
Changing jewelry too early can irritate or damage the healing tissue, so consult your piercer to confirm if it’s safe to switch.
How Can You Tell if Your Piercing is Infected?
You can tell if your piercing is infected if you experience symptoms like:
Persistent redness, swelling, or pain around the area.
Green or yellow discharge with a foul odor.
Warmth or tenderness near the piercing site.
Development of a lump or excessive irritation around the piercing.
If you notice these signs, consult a healthcare professional or piercer promptly for advice and treatment.
Important Tips to Avoid Infections
Never touch your piercing with dirty hands.
Do not use rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or ointments, as they can slow the healing process.
Stick to cleaning 2-3 times daily. Over-cleaning can irritate.
Avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, or natural bodies of water until fully healed.
Xtremeties Tattoo & Piercing Studio Offers Aftercare Instructions to Clean Your Piercings
At Xtremities Tattoo & Piercing Studio, located in the heart of Mississauga, we take pride in being the longest-running studio in the area, offering professional piercings by skilled and experienced piercers. Our team, trained by the owner, Steven, ensures a nearly painless piercing experience using high-quality surgical steel jewelry.
After your piercing, we guide you with detailed aftercare instructions to promote proper healing. With a commitment to excellence, our studio is open 7 days a week and has been ranked number one in the Readers' Choice Awards for two consecutive years. Visit us for exceptional service and unparalleled expertise!
Call (905) 897-3503 or visit us to explore our professional services.
FAQs
What is the best thing to clean piercings with?
The best thing to clean piercings is a saline solution made from ¼ teaspoon of sea salt dissolved in 8 ounces of warm water. Alternatively, you can use a mild, fragrance-free antibacterial liquid soap diluted with water. Avoid harsh chemicals like hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol, which can delay healing.
How should I clean my piercing holes?
To clean your piercing holes, soak a cotton swab or sterile gauze in a saline solution or mild antibacterial soap. Gently apply it to the piercing, letting it soak for 2-3 minutes. Remove any dried material while the area is moist, and rinse thoroughly with warm water. Finish by patting the area dry with a clean paper towel.
How often should you clean piercings?
You should clean your piercings twice a day—once in the morning and once in the evening—until the piercing is fully healed. Over-cleaning can irritate the area, so avoid cleaning more frequently than necessary.
Should I use Q-tips to clean my piercing?
Yes, you can use Q-tips to clean your piercing, as they allow for precise application of the cleaning solution. Ensure the Q-tip is clean and saturated with your cleaning solution, and avoid applying too much pressure to prevent irritation.
Can I clean my piercing with just water?
No, you should not clean your piercing with just water, as water alone does not effectively remove bacteria or debris. Always use a saline solution or mild antibacterial soap to clean the piercing, and rinse with water afterward to remove any residue.
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