PIERCING AFTERCARE

Whether you have just had a piercing or are planning to get one, it is important to know how to properly care for your new piercing. A good aftercare routine is essential for fast and proper healing. Whether it's a helix piercing, daith piercing, conch piercing, tragus piercing, maintaining good hygiene is key. Here are some tips to ensure that your piercing heals quickly and without problems.

HOW TO CLEAN PIERCING

• Clean your piercing until it is fully healed. This may take several months, depending on the placement and your body.
• Use a sterile saline spray on sterile gauze and press gently on the piercing for five minutes, in the morning and at night. Do this no more than twice a day. You can also use a mild unscented soap (Unicura, for example), do this once or twice a day.
• Moisture can lead to bacteria. Dry the area well with, again sterile non-woven gauze or use the cold setting of a hair dryer.

AFTERCARE TIPS

• Wash your hands thoroughly before cleaning your piercing. Dirty hands or nails can transfer bacteria.
• Do not apply cream to the wound or drip disinfectants such as Sterilon® or Betadine® on it (unless directed otherwise by a doctor).
• Be careful not to apply face cream, makeup, moisturizers and perfumes directly to the piercing. This can cause irritation.
• While showering, try to keep soap or shampoo away from your new piercing and rinse thoroughly.
• Do not twist your jewelry.
• Do not pull or pick at scabs, as it is attached to the healing tissue. This will reopen the wound, increasing the risk of infection.
• Try to avoid sleeping on your piercing. Use a travel pillow and place your ear in the opening while you sleep.
• During the healing process, do not remove your jewelry. Your piercing may close up quickly. 

HEALING GUIDE

Healing times vary depending on the placement of the piercing and vary from person to person. The table below will give you an idea of approximately how long it will take your piercing to heal.
 

1: 2 - 4 months (Lobe piercing, upper lobe piercing)

2: 4 - 6 months (Helix piercing, forward helix piercing, flat piercing, conch piercing, tragus piercing, smoke piercing)

3: 6 - 12 months (Mid-helix piercing)

4: 9 - 12 months (Daith piercing, anti-tragus piercing)

THE HEALING PROCESS

To get a good idea of the healing times and the three different stages of this whole process, we have listed briefly what to expect.

1. JUST PIERCED

In the beginning, your piercing will be somewhat sensitive and may appear a bit swollen. In addition, you may experience some discomfort from time to time, no worries! This is perfectly normal with a new piercing. Just be extra careful at this stage, as your piercing is still very fresh!

Did you know? Our piercings can also be used to pierce a new one? This is because we use 14-carat (white) gold and offer two different sizes of piercings. A longer backpost (8mm) for a new piercing and a shorter backpost (6.5mm) to downsize after about 2-3 months. This way you will be able to shine right after getting a new piercing.

 2. HEALING

After the initial discomfort has passed, your piercing begins the full healing phase! Piercings heal from the inside out, therefore the process takes some time and requires extra patience. During this period, it is important to apply proper aftercare and check regularly for signs of healing. Pay close attention to any changes and remain patient while your body does its work to allow the piercing to fully heal.

3. HEALED

When you have completed the full healing period, the piercing is considered healed. This means that you no longer experience any discharge, redness or irritation. That piercing is comfortably in place from that point on. This is also the time when you can have the piercing replaced by a professional.

Looking for the perfect 14k piercing? Check out the 14k gold piercing or huggie at Eline Rosina!

Don't know where to start? Check out our 14k gold piercing sets to help you create the perfect ear stack.