So, you’ve just been pierced. Congrats! 🎉 Now comes the most important part of the process: aftercare. Cleaning your piercing properly is essential to healing smoothly, avoiding complications, and keeping your new adornment looking its best.
I’m a big believer in keeping it simple, gentle, and consistent. Let’s break down exactly how to clean your piercing the right way. And what to avoid.
💧 The Golden Rule: Saline, Not Soap
For most piercings, the best way to clean is with a sterile saline wound wash. That’s it. No fancy ointments, no alcohol, no peroxide.
Look for a saline solution that’s:
- Labeled as sterile
- Intended for wound care
- In a pressurized can (like NeilMed – which I sell saline in the studio)
🛑 Avoid homemade saltwater unless instructed. Ratios can be off, and tap water isn’t sterile.
🧽 How to Clean Your Piercing
- Wash your hands.
Always start with clean hands. Seriously. Don’t touch your piercing otherwise! - Spray or soak.
Gently spray saline directly onto the piercing area, or saturate a clean piece of gauze or nonwoven pad with saline and apply as a compress for 5-10 minutes. - Let it air dry.
You don’t need to pat it dry. But if you do, use a clean paper towel (never a cloth towel). - Repeat 1-2 times daily.
Over-cleaning can irritate the piercing, so more isn’t always better. Twice a day max!
🙅♀️ What NOT to Do
- Don’t use alcohol, peroxide, or Betadine. They kill healthy cells and delay healing.
- Don’t rotate, twist, or move your jewelry. This can reopen the wound and introduce bacteria.
- Don’t touch your piercing throughout the day. Especially with unwashed hands.
- Don’t use ointment-based products like Neosporin. They trap bacteria and prevent airflow.
📌 A Few More Tips
- Shower as usual. Just rinse your piercing thoroughly to remove any shampoo or residue.
- Avoid pools, hot tubs, and open water until fully healed.
- Be patient. Healing takes time. Most piercings take months, not weeks, to fully settle in.
🔍 Questions About Your Piercing?
I”m always here to help you troubleshoot or check in on healing. If you’re ever unsure about how your piercing looks or feels, the best way to move forward is to book a check-up appointment.
📍 Located on Staten Island
📆 Book your check-up: book.ipricku.com
📱 Text 347-770-7653 for questions or to schedule
