Piercings are popular. Whether ears, nose, septum or belly button, it’s always fun to add some glitz and glam to your body.
It’s important to look after your piercings to enable a quick and healthy recovery of and around the small holes made. Different people will react differently post piercings – listen to your body and follow care instructions to keep your skin clean and reduce the risk of infection or any unnecessary and unpleasant complications.
There are plenty of solutions on the market to invest in and make part of your recovery regime – from saline solutions to fragrance-free antibacterial sprays. They aim to flush out the piercing, removing any blood and dead cells, bacteria or dirt, and soothe irritations.
How to clean your piercing?
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the piercing area.
- Use the solution as directed.
- Rinse the area afterwards.
- Gently dry by patting with a clean tissue/towel.
Don’ts when it comes to aftercare
- Do not overclean – this will irritate the area more.
- Do not touch unless completely necessary.
- Do not expose yourself to open water, e.g. swimming pools, hot tubs, or rivers – you want to avoid any chance of bacteria getting in.
- Do not use any beauty products on/around the piecing (e.g. lotions and sprays).
What to expect from a recent piercing?
Symptoms can include; light bleeding and redness, mild soreness/ tenderness, slight swelling or bruising, a white-yellow fluid discharging from the area. The earrings/jewellery may become slightly crusty too.
How long does it take for a piercing to heal?
The healing process differs depending from person to person and also depends on the type of piercing and where it is on the body. The most common piercing – the earlobe – typically takes about six to eight weeks to heal, while the upper ear cartilage can take anything from three to six months. The septum can take a couple of months, the nostril from six to nine, the nipple about six and the naval about eight months to a year to fully heal.
What are the complications of piercings?
Don’t panic – if you look after your piercings correctly, you should avoid any serious complications. These could include allergic reactions (either to the jewellery or the products used during aftercare) or infections – this will become very red, painful and pussy and you may need to see a doctor to receive antibiotics to clear it up.
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Easypiercing Anti-Bacterial Body Piercing Aftercare
An Amazon’s Choice product – highly rated, well-priced and ready to ship immediately – this is a great healing and aftercare treatment for all body piercings.
Simply apply pressure on the diffuser to release the required amount of anti-bacterial solution needed for each application and watch as it works quickly and efficiently over the next few days. It leaves an antibacterial film on the skin, working to eliminate lymph secretions and reduce inflammation.
Buy now £7.14, Amazon
Piercing Mania Piercing Care Package
This care package has you covered post-piercing, containing three products to touch all bases effectively. The set includes a salt spray with tea tree oil to clean the area and prevent infections; a wonder oil to keep the skin around the area silky smooth and smelling lovely, and a piercing balm to give a deep treatment while you sleep.
Buy now £12.99, Piercing Mania
The Aftercare Company BPA Piercing Aftercare Formula
Suitable for all skin types and all exterior piercings, this 100 per cent natural solution is considered to be a miracle healing option. Not only is it super versatile, it gently nourishes the piercing area with active natural plant ingredients and extra vitamin E to enrich the skin and lubricate it to keep it clean. It’s easily absorbed, paraben-free and doesn’t mark the skin or jewellery.
Buy now £5.97, Amazon
Rennelyn Piercing Aftercare Spray
Spritz Rennelyn’s refreshing mist spray onto the affected area two to three times a day for optimum results. The formula is suitable for ear, nose, tongue and navel piercings. The high-quality ingredients will promote healing, treating any red and angry swelling or bumps rapidly while cleansing and soothing, sting-free.
Buy now £13.49, Amazon
TattooMed After Piercing Spray
Designed for regular use, add this after-piercing spray to your cosmetic routine to maintain healthy skin where you’ve had piercings. It boasts antibacterial cleaning properties and is dermatologically tested, so watch as your piercing stays clean and pain-free – you will notice and feel the difference after just a few days. The spray is multifunctional and can also be used to clean your jewellery once your fresh holes have healed.
Buy now £8.99, Amazon
NeilMed Neilcleanse Piercing Aftercare Fine Mist Wound Wash
This sterile saline solution is a saviour when it comes to treating your piercings. Preservative and drug-free, there’s no burning or stinging sensation when applied – instead the wound wash will nourish your skin while gently sanitising it, keeping infection away and letting your jewellery shine on you.
Buy now £13.49, Amazon
Claire's After Care Lotion
Claire’s has been around since 1978 and is the location where many 90s and 00s babies got their very first piercings. This is the brand’s aftercare lotion that has been formulated by top specialists and tested by dermatologists and paediatricians. This bottle should last up to eight weeks to aid your recovery and is appropriate for ears, nose and body piercings. Apply to keep your wounds hygienic and bacteria-free.
Buy now £6.45, Amazon
Prontolind Spray
Another popular choice on Amazon, this German-made aftercare product encourages a speedy healing process with just a couple of sprays a day. Treat sensitive areas with the PHMB complex to give optimal antimicrobial protection. The formula is free from alcohol and phenols and is also 100 per cent vegan. Piercings will be left looking tip-top and it should not sting on application.
Buy now £7.99, Amazon
Briotech Topical Skin Spray
A pricier option, this all-rounder skin spray is worth the splurge for fast results. As well as providing first-class piercing aftercare, soothing and relieving any soreness and redness, the natural cleanser also reduces scars and wrinkles. Clean the application area and spray the solution, which is also organic and eco-friendly.
Buy now £21.98, Amazon
Studex After Piercing Lotion
An uber-affordable choice, this cleansing fluid effectively aids the healing process following an ear piercing. It should be applied twice daily (minimum) using a cotton pad to avoid skin-on-skin contact with your fresh new stud. The 100ml bottle is portable, meaning you can take the solution on holidays and weekends away to ensure the best protection for your piercing wherever you are.
Buy now £3.19, Amazon
