Piercing aftercare
During the piercing process, a deep wound is created that needs time to heal. The speed of healing depends on the location of the piercing, the type of metal used, the expertise of the piercer, and the quality of aftercare. With proper care, it takes 4 to 12 weeks for the wound to heal.
During the healing process, follow these guidelines:
• Touch the piercing as little as possible.
• Do not apply any ointment or disinfectant such as Sterilon® or Betadine® to the wound (unless otherwise instructed by a doctor).
• Keep hairspray, gel, or other products away from an ear piercing.
• Avoid using plasters over the piercing (except temporarily during sports).
• Do not wear tight or dirty clothing over the piercing.
• Avoid (bubble) baths, swimming pools, saunas, and steam baths.
• Never remove the piercing yourself.
For oral piercings, also pay attention to the following:
• Avoid kissing and oral sex during the healing process.
• Regularly brush your teeth, preferably with a saltwater-based toothpaste, and use mouthwash based on a chlorhexidine solution if necessary.
For genital piercings, also pay attention to the following:
• Drink a glass of water about one hour before cleaning your genital piercing. This will help flush soap residues faster after washing. Soap in the urethra can cause a urinary tract infection.
• Always protect genital piercings during sexual contact with an extra strong condom (e.g., a condom for anal sex) or a dental dam. Preferably, avoid sexual contact during the healing process.
Note: The skin around your piercing may become red and swollen immediately after piercing. This is normal.
However, contact your doctor if:
• you are concerned about the healing process;
• you become ill or develop a fever within a few days after getting the piercing;
• physical symptoms such as itching and redness have not improved within 48 hours after getting the piercing;
• you suddenly experience new symptoms or the symptoms worsen 24 hours after getting the piercing;
• you want to remove the piercing during the healing process (e.g., due to discomfort or signs of rejection or migration).
During the healing process, follow these guidelines:
• Touch the piercing as little as possible.
• Do not apply any ointment or disinfectant such as Sterilon® or Betadine® to the wound (unless otherwise instructed by a doctor).
• Keep hairspray, gel, or other products away from an ear piercing.
• Avoid using plasters over the piercing (except temporarily during sports).
• Do not wear tight or dirty clothing over the piercing.
• Avoid (bubble) baths, swimming pools, saunas, and steam baths.
• Never remove the piercing yourself.
For oral piercings, also pay attention to the following:
• Avoid kissing and oral sex during the healing process.
• Regularly brush your teeth, preferably with a saltwater-based toothpaste, and use mouthwash based on a chlorhexidine solution if necessary.
For genital piercings, also pay attention to the following:
• Drink a glass of water about one hour before cleaning your genital piercing. This will help flush soap residues faster after washing. Soap in the urethra can cause a urinary tract infection.
• Always protect genital piercings during sexual contact with an extra strong condom (e.g., a condom for anal sex) or a dental dam. Preferably, avoid sexual contact during the healing process.
Note: The skin around your piercing may become red and swollen immediately after piercing. This is normal.
However, contact your doctor if:
• you are concerned about the healing process;
• you become ill or develop a fever within a few days after getting the piercing;
• physical symptoms such as itching and redness have not improved within 48 hours after getting the piercing;
• you suddenly experience new symptoms or the symptoms worsen 24 hours after getting the piercing;
• you want to remove the piercing during the healing process (e.g., due to discomfort or signs of rejection or migration).