Care for Your Body Piercings

Vikas Malani, co-founder of the popular tattoo parlour and piercing studio, Body Canvas, provides expert advice on how to care for body piercings

Dos

* You may feel stinging, burning, aching or other unpleasant sensations off and on for several days or longer. Bleeding, bruising, discolouration and/or swelling are not indications of complications. A multivitamin supplement with zinc and vitamin C may help boost your body’s healing abilities.

* Mild sea salt water soaks at least once a day will accelerate healing and reduce irritation. Dissolve a pinch (1/4 teaspoon) of sea salt in one cup (8 oz.) of warm or hot water in a clean cup. Follow with a clear water rinse or splash then pat dry.

* Leave the piercing alone except for when you are cleaning it. Leave the starter jewellery in during the entire minimum initial healing time.

* If the piercing discharges a thick pus instead of the normal liquid secretion, see a physician for evaluation and possible antibiotic treatment.

Don’ts

* Never, never touch healing piercings with dirty hands; wash hands thoroughly with liquid antibacterial soap and hot water. Body piercings need to be cleaned once or twice daily, every day, for the entire initial healing time.

* Avoid undue stress (exercise is fine, just listen to your body), recreational drugs, and alcohol consumption. Get enough sleep, eat a nutritious diet and wear clean, breathable fabric clothing in the area of your body piercing. The healthier your lifestyle, the easier it will be for your piercing to heal. 

* Don’t apply any ointments such as Neosporin or any triple antibiotic ointment on your piercing. These prevent oxygen from reaching the wound and form a sticky residue which can cause complications.

* Avoid oral contact, rough play, and contact with others’ bodily fluids on or near your piercing during healing. Avoid submerging your piercings in water such as pools, jacuzzis, etc.

 

Volume 3 Issue 4