The good news is that dry patches and crusting around a piercing are completely normal.
They’re even a positive sign that the site is healing normally.
Dry, crusty patches should becleanedregularly until fully healeda process that can last anywhere from two to five weeks.
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But some cases may require a bit more attention.
Read on for their expert advice on when to bank your concerns and when to see a doctor.
Meet the Experts
What Is Dry Skin Around a Piercing?
What Is Crusting Around a Piercing?
“Our skin is 75% water.
As the skin heals, fluid is released and can dry on the piercing,” says Dr. Mian.
“Cleaning the piercing once a day can prevent crusting buildup.”
Typically these are light or near-colorless and should reduce as the piercing, and healing process, matures.
“It is best practice to use stainless steel, titanium, or hypoallergenic metal.”
In this case, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Saline solutions can also be used to disinfect the area.
“Piercing solutions available for purchase from your piercer or often given with your piercing, are saline solutions.
These are great to keep the new piercing clean.”
“You do want to avoid pressure on a new piercing.
If it is on the ear, avoid sleeping on that side.”
Are Specific Piercings Cleaned Differently?
The cleaning rules aren’t necessarily different for each body piercing.
Fororal piercings, the association says rinsing with a sea salt solution or alcohol-free mouthwash is optimal.
These practices should be carried out until the piercing completely heals.
“Cartilageheals slower than fatty tissue,” notes Dr. Mian.
“Do notchangea cartilage piercing for at least 12 weeks to avoid delays in healing.”
If your piercer provided additional aftercare instructions for your specific piercing, be sure to follow those dutifully.
When Is Crusting Around a Piercing Cause for Concern?
“New piercings can be painful when grazed, but the area should not be swollen or warm.
Seeing your piercer or a board-certified derm can be helpful.”
Dr. Evans echoes the advice noting that these could be signs of an infection or allergic reaction.
Are Piercing Bumps Normal?
If you notice a big, red bump at the piercing site, again, don’t immediately worry.
Buy thejewelryat your professional piercing studio or tattoo parlor.
Then, you will need to leave your CBR in for several weeks.
Be sure not to change the jewelry until it is completely healed.
Cleansing withsea salt soaksis very easy to do.
Just pick up some sea salt at your local health food or convenience store.
Soak the salt in warm water and gently apply the mixture to your piercing with a soft washcloth.
Avoid over-cleaning, which might delay healing and irritate your piercing.
Once the piercing is completely healed, you’ve got the option to change the jewelry.
In fact, they’re a sign that the body ishealingitself and on the road to recovery.
But, that doesn’t mean the area should be neglected.
Proper cleaning and aftercare should be practiced until the area is fully healed.
Some piercers advise rotating the jewelry to keep it from adhering to the skin during the healing process.
Association of Professional Piercers.Body piercing troubleshooting for you and your healthcare professional.
Association of Professional Piercers.Suggested aftercare for body piercings.
