If you choose links we provide, we may receive compensation.

@studs/ Instagram

Congrats on your new piercing!

And like the aftermath of any skin trauma, aftercare is extremely important.

close up of woman’s ear with many piercings

@studs/ Instagram

to help heal any basic piercing.Read ahead for their reliable guidelines.

Whichever you choose, you will first want to wash your hands thoroughly.

So it’s crucial to never touch your piercing or jewelry with dirty hands.

“Wet a gauze pad with saline solution and hold it on the piercing site for 10-15 minutes.

“This helps to seal the healing wound and prevents it from drying out.”

If you have a scab, do not pick at it.

In other words, it’s best to just clean the piercing and jewelry thoroughly without actually moving it.

Rinse the piercing and jewelry several times with warm water, ensuring that all soap has been removed.

Dry your piercing with a clean paper towel.

If you run out of piercing cleaner, it’s a great option.

It also works well for infected or irritated piercings that need a little extra attention.

Use non-iodized fine-grain sea salt.

If a salt has additives, that may cause your piercing irritation.

“If you have any concerns regarding the healing of your piercing, verify to contact your physician immediately.

The earlier you treat, the better you will heal,” adds Dr. Nazarian.

What Products to Avoid

New piercings and sometimes irritated piercings might benefit from a sea salt soak.

This simple remedy is meant to soothe pain and draw out infection.

For instance, try not to keep the area covered for too long a period.

If you opt for soap and water, reach for a mild, fragrance-free formula.

If you’ve run out of piercing cleaner and need another option, try a salt water soak.

Dissolve salt in warm water and soak the piercing in it for a few minutes.

2015;31(1):21-27. doi:10.1016/j.nut.2014.04.004

Cleveland Clinic.What is hydrogen peroxide good for?

Updated December 29, 2020.