Only use a sterile solution or a salt water soak to clean your new piercing. If you over-clean your piercing or use harsh products, your piercing will become irritated and take longer to heal. [2] X Research source
In addition to saliva, any rough play, rubbing, or touching should be avoided as well.
Wash and change your sheets once a week as well. Sleeping in a fitted sports bra or tank top will also keep you from snagging your piercing on your sheets or comforter.
Pay attention to the amount of discharge and crust that you have. This will help you gauge what is normal for you.
Pay attention to your body, if you feel like something is not right, look into it. If you notice a bad odor, an increase in discharge, or your discharge changes color, you may have an infection as well.
Reach out at the first sign of infection. The longer you wait the worse it will get. You may be advised to remove your piercing, take antibiotics, or have some type of surgical intervention. Most infections can be treated with antibiotics. [5] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
If you do not wash your hands first, germs and bacteria from your hands can infect your piercing. You can hum the “Happy Birthday” song in your head twice instead of counting to 20.
Use fragrance-free, dye-free soap. Stay away from harsh soaps that may irritate the skin around your piercing. [8] X Research source Do not apply the soap directly to your piercing and don’t let the soap sit for more than 30 seconds. Do not use soap more than twice a day.
Let your piercing soak for approximately 5-10 minutes or longer. Heat the water in the microwave before you soak your nipple. Do not burn your skin, but the warmer the water the better. Discard the solution from the glass once you are through. Soak your piercing twice a day or more often if it is not healing well. You can make a gallon of the solution and keep it in your refrigerator. Then just heat up the amount you need for each soak. If you are preparing a large batch, mix 4 teaspoons of salt with 1 gallon of distilled water. After 4 weeks, clean your piercing once every 2 or 3 days.
The two most popular brands of sterile saline solution are H2Ocean and SteriWash. Do not spray the solution on a cotton ball or swab before applying. You need to apply the solution directly to your skin.
These cleaners and ointments will hurt the healing process and keep your piercing from getting oxygen. Also avoid getting any of your personal care products (e. g. lotion, shampoo, conditioner) on your piercing. If you are cleaning your piercing in the shower, clean it after you have washed your hair and used your other products.
Do not submerge your piercing in a lake, pool, or hot tub. It is best to not go swimming until your piercing is fully healed. If you do go swimming, wear a waterproof bandage and clean your piercing as soon as you are finished.
