A fresh piercing is a small open wound and, as such, it needs specific care to heal properly. At Motink we explain how to look after every piercing we do, but here is the complete guide so you don’t miss a thing.
How to clean a new piercing
- Wash your hands: before touching the piercing, every time. It is the number one cause of infections.
- Clean with sterile saline: twice a day (morning and night), using sterile gauze or a saline spray.
- Dry gently: with disposable paper or gauze, dabbing lightly. Towels collect bacteria.
- Don’t twist the jewellery: this is no longer recommended: moving it drags dirt inside and reopens the wound.
- Let crusts fall off on their own: soften them with saline and remove them without forcing.
What to avoid while it heals
- Swimming pools, the sea, hot tubs and spas during the first weeks.
- Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or ointments on the wound: they dry it out and irritate it.
- Sleeping on the piercing or snagging it on clothes, hair or your phone.
- Changing the jewellery too early, even if it looks healed.
- Make-up, creams or hairspray near the piercing.
How long does a piercing take to heal?
It depends on the area: an earlobe usually takes 6 to 8 weeks; cartilage (helix, tragus, conch) 6 to 12 months; the nose 2 to 4 months; the navel can take 9-12 months. Even if it looks healed on the outside, it may still be healing inside.
Warning signs
Some redness, swelling or clear discharge in the first few days is normal. If you notice increasing pain, heat, thick green or yellow pus, a bad smell or fever, see a doctor and message us so we can check it.
Questions about your piercing? Drop by the studio or message us and we’ll check it for free.
