Getting a new piercing is exciting — but how you care for it in the weeks after is what determines whether it heals beautifully or becomes a problem. Here’s the complete piercing aftercare guide, covering all the key rules and the most common mistakes to avoid.
The Golden Rules of Piercing Aftercare
- Saline solution only — sterile 0.9% saline wound wash is the only recommended cleaning solution. No tea tree, no Dettol, no alcohol — all are too harsh and damage healing tissue
- Clean twice a day — morning and evening, spray saline directly onto the piercing and let it air dry
- Don’t rotate the jewellery — this is an outdated practice that causes damage. Leave it alone
- Don’t touch it with unwashed hands — ever
- Don’t over-clean — more than twice a day disrupts the natural healing process
Healing Times by Piercing Type
- Earlobe — 6–8 weeks
- Helix / cartilage — 6–12 months
- Tragus / daith / rook — 6–12 months
- Nose (nostril) — 4–6 months
- Septum — 6–8 weeks
- Belly button (navel) — 6–12 months
- Nipple — 9–12 months
- Tongue — 4–8 weeks
Signs of Normal Healing vs Infection
Normal healing includes: redness and swelling in the first few days, a small amount of clear or white-yellow discharge (lymph fluid), mild tenderness when touched.
Signs of infection: spreading redness, hot to the touch, green or foul-smelling discharge, increasing pain after the first week, fever. If you suspect infection, see a doctor — don’t remove the jewellery as this can trap the infection inside.
What to Avoid During Healing
- Swimming in pools, the sea, or hot tubs (especially in the first 4 weeks)
- Submerging in baths — showers are fine
- Sleeping directly on cartilage piercings — use a travel pillow with a hole in the centre
- Changing the jewellery too early — wait until fully healed
- Hair products, makeup, and perfume on or near the piercing
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use antiseptic on my piercing?
No — antiseptics like Dettol, TCP, or rubbing alcohol are too strong and damage healing cells. Use sterile saline only.
My piercing is crusting — is that normal?
Yes — crusties are dried lymph fluid and are a normal part of healing. Soften with saline spray and let them fall away naturally. Don’t pick them off.
When can I change my jewellery?
Only when fully healed — refer to the healing times above. When in doubt, go back to your piercer and ask them to assess it first.