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Piercing Aftercare: How to Heal Properly & Avoid Infection

Correct piercing aftercare is one of the most important parts of getting a new piercing — yet it’s also where most problems occur.

Whether you’ve just had a piercing or you’re researching before booking, understanding the piercing healing stages and how to care for your jewellery properly will help you heal faster and avoid infection.

Why Piercing Aftercare Matters

Even when piercings are carried out professionally and safely, your body still needs time to heal. Poor aftercare is the most common cause of:

  • Infection

  • Swelling that doesn’t settle

  • Irritation bumps

  • Prolonged healing

Following correct aftercare advice makes a huge difference to how your piercing looks and feels long-term.

How to Clean a New Piercing Properly

One of the most searched questions is how to clean a new piercing — and the answer is simpler than most people think.

Daily cleaning routine

You should clean your piercing:

  • Twice a day

  • Using a sterile saline solution

  • With clean hands only

Steps:

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly

  2. Apply saline solution to the piercing

  3. Gently clean around the jewellery

  4. Pat dry with clean tissue or let air dry

❌ Do not twist or rotate the jewellery❌ Avoid harsh products like alcohol or peroxide

Less is more when it comes to healing.

Piercing Healing Stages: What’s Normal

Understanding the piercing healing stages helps prevent unnecessary worry.

Stage 1: Initial Healing (Days 1–7)

  • Mild swelling

  • Redness

  • Tenderness

This is completely normal.

Stage 2: Settling Phase (Weeks 2–6)

  • Swelling reduces

  • Piercing feels more comfortable

  • Occasional crusting may occur

This is your body repairing the area.

Stage 3: Long-Term Healing (Months)

  • Tissue strengthens

  • Piercing becomes more stable

  • Sensitivity reduces

Cartilage piercings take longer to heal than lobes, so patience is key.

What to Avoid While Healing

To reduce irritation and infection:

  • Avoid touching your piercing unnecessarily

  • Don’t change jewellery too soon

  • Avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs or the sea

  • Be careful with hair, headphones and clothing

These small habits make a big difference to healing.

Signs of Infection vs Normal Healing

It’s common to confuse healing with infection.

Normal healing includes:

  • Slight redness

  • Clear or pale fluid

  • Mild tenderness

Possible infection signs:

  • Thick yellow or green discharge

  • Severe swelling

  • Heat and throbbing pain

  • Worsening redness

If you’re ever unsure, it’s always best to seek professional advice early.

When Can You Change Your Jewellery?

Changing jewellery too soon is one of the biggest causes of irritation.

As a general guide:

  • Earlobes: after 6–8 weeks

  • Cartilage: after several months

Always follow professional advice based on your specific piercing.

Safe Piercing Aftercare in Worthing

If you’ve had a piercing and need reassurance, advice or a check-up, it’s always better to ask than guess.

Professional guidance during healing can prevent small issues from becoming bigger problems.

Professional Piercings & Aftercare in Worthing, West Sussex

If you’re looking for safe piercings and aftercare in Worthing, every client is given clear, honest guidance to support proper healing.

📍 Worthing, West Sussex✨ Professional piercing appointments📩 Bookings and aftercare advice available

Healing well starts with the right aftercare.


 
 
 

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