The best piercing aftercare tips depend on which part of the body has been pierced and how extensive the piercing procedure was. Generally, piercing aftercare is managed by the individual who underwent the procedure, however, piercing aftercare is sometimes overseen by a physician, especially if complications are anticipated. Simple procedures, such as ear piercings, generally have fewer complications than more extensive piercings, such as oral piercing, nose piercing, and tongue piercing.
Piercing aftercare involves keeping the area meticulously clean. Typically, the piercing parlor will give clients a bottle of disinfectant for them to apply a few times a day. Cleaning the piercing area discourages infection and hastens the healing process. It is important to note that anyone who is considering a piercing should only consider getting one from a reputable piercing establishment or even a doctor's office.
Although not considered major surgical procedures, complications from piercings can arise. One of the most common complications of piercings is infection. If Scrupulous piercing aftercare reduces the chance of infection, but even with proper piercing aftercare, infection can occur. Signs and symptoms of a piercing infection include redness, pain, and swelling at the piercing site. If the infection becomes systemic, fever, chills, and nausea may occur.
Typically, treatment for a piercing infection includes using topical or oral antibiotics, cleaning the area with an antibacterial cleanser, and monitoring the site for drainage and bleeding. In addition, piercing aftercare for a nose piercing includes keeping the inside and outside of the nose clean. Keeping the inside of the nasal cavity clean is especially important when the person has a cold or other viral infection. Nasal bacteria can quickly multiply, making a freshly pierced nose a breeding ground for germs and infection.
People considering getting a piercing should consult their physician prior to the procedure. This is most important if the person is taking medications, such as blood thinners, or has a pre-existing condition, such as diabetes. Patients taking blood thinners are prone to abnormal or excessive bleeding and piercing aftercare for them must include monitoring for bleeding. In addition, diabetics may be prone to slow healing and infection, so any signs of infection should be reported to the physician.
If a person gets a post-piercing infection despite keeping the site clean and following aftercare instructions, he may need to remove the hardware and let the piercing hole heal, or even close. Some people cannot tolerate piercings and have unfavorable outcomes despite excellent aftercare. For most, however, getting a piercing is a minor procedure that rarely causes complications or adverse reactions.