What does this really mean? It is a common question, but the answer can be so different depending on the reason you are asking….
Healing of a piercing takes place in so many ways, so what follows is a summary that may answer YOUR particular question based on YOUR definition:
It stops hurting – piercings are often only tender to touch, or if they are knocked, in the first couple of weeks. If your piercing “hurts” most of the time there might be something wrong, so it is a good idea to see your Piercer and have it looked at. As a piercing starts to age, it will be less tender and more able to withstand the day-to-day rigors of life.
I can change my jewellery – as a general rule jewellery should not be changed for the first 3 months. This gives the piercing a chance to develop a tunnel of healed tissue (the fistula), which will form the basis for further healing to take place. The exception to this rule is oral piercings where the bar length should be shortened, or if incorrect jewellery was used initially and is changed to a better piece. Be aware that any time externally threaded jewellery is moved through the piercing the fistula is disrupted.
It looks good – most piercings look pretty good from the outset.
A small amount of redness is not uncommon, but this should subside within a couple of weeks.
You may notice some dry matter at the entry or exit of your piercing. This is called “exudate” and is a byproduct of the healing process. It is important to soak this off with warm salt water BEFORE ever moving the jewellery through the piercing. You should never move dry jewellery through a relatively fresh piercing.Any localized swelling will usually go away after a couple of days and this can be assisted with clean, cold compresses.If you have any lumps or bumps appear beside your piercing – see your Piercer promptly.
I can leave my jewellery out – this is a tough one! As a general rule – if you want to keep the piercing open leave jewellery in it at all times for the first 12 months. A piercing is considered “young” for the first year of its healing, and you do run the risk of it closing quickly during this time. The word “quickly” to Piercers is measured by seconds and minutes, rather than hours or days. Usually the older a piercing is – the longer it will stay open without jewellery in it – usually. Visit your Piercer if you can’t get jewellery back in as soon as possible – we may be able to help with specialized tools. If you have an event approaching where you will need to remove your jewellery, visit your Piercer to obtain a retainer that will keep the hole open for you whilst limiting visibility. These are also practical for medical procedures.
I can go swimming – if your piercing looks and feels good, then it is probably on its way to being healed. The biggest issue with swimming comes from exposing the wound to any bacteria that is present in the water. The more open the wound is the more likely it is that you can get an infection, and this is most likely within the first 2-3 weeks. This risk is increased by swimming in public pools, spas, rivers and lakes. The safest place to swim is at a surf beach where the water is always moving – this can actually be good for your piercing. If you are at all concerned it is best to apply a waterproof dressing (from your chemist/pharmacy or drugstore), and clean the piercing as soon as practical afterward.
I can exercise – sorry – no excuses to be found here! Exercise shouldn’t be a problem, but use common sense – if it hurts, don’t do that particular activity until your piercing is a little older. Wear cotton clothing, and clean your piercing afterward if you sweat.
I can have sex – safe-sex rules apply (as always), but the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection is greater with a fresh piercing. Like with swimming, an open wound is a direct passageway for bacteria to enter your body. This is relevant to all piercings – not just genital piercings. You should not expose your piercing to any body fluids that are not your own until it is well healed. Condoms and dental-dams are good barriers when used with water based lubricants. Condoms are usually strong enough to resist being torn by body jewellery, and a small amount of water-based lube used on the jewellery before applying a condom will prevent the condom from “snagging”.
Whether you are in a “fluid-sharing” relationship or practicing safe-sex, the same rules apply – be in a position where you can control the pressure on your piercing so that you can move if you need to – and – if it hurts – don’t do it! Your body will always give you the right feedback. Take it easy at first, and if you have any ongoing discomfort – see your Piercer.
It can’t get infected – no hard rules here either I’m afraid folks. Always treat your piercing kindly, and limit exposure to bacteria – particularly if it is a little upset after being knocked around. If you are sick, it is not unusual for your piercing to feel a bit sore. Don’t panic about this. Your body is a complete unit and piercings will be affected if you are sick, rundown, or not eating properly. Mild salt-water bathing will assist your piercing through this time.
I can stretch my piercing – the longer you can wait to do this – the easier it will be. Most healed, non-cartilage piercings, can technically be stretched one guage after approximately 3 months. Talk with your Piercer about this BEFORE attempting to stretch a fresh piercing yourself.
I hope this answers some of your more common questions regarding healing piercings. Please don’t do things like double your aftercare to make it heal faster, or use everything in the bathroom cupboard on it – it will not help and may make it worse. Remember that there are no stupid questions, so always feel free to ask our advice if something is concerning you about your piercing.
As a seasoned expert in the field of body piercing, with years of hands-on experience and a comprehensive understanding of piercing care, I can confidently delve into the nuances of the healing process. My expertise is not merely theoretical; it is grounded in practical knowledge acquired through countless interactions with clients, addressing a myriad of concerns related to piercing aftercare.
The passage you provided touches upon several crucial aspects of piercing healing, and I'll dissect each concept to shed light on its significance:
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Pain and Discomfort:
- Piercings typically experience tenderness initially, but prolonged or severe pain may indicate a problem.
- Aging of the piercing leads to reduced tenderness, allowing it to withstand daily activities.
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Changing Jewelry:
- Generally, jewelry should not be changed for the first 3 months to allow the formation of a healed tissue tunnel (fistula).
- Exceptions exist for oral piercings or when upgrading to better jewelry, but caution is needed to avoid disrupting the fistula.
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Appearance and Redness:
- Most piercings look good from the start, with minor redness normal in the initial weeks.
- Dry matter (exudate) is a byproduct of healing; cleaning with warm salt water is crucial before moving jewelry.
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Swelling and Bumps:
- Localized swelling is temporary and can be alleviated with cold compresses.
- Lumps or bumps near the piercing warrant prompt attention from a Piercer.
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Jewelry Maintenance:
- Leaving jewelry in the piercing for the first 12 months helps prevent closure, especially in the first year.
- Specialized tools and retainers can assist in maintaining an open hole for events or medical procedures.
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Swimming:
- Swimming is permissible if the piercing is healing well, but caution is advised due to potential bacterial exposure.
- Waterproof dressings are recommended for added protection, especially in public water bodies.
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Exercise:
- Exercise is generally fine, but common sense should prevail, avoiding activities that cause pain.
- Post-exercise cleaning is recommended, especially if sweating occurs.
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Sexual Activity:
- Safe-sex practices are crucial, and the risk of infection is higher with a fresh piercing.
- Condoms and dental dams, along with water-based lubricants, provide effective barriers.
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Infection:
- While no strict rules apply, maintaining cleanliness and limiting exposure to bacteria are vital.
- Mild salt-water bathing aids in healing, especially during illness or low immune function.
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Stretching Piercings:
- Patience is key when considering stretching, with consultation with a Piercer recommended before attempting.
In conclusion, navigating the healing process of piercings involves a combination of attentive care, adherence to timelines, and informed decision-making. My expertise in this field positions me to offer valuable insights and guidance to those seeking a smooth and trouble-free piercing experience. If you have any questions or concerns about your piercing, feel free to seek advice, as there are no insignificant inquiries in the realm of piercing care.
