Sunday, August 22, 2010

How to Heal New Piercings Quickly

Here's a trick that I learned with the experience of piercing the cartilage in my ear.  The first time I did this, I did it all wrong.  I followed the advice of the inexperienced piercer.  She gave me a barbel and a bottle of antiseptic.  She said the bar would be good because the rings get caught on everything.  Wrong, wrong, wrong.  The second time, I came up with my own treatment plan and went to an intelligent piercer.  She put in a captive bead ring, which never got caught on anything, ever.  The barbell I had on the previous one got caught on everything, got infected, left a big keloid for several months, never quite healed right, and eventually got ripped out.  It was better that way because that led me to get a new one that healed up beautifully and I've had it for years with no problems.

Awesome Tip of the Day:  If you do pierce cartilage, make sure your piercer is using a hollow needle that is one gauge thicker than the jewelry you intend to use.  This is so that there will be space for the skin to grow between the hole in the cartilage and the jewelry.  Also, this will help take some of the friction and pressure off of a new piercing while it's still a little swollen.

To get to the point, new piercings need air, cleanliness, and lubrication.  Most people only give them cleanliness and maybe air.  It is important that any new piercing be closed with some kind of ring or if that's not possible because of the type of piercing, a longer bar so that there is space to move or turn it for cleaning purposes.

If you are simply getting your ears pierced with a piercing gun, ignore what the piercer said about not taking it out until it's healed.  Buy a 20 gauge captive bead ring.  Sanitize it with rubbing alcohol and then lubricate it.  Remove the earring you were pierced with and replace it with the captive bead ring.  This gauge does not require any tools to put in and it is right about the size of what is already in your ear.

The reason you do this is that the earring you were pierced with was really only meant to be easy to use for the piercer, but not actually good for the healing process.  As mentioned above, the jewelry needs to provide space for cleaning and a flow of fresh air.  The short bar length and wide backing prevent both of these things.  The bar is also sharp on the end since it is used like a needle, which can be uncomfortable behind your ear, especially when you sleep.  A captive bead ring is easy to insert and able to be turned, which is very convenient for cleaning.

For cleanliness, the good piercers that I have known recommend plain liquid Dial soap.  Really, any plain liquid antibacterial soap is good.  Look for one with minimal dyes and perfumes.  Simply water and soap up the captive bead ring and rotate it through the piercing.  Rinse thoroughly with clean water and continue rotating until all the soap is gone and the ring is clean.  Do this step twice a day or as needed.

Lubrication is the thing that most people don't seem to think about but it's very important to speed up the healing process.  Take a dab of any kind of thin, clean, edible oil and rub it on your freshly cleaned ring, being sure to rotate it through so that the whole ring and the inside of the piercing are all sufficiently lubricated.  I used coconut oil, but my friend used olive oil for hers.  The reason for this is that a new piercing needs constant lubrication because new piercings are sticky.  Your body is trying to grow new skin cells in the area that was punctured with the added irritation of a metal device (which should only be surgical stainless steel).  When your skin gets stuck to the ring, it is painful to turn because you are essentially tearing at the area that is trying to heal.  This makes for a greater potential for scarring and just makes the healing process longer and painful.  A little oil solves that problem.

Just to mention, if your piercing is anywhere on your head, it is a good idea to keep your hair out of the way for awhile to prevent contamination and pulling.

I used this method for myself and recommended it to all my friends when they got new piercings.  They all reported positive results.  This is also a good method to encourage an already infected piercing to actually heal.  However, if it becomes very painful and inflamed, you will probably have to squeeze puss out of it.  Do not let it get to this point.  If it does, you may have to go to a doctor and you may have to take it out.

62 comments:

  1. kso I tried piercing my stomach and in the process the needle got stuck inside my skin and will not come out! what can I use to take it out?

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  2. Sounds like a doctor visit to me...

    ...And leave piercings to professional piercers that are clean and experienced. Please.

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  3. Wow thanks a bunch! I hot an industrial peircing about 5 months ago the bottom healed fine but I got a weird bump on my top cartilage opening ophthalmic coconut oil on it and its healing fine thanks a bunch!

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  4. i jus did three peircings in the same ear using a needle n my studs....it hurt but they sexy

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  5. I think I hve keloid in my piercing .. It's bumpy n hard around it .. N it hurts plus pus comes out .. Do u hve any idea wht I could use??

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    1. Make sure to clean the area very very well, rubbing alcohol will burn like a bitch and dry it out. A salt water solution used 4x/ day and coconut oil will help. Both act as disinfectants, the coconut oil is also antimicrobial. Do this for a few weeks, see if it helps.

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    2. Noooooooo.....never ever ever use peroxide or rubbing alcohol on a piercing!!! Do sea salt soaks 2-3 times a day and use 100% tea tree oil on the bumbs 3 times a week and theywill gradually go away.

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    3. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  6. So I got my helix done (I actually got two done on the same ear right next to each other) on the 16th of February (little over a week ago). I didn't have any complications at all! But now, one of the helix piercings somewhat "hurts". I think it hit a blood vessel because when I look at my ear, the area where you'd get a rook done, has a vessel kind of showing, and it's not like that on my other ear. It doesn't have too much pain, it just feels weird. What should I do about it? I don't really want to take it out unless I absolutely have to. Please help?! :) x

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    1. I would go straight back to the piercer and ask them to take a look at it and make some recommendations or point you to someone who can. Assuming they are a reputable professional, they probably have a lot of education and experience and you will unlikely be the first person who has come back with questions.

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  7. Thank you!! I love coconut oil!

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  8. thAnk u i was unsure about using coconut oil but now I know :)

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  9. Hello!

    So I got my cartilage pierced at Claire's, which I know now wasn't the best way to go but hey, no cartilage shattered. I got it done yesterday (8.23.2014) and it is very sore and it hurts quite a lot. I use the solution they gave me but everyone says to forget about it and make my own. But it hurts a lot when I clean/turn/touch it? Yes I know it's still new. But here it says I should replace the earring with a ring? Please help me!!

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    Replies
    1. If it was a small piercing, like a normal post, you may have a hard time finding a ring that thin. If it was a thicker piercing, you may have luck. Here is the issue...cartilage piercings require a hole to be punched if they are at all thick, not just have something rammed through. That space created by using a hollow needle allows for the skin to grow in between the cartilage and the jewelry. Not having that may interfere with healing. That said, you may just have to stick with what jewelry they gave you, especially if it is a normal post. Cartilage piercings are quite tender. I remember not knowing when I had one ripped out because having something simply bump it was about as painful.


      I would still clean it with either salt water or clean soap and definitely oil it. What they give you doesn't seem to be all that great. Oiling will help keep it lubricated. Expect it to be tender, especially because of how it was pierced. It will stay that way for a few weeks. Keep an eye out for redness, swelling and foul smell as that may indicate infection. Squeeze it if it puffs out to check for puss.


      Best of luck!

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  10. Hi there! I got the bottom part of my cartilage pierced, like right where it starts. And its so sore! Do you thing that if i take the earring out and put a ring in it, that it will close up to fast after i have taken the piercing out? I got in done yesterday....

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  11. i got an auricle piercing about 6 hours ago, and the lady that did it marked the spot where i wanted her to pierce with a sharpie.
    not only that, but she didn't even tell me what to do or how to clean or what to clean it with, instead she just headed towards the cash register.
    when i asked her about getting an infection and all, she just told me to go to a pharmacy and purchase a bottle of piercing cream.
    oh and she used a gun.

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  12. For the Cartilage Piercing Bump that forms, has anyone tried a product called Post-Pierce?

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    Replies
    1. Cartilage piercings don't automatically come with a bump. Give it a little squeeze and see if anything comes out. It might be fluid or infection. Anyway, I have neither heard of that product, nor have any idea what it would claim to do.

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  13. hi i'm Janine and i'm going to get a piercing at the top of my ear in 2 day's and i'm a lil scared because i'm not sure how much it's going to hurt and being only 16 i do not handle pain very well..how would you rate the pain and do you think its worth it?

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    1. It's really not that bad. Just make sure you go to a responsible piercer that uses a hollow needle and has sanitary tools.

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    2. ...and I love mine so I think it's worth it. I have had it for about ten years or so. I can rate the pain because everyone is different. Also, the steadiness of your piercer's hands can affect your situation.

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    3. hmmm..alright thanks i really can't wait i have wanted this piercing for years only problem is my boyfriend says it looks bad and slutty.. but that's his problem cause i'm getting it! lol :P

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    4. Wow. Well, when he is gone you will still have your piercing. I didn't know that wearing jewelry higher up on your ear is a secret sign that you are willing to have sex with everyone... *eyeroll*

      The joke, I suppose, is on everyone who thinks that when they don't get sex from you. What century is this?!

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    5. Take it from someone who's been there. This is an early subtle sign that your boyfriend is trting to control you. Its your body, not his. Do what you want because you need to show the men who wish to be at your side. That they can't control you. Your partner is a team mate not a captain. If he thinks other wise then he's got potential to be an abuser later on.

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  14. Well I hav sum nice to share I also had a cartilage done. After a week of piercing I just removed d ring and replaced with a garlic stem(inside of garlic, slashed till desired size ) and the healing was much more faster as some people r allergic to metals. Safe method unless u r allergic to garlic

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  15. How do I make sea salt water? I have had my ear lobes pierced for about 3 months now. I have been cleaning them with the Claire's Ear Solution. Yeah, I got them done at Claire's. Should I use sea salt water to clean them, and then lubricate the earrings with coconut oil? I have one original earring in my left ear, and sterling silver in my right. The sterling silver seems to be doing better then the original. Please Help me. AND please know what you are talking about! :)



    THANKS!

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  16. Sea salt water....1/4 sea salt and 8 oz of hot water (not boiling) but it needs to be warm enough to work .

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  17. 1/4 a tea spoon of salt?

    Thanks so much! :)

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  18. Hi I got my helix done several years ago and due to my job restrictions I couldn't wear it for a few years and I thought it had closed. I originally went to Claire's and they used a normal post earing. So I thought I'd try to get it repierced with a hollow needle but the girl said they won't pierce through any existing scar tissue and suggested I try massage with oil to break it down. Upon massaging I thought I could start hearing a poping sound like the oil was making it through the hole and sure enough I was able to get a stud through it! Yay, I didn't waste any money trying to get it redone! My question is, since I had trouble before with the hole being tight and often infected, is there anything I can do to improve the "quality "of my piercing as it is? I think using coconut oil sounds like a good idea...

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    Replies
    1. Honestly, if your old hole opened up a little, it should be well healed... occasionally lube/massage with vitamin E, sunflower oil, olive oil, sea salt water, etc as often as you like... remember, clean, breath, lubricate.

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  19. Hi, what is the diameter of that CBR in the pic?

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  20. Hi, what is the diameter of that CBR in the pic?

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  21. Can coconut oil be used in a navel piercing is it safe

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    1. It's important to use food grade oils, as some oils manufactured for cosmetic use are not what they claim. They tend to contain additives I'd rather not have to factor in when applying to open skin. That said, coconut oil should be fine. Just don't let that piercing dry and crust if you can avoid it. Keep it clean and lubricated. :)

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  22. No offense intended at all, but the stuff that may ooze out of an infected area is spelled "pus."

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  23. i got an helix peircing recently and it hurts so bad...i sometimes get a mean headache and its a little bit swollen
    what do i do

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    Replies
    1. If the swelling doesn't go down on its own, you may need to see a doctor about an infection. You can also show it to your piercer and ask if the amount of swelling is normal.

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  24. Hi. Is it normal for you piercings to be crusting while on the process of trying to heal the infection with saline solution and coconut oil? thanks

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    1. Yes, they always crust a little. Clean the crust off the jewelry while you clean your piercing. The goal of the oil is to lubricate the piercing and help prevent it from sticking. That said, if it appears to be excessive or becomes very painful, you may want to show it to a professional for advice and treatment.

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    2. Is it alright if it get a little itchy? hehe

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    3. Yes ...the itch is a good sign that is healing properly

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  25. I just got my earpierced a few days ago and the piercer didn't give me any supplies could I use coco butter instead of cocunut oil and if not what about Vegetable oil (cooking oil),and could I use witch-hazel to clean it

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  26. I just had my pierce a week ago then a week after I already feel the pain and hotness around my ear it's been 3 days now and I feel the same. Is it normal? what's your basic remedy to lessen the pain and bump around it. And also I bought a sea salt in a supermarket but it is an iodized sea salt can this be okay to use?

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  27. here's my ear piercing story.I am age 62. at 15 I had ear lobes gun pierced. we all had it done with "sleepers" in those days, ie small gold ring. I was told to use either tcp or dettol diluted, and turn rings once a day. Never had a problem. later in life I took earrings out and didn't wear any for about 20 years. One day I decided I wanted to wear them again so I bought a pair of the kind that are just on a long thin hook with no 'butterfly' at the back. I had to push and wiggle the ear wire gently but they both went straight through after all those years. I always fancied a second piercing above the first, so about 5 weeks ago my hairdresser did a gunpiercing with studs. I use diluted dettol as before. They dont seem to be healing much.. a bit sore when I turn the studs. I totally believe that studs are NOT good for healing. They prevent enough air from getting around that area and are much more fiddly to clean. my piercings get a tiny bit crusty and at night my ear lobes get squashed which I think is irritating them. I guess at my age healing is slower. I am going to buy some gold sleepers and pluck up the courage to immediately swap them for the studs. I am a bit squeamish but not bothered about pain. I am wondering ifthis would be the best plan......

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  28. Hi,
    What about Rose Hip Oil ( ordinary here in Brazil) instead of coconut or Olive?
    I AM having a lot of problems with my Helix. Now I AM using antibiotics and it's ok.I AM thinking about the lubrification when the medicine is over.
    Nice post.

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    Replies
    1. I'm unfamiliar with the use of rosehip oil. However, I do remember olive oil being really easy to come by in Brazil for cooking.

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  29. Sure, it is.
    Thanks for your attention.

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  30. I have a lump at the back of my ear piercing,can I use coconut oil in treating it.

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    1. I don't expect that any oil would make that go away. If it is a puss filled bump that you can squeeze out, then maybe cleaning it and disinfecting it would help it heal. If it's a hard lump of scar tissue, I don't know of anything that fixes that except maybe time.

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    2. If you have a bump, rub Tea Tree Oil on that bump 1- 2 times a day. It will remove it eventually.

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    3. If you have a bump, rub Tea Tree Oil on that bump 1- 2 times a day. It will remove it eventually.

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  31. Hi there ! I got my tragus done 2 weeks ago ...now i see a soft spot next to the peirce and it hurts a bit . I cleaned it well and took really good care of it...what should i do

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  32. The best advice will come from your piercer. I suggest you visit their shop and ask about it. They can look at it and tell you if it's normal or not. Chances are, if you have a problem, they have seen it many times and will have a solution for you. Good luck!

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  33. Also, Dr.bonners tea tree soap is great, a salt soak, and coconut oil , vit e, vit a and d bc the big thing in coconut oil that benefits healing is the vitamin e. Might I suggest the piercing bible written by Elayne Angel the worlds leading expert in all things pierced.

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  34. Hello??
    This is the second time I'm getting my nose pierced,I got this new one like 11 days ago, i have being using tumeric on it and coconut oil. It seems to be healing fine,but the nose ring seems a little stiff when I out it back in again .. then does coconut oil really help to heal septum nose piercing, I really don't want to go through what I went through the last time...

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    Replies
    1. u should not have taken it out AT ALL that is very dangerous and a highly cause of infection try cleaning it with salt solution *non iodized* and keep it mosturized and make sure not to touch it too much and yes u can use coconut oil to heal it but i recomment using the salt water technique because the coconut oil is just to keep it mosturized and help it heal a lil faster :D sorry for a very late response

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  35. Hello??
    This is the second time I'm getting my nose pierced,I got this new one like 11 days ago, i have being using tumeric on it and coconut oil. It seems to be healing fine,but the nose ring seems a little stiff when I out it back in again .. then does coconut oil really help to heal septum nose piercing, I really don't want to go through what I went through the last time...

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  36. Yes...the itch is a good sign that is healing properly

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  37. I am a content writer who writes about clothing and body jewelry and I had my ear piercing with stretched ear lobes
    done about two weeks ago...now I have a soft spot next to the piercing that hurts a little. I cleaned it thoroughly and took excellent care of it.

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  38. Awesome blog! I loved the tips you have given in this article. Here are some tips baby girl necklace /. Thank you for this lovely post!

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