Expert explains how to take care of piercing to ensure good healing
Piercing is a modern accessory that tends to please many people. Perfect for changing the look and bringing personality, it can be used on different parts of the body. However, even though it seems like a simple item to maintain, it also requires special care.
When not treated correctly or applied incorrectly, jewelry can cause damage to the piercing. To avoid this problem, body piercer Rita de Cássia Moura, owner of a studio with the same name, explains how you can take care of your piercing to enjoy it without worry. Look!
1. Look for a qualified professional
If you’ve never had a piercing, but you feel like putting the jewelry in some body part, the first step is to choose the professional. For this, the main question that must be asked is whether the person who will apply the jewel is qualified as a body piercer. It is also necessary to investigate whether the location is safe and hygiene guidelines are followed, as measures such as these avoid incorrect applications and even possible infections.
2. Research the jewelry
In addition to checking the application site, researching the material of the jewelry is also important, as each professional has a different material that can interfere with the healing process. “Many cases of complications are also due to the use of dubious jewelry; the main materials indicated are surgical steel, titanium and niobium, as these are materials biocompatible with the body. In addition, they reduce the risk of allergic reactions,” says body piercer Rita de Cássia Moura.
3. Consider the healing period
According to the professional, knowing the time required for complete healing of the perforation is essential, as some factors may interfere with the process. “Depending on the region [perfurada, o piercing leva] up to 8 months [para cicatrizar]. I need to remember that factors such as hygiene, food, hydration and lifestyle directly impact the healing of your piercing. The complete process for some piercings can take up to a year. Therefore, it is important that you know the healing time before performing your procedure”, explains the professional.
4. Sanitize correctly
After applying the jewelry, it is always recommended to keep the pierced area clean. For this, Rita de Cássia Moura recommends the use of products such as neutral soap and saline solution, in addition to warm compresses to help with swelling.
“The ideal is to clean the piercing at least twice a day, remove excess secretion, which is supernormal after piercing, and use the products as directed by the professional, in addition to following all the recommendations indicated”, reports the specialist. , which also highlights some of the consequences of poor hygiene:
“Incorrect hygiene can lead to exaggerated inflammation, which causes pain and discomfort; in these cases, going to the doctor is fundamental for the indication of a antibiotic. In addition, keloids are also common for those who do not properly take care of the post-application piercing”, he warns.
5. Keep a balanced diet
Another very important point that people tend to forget is food. Despite what many think, the substances that are ingested also influence the body’s natural healing. Therefore, in the first few days, Rita de Cássia Moura recommends avoiding items such as:
- Fatty and embedded foods;
- Pork;
- Seafood (before and after application);
- Alcohol;
- Coffee;
- Refrigerator.
“If they can, I advise my clients to follow the diet 7 days before and 7 days after the piercing. The ideal is to follow a balanced dietrich in greens, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, in addition to following daily hydration”, says the professional.
6. Avoid sun exposure
It is usually recommended to stay out of the sun for at least two months after piercing. In the first few months, the skin in the pierced region will still be sensitive, which can cause blemishes and inflammation. Therefore, use caps and hats on beaches and pools to create shade, but avoid those that cause friction on the skin.
7. Avoid touching the pierced region
When putting on a piercing, it is common for people to want to touch the jewelry. However, breaking this habit is necessary for anyone who wants to heal the piercing, as bacteria from the hands can come into contact with the hole and cause infections. Another key tip is to be careful at bedtime, when drying off and removing clothes, as most inflammations are caused by accidental friction.
“In the navel [por exemplo], friction with clothes is inevitable and, when clients come to me reporting discomfort, I advise them to make a gauze barrier between the perforation and the clothes. But, as a rule, it is not recommended to muffle the newly pierced site until it heals”, says the body piercer.
8. Consult an expert
Even taking care of the piercing daily, it is always recommended to pay attention to small bleeds, bruises and swelling; they are normal for the first few days, but after a while they can be a sign of irritation. “[Caso o piercing inflame,] seek guidance from the professional with whom you drilled the hole and, if necessary, consult a doctor”, concludes Rita de Cássia Moura.
Source: Maxima
I am an experienced author and journalist with a passion for lifestyle journalism. I currently work for Buna Times, one of the leading news websites in the world. I specialize in writing stories about health, wellness, fashion, beauty, interior design, and more. My articles have been featured on major publications such as The Guardian and The Huffington Post.