Vivian Marlowe
Getting a piercing is exciting, but it's important to remember that you're essentially creating an open wound that needs to be cared for meticulously to ensure it heals properly and doesn't get infected. While you might be tempted to reach for rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to keep your new piercing clean, these substances can actually interfere with the healing process. So, what's the best way to care for a new piercing and prevent infection?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Effect on white blood cells | Alcohol and peroxide kill white blood cells, which are needed for healing |
| Effect on skin | Alcohol dries out the skin and irritates the tissue around the piercing |
| Effect on healthy cells | Alcohol and peroxide dry and kill new healthy cells |
| Effect on bacteria | Alcohol kills bacteria |
| Recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) | The AAD advises against using alcohol |
| Recommended cleaning solution | Simple saline solution, without additives, alcohol, or antibacterial ointments |
| Alternative cleaning solution | Saltwater soak |
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What You'll Learn
- Alcohol is too harsh for new piercings, drying out the skin and irritating the tissue
- Hydrogen peroxide kills white blood cells needed for healing
- Salt soaks are recommended for cleaning piercings
- Sterile saline solution is ideal for cleaning infected piercings
- Antibiotic ointments can be used to encourage healing
Alcohol is too harsh for new piercings, drying out the skin and irritating the tissue
While it may be tempting to reach for rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean a new piercing, these substances are too harsh and will irritate the skin. Alcohol is well known to kill bacteria, but it also dries out the skin and irritates the tissue around the piercing. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advises against using alcohol, as it can slow healing and increase discomfort.
Instead, opt for a simple saline solution to clean the area. This can be purchased from a drugstore or your piercer, or you can make your own by boiling water and adding salt. Soak a cotton ball or swab in the solution and gently press it against the front and back of the infected area.
It is also important to always wash your hands thoroughly before touching or cleaning your piercing and to avoid touching it whenever possible, even when cleaning, to prevent exposing the fresh piercing to germs.
If the piercing is in your earlobe and the infection is mild, you can also try a warm compress and apply an antibiotic ointment to encourage healing. However, if the infection is weeping or emitting a discharge, avoid using ointments. If the infection does not clear up in a few days, be sure to seek medical advice.
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Hydrogen peroxide kills white blood cells needed for healing
When it comes to treating an infected piercing, it is important to note that both alcohol and hydrogen peroxide should be avoided. While hydrogen peroxide is known for its antiseptic properties and is commonly used to treat minor cuts and scrapes, it can also kill white blood cells, which are essential for the healing process.
White blood cells, also known as leukocytes, play a crucial role in our body's immune response. When we experience a piercing infection, these white blood cells rush to the site of injury to fight off any foreign invaders and help facilitate the healing process. However, the application of hydrogen peroxide to an infected piercing can hinder this process.
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a compound composed of two hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms. When it comes into contact with blood, it begins to break down, releasing oxygen and causing that distinctive fizzing sensation. This reaction is due to the enzyme catalase, which is present in blood and most living cells, including white blood cells.
When hydrogen peroxide interacts with catalase, it undergoes a process called oxidation. The highly reactive oxygen atoms in hydrogen peroxide steal electrons from the bacteria cells, damaging or breaking apart their cell walls. Unfortunately, this oxidation process doesn't just target bacteria; it also destroys nearby healthy cells, including white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting infection and promoting healing.
Instead of using hydrogen peroxide, it is recommended to clean infected piercings with a saline solution or a mild antimicrobial soap. This will help keep the area sterile while preserving the white blood cells necessary for healing. Additionally, applying an antibiotic ointment can encourage healing and prevent further infection.
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Salt soaks are recommended for cleaning piercings
To prepare a salt soak, you will need warm water, sea salt, a container to mix them in, and some clean paper towels. First, make sure to wash your hands, your workspace, and the container that will be holding the water and salt mixture, so that everything that may come into contact with your piercing is as clean as possible. Next, mix approximately one cup (8oz) of water with 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt. If you need more, you can double this. You can either start with pre-warmed water or put this mix into the microwave.
If the container is large enough and the body part allows, you can dip your whole piercing into the mixture, making sure it's entirely submerged. If not, then saturate a paper towel with the mixture and gently lay it over the entire piercing. If using paper towels, do not rub or scrub at the piercing. Simply press and hold for a few minutes, with a maximum recommended time of 5 minutes.
After soaking, you may gently rinse the piercing if you wish to remove some of the salt residue. Then, simply let it air dry. This process helps to wash away any dirt or debris that could irritate or lead to infection, while the warm saltwater can also be soothing and provide relief to a new, tender piercing.
It is important to note that the ocean is not a proper saltwater bath because it contains a lot of bacteria. Therefore, it is recommended to use sterile saltwater solutions for cleaning piercings.
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Sterile saline solution is ideal for cleaning infected piercings
It is important to remember that a piercing is an open wound that won't be protected from the outside world by a bandage. Therefore, it is crucial to take precautions against infection. Sterile saline solution is ideal for cleaning infected piercings and promoting healthy cells, tissues, and skin. It is a mixture of salt and water that can be used to rinse sinuses, clean wounds, and flush eyes.
Sterile saline wound wash is a liquid first aid product that acts as a sterile cleansing solution for inflamed or diseased skin. It is designed to be the first step in disinfecting vulnerable lesions. The solution cleans the wound, piercing debris, dirt, and foreign material. It is also beneficial for those with new piercings or sensitive skin. Sterile saline wound wash is clinically proven to remove bacteria and debris painlessly. It aids in preventing the spread of viruses, germs, bacteria, and other pathogens.
The fast-absorbing saline flush, combined with a unique formula of natural ingredients and anti-inflammatory solutions, eliminates pain and warms the skin for smoother healing. It provides deep cleansing, gently exfoliating dead skin cells to stimulate new cell growth, leaving piercings feeling nourished. Sterile saline wound wash helps the wound recover without complications and infections. It is also gentle, soothing, and effective, and you won't need to use a separate wash for wounds or a scrub brush.
Experts recommend using sterile saline that you buy from the store, rather than homemade saline, for cleaning your piercings. Homemade saline may be too salty for delicate piercing sites, leading to dryness and delayed healing. When buying saline solution for piercings, make sure that sodium chloride and purified water are the only ingredients listed.
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Antibiotic ointments can be used to encourage healing
It is important to note that piercings are essentially open wounds, and until the wound is completely healed, precautions must be taken to avoid infection. Piercings are prone to infection because the wound is exposed to the outside environment and contains a foreign object that can serve as a conduit for bacteria.
While cleaning an infected piercing, it is recommended to avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. This is because these substances can interfere with the healing process by drying out the infected area and killing white blood cells that are necessary for healing.
Some people are hesitant to use antibiotic ointments for infected piercings because they believe it may prevent the wound from "breathing" by blocking airflow. Additionally, the overuse of antibiotics is a general concern. However, in some cases, antibiotic ointments can be effective in treating piercing infections.
For example, one person with an infected industrial piercing tried various methods, including saline soaks, ibuprofen, tea tree oil, and leaving it alone, but the infection kept returning. After incorporating an antibiotic ointment into their daily routine, they noticed a significant improvement, with the bleeding and dry pus clusters stopping and the bumps disappearing.
In conclusion, while it is important to consult a doctor and be mindful of the potential concerns, antibiotic ointments can be a useful tool in encouraging the healing of infected piercings when used appropriately.
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Frequently asked questions
A simple saline solution is the best way to clean an infected piercing. Soak a cotton ball in the solution and apply it to the infected area.
Alcohol is too harsh for new piercings. It kills bacteria, but it also dries out your skin and irritates the tissue around the piercing. It can slow healing and increase discomfort.
Hydrogen peroxide kills bacteria, but it also kills the white blood cells attempting to heal your piercing. It can cause irritation and lengthen overall healing time.
