Healing it right
Follow these steps unless your artist or piercer tells you otherwise.
- Leave the wrap on
Keep the bandage on for as long as your artist says: a few hours for plastic wrap, or 3 to 5 days for a clear adhesive film.
- Wash gently
Wash with clean hands, lukewarm water, and fragrance-free soap 2 to 3 times a day. Pat dry with a clean paper towel.
- Moisturize lightly
Apply a thin layer of fragrance-free lotion after washing. Too much can trap moisture and slow healing.
- Let it peel
Flaking and itching are normal. Don't pick, scratch, or peel it.
- No soaking
Skip baths, pools, hot tubs, lakes, and the ocean for 2 to 3 weeks. Short showers are fine.
- Keep it out of the sun
Cover up while it heals. Once it's fully healed, use sunscreen to keep it bright.
- Spray with saline
Clean twice a day with sterile saline wound wash. Let it soak a few seconds, then gently dry with gauze.
- Hands off
Don't twist or turn the jewelry. Only touch it with freshly washed hands.
- Sleep smart
Avoid sleeping on a new ear piercing. A travel pillow helps.
- No soaking
Keep it out of pools, hot tubs, and lakes for at least 4 to 6 weeks.
- Come back to downsize
Starter jewelry is longer to allow for swelling. Come in after 4 to 8 weeks to have it swapped for a better fit.
- Oral piercings
Rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash after eating. Stick to cold, soft foods for the first few days.