SpokaneWA

How to Actually Take Care of Your Piercings

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  • First things first: As a preventative measure, ask your piercer to use a needle, not a “gun.” “The ‘gun’ forces the earring through with pressure, so it causes a lot of unnecessary damage to the tissue. It’s also hard to manage the sterilization of a tool with plastic parts. With a needle, we have more control of accuracy, and it’s totally sterile. It works like a scalpel, making a small incision into the tissue, leaving minimal damage to the area. It’s also a myth that the gun hurts less—if a needle piercing is done properly, the pain is very minor.”
  • To care for a fresh piercing, wash with soap and water or saline solution—not rubbing alcohol—twice a day. “I find alcohol dries the piercing out. If it gets too dry, it cracks and bleeds, causing the wound to remain open. I prefer oil-based soaps for this reason. They clean the wound, but also provide oils to soften up the healing tissue.”
  • Yes, you can “turn” the earring—but ONLY when it’s wet.
    “Turn it if it’s wet and you are cleaning it. If it’s dry, do not move it.”
  • Know that a cartilage piercing will require a bit more TLC than a lobe piercing. “Anything in the cartilage area is more temperamental during the healing process. They feel about the same to receive, but can be more difficult to heal.”
  • Keep an eye out for signs of healing—and know how long you might have to wait. “Ear lobes usually take about two to three months to heal, and cartilage takes about three to 10 months. Once it stops hurting, swelling, and secreting fluid, and any redness disappears, it’s healed.”
  • And help things along as best you can. “It takes a patient mentality to help piercings heal 100 percent. Your body’s job is to get rid of foreign objects, so it’s a little bit of a dance you have to do. You must be patient and nurse it to health. Sometimes the simple things are the best: Soap and water to clean, and ice for the swelling. If you take your aftercare seriously, you’ll avoid any problems.”
  • If your piercing is bothering you, don’t panic. “If you notice excessive swelling, redness, or radiating heat, or if the piercing is secreting fluid, don’t stress—nine out of 10 times, your piercing is only irritated and not infected. Any reputable piercer will take a look at your piercing and set your mind at ease. Never panic—worst case we just remove the jewelry. Don’t ask your friends, search online, or go to the doctor. Your piercer should be your first stop if you are the slightest bit worried, no one else.”

 

Do Tattoos Have Health Benefits?

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A new study suggests that getting multiple tattoos can strengthen the immune system.

Tattoos serve many purposes, unique to each wearer. They are a means of expression, a symbolic ode to something meaningful, and a form of wearable art. Tattoos are also quite painful—which is certainly no secret.

While some get hooked on getting inked, others aren’t as eager to return to the “ouch” of the process. But with new findings on the horizon, you may want to reconsider going back for another, even if you’re not fond of the tattoo needle. A new study suggests that the pain endured while getting tattooed on more than one occasion could actually be a means to strengthening your immune system. You know what they say, no pain, no gain.

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