Caring for Piercings and Tattoos
Piercings
All piercings take time to heal. Proper care is important to avoid infection and other complications. The original jewelry should stay in place until completely healed, which takes about six weeks to two months. It can take other areas – navel, nipples and genitals – five months or more to heal. This is the time when infections and other complications are more likely. To care for piercings:
- Keep the area clean, typically with mild soap and water.
- Always wash the hands before touching the piercing or earring.
- Regularly twist or turn the jewelry to prevent the hole from closing up.
The piercing professional will give you directions for care. That may involve using rubbing alcohol or antibiotic ointment. If the piercing site becomes painful, red, swollen, or oozes pus, or you get a fever, it may be infected and you should see a doctor. The sooner you treat it, the better. If the infection is serious or has spread to other areas, it may require the care of a dermatologist.
Tattoos
Tattoos take time to heal, as well. Complete recovery takes two weeks. To care for tattoos:
- Cover the tattoo with a sterile bandage. Remove the bandage after 24 hours to expose it to air. The tattoo leaves a wound that scabs and falls off within a week or so.
- Clean the tattoo with mild soap and water, and apply a mild alcohol-free lotion to combat dryness. Do this after the bandage comes off.
- Avoid soaking the tattoo in water while it is healing. Showers are fine.
The tattoo artist may recommend spreading antibiotic cream on the tattoo while it heals, although sometimes this can cause an allergic reaction. If the tattoo gets red, oozes pus or becomes increasingly tender, see a dermatologist right away.
Next: Removing Piercings and Tattoos
