Getting a piercing is not just about style. it’s also about proper care. Good aftercare helps your piercing heal faster, prevents infection, and keeps it looking great. Below is a simple guide to caring for cartilage piercings and non-cartilage piercings.
Cartilage Piercing
Healing Time: Around 6 months
1. Do not remove or change the jewelry for at least 6 months. Removing it too early can interrupt the healing process.
2. Clean daily for 6 months using warm water, saline solution, or preferably sodium chloride. Clean once a day after showering using a cotton bud for detailed cleaning.
3. Do not use alcohol, oil-based products, lotions, or ointments. These contain chemicals that can cause pain, irritation, pus, or infection.
4. Avoid swimming in pools for 2 weeks because pool water contains chlorine and bacteria.
Swimming in the ocean, waterfalls, and normal showering with soap are allowed.
5. Do not touch or play with your piercing. Hands carry bacteria that can easily cause infection.
6. Be careful of snagging on towels, clothes, or your hands.
Non-Cartilage Piercing Aftercare
Healing Time: Around 3 months
1. Do not remove or change the jewelry for at least 3 months to avoid disrupting healing.
2. Clean once a day for 3 months using warm water, saline solution, or sodium chloride. Always clean after showering and use a cotton bud for detailed cleaning.
3. Do not use alcohol, oil-based products, lotions, or ointments as they may cause irritation, pain, pus, or infection.
4. Avoid swimming in pools for 2 weeks due to chlorine and dirt. Ocean, waterfalls, and showering with soap are allowed.
5. Never touch or play with your piercing. Bacteria from your hands can cause infection.
6. Be careful not to snag it on towels, clothes, or your hands.
Cartilage piercings require extra care because cartilage heals slower than soft tissue. Proper aftercare is essential to avoid irritation, infection, and long healing problems.