We often talk in detail about what use to clean a Piercing, but less so about what NOT use, and why. Let’s get into the details. We’ll keep it short and sweet; Why not to use HYDROGEN PEROXIDE or ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL (rubbing alcohol) to clean a piercing:
Too Harsh: Hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol are harsh antiseptics that can be too aggressive for the delicate tissue of a healing piercing. They can damage or kill healthy skin cells, slowing down the natural healing process.
Drying Effect: Both hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. This can delay the healing process and increase the risk of complications like infection or piercing bumps/irritation.
Tissue Irritation: These solutions can cause irritation, redness, and burning when applied to a fresh piercing, making the experience uncomfortable and potentially causing damage to the piercing site- especially when used consistently.
Slower Healing: The harsh nature of these solutions can lead to more pronounced scarring and delayed healing. Proper wound care is crucial for minimizing scarring and promoting a smooth healing process.
Bacterial Imbalance: While these solutions can kill some bacteria, they can also disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria on the skin, which is essential for the healing process and protection against harmful microorganisms.
Instead of hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol, it's generally recommended to clean a fresh piercing with sterile saline wound wash. This solution is mild, does not harm healthy tissue, and helps create an optimal environment for the piercing to heal. Proper aftercare, including cleaning the piercing as advised by a Professional Piercer and avoiding unnecessary touching or twisting of the jewelry, is crucial for a successful healing process.
Why not to use SOAP to clean a piercing:
Drying Effect: Many soaps, especially those that are not specifically formulated for wound care or body piercings, can be too harsh for the delicate tissue of a healing piercing. They may contain harsh detergents and chemicals that can strip the skin of its
natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Dry skin can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of complications. Soaps, particularly scented or antibacterial varieties, can contain fragrances, chemicals, and additives that can cause skin irritation, redness, and itching when applied to a fresh piercing.
Residue: Soap residues can remain on the piercing or jewelry, and these residues can trap dirt, debris, and bacteria, leading to possible infection or irritation.
pH and Microbial Imbalance: The pH level of soap may not be suitable for a healing piercing, considering this is a wound. It can disrupt the natural pH balance of the skin and hinder the body's natural healing processes. Soap can also disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria on the skin, which is crucial for the healing process and protection against harmful microorganisms. Other agents to avoid putting on/around your piercing for the purpose of cleaning (for similar reasons listed above) include: - Tea Tree Oil - Witch Hazel - Colloidal Silver - Table Salt/Iodized Salt or Epsom Salt in any form/solution - Any type or form of essential oil
It is generally recommended to clean a fresh piercing with Sterile Saline Wound Wash. This solution is mild, does not harm healthy tissue, and helps create an optimal environment for the piercing to heal. Remember, a new piercing is a wound and depending on the piercing itself, may be for quite some time. This new tissue developing/healing around the area is very sensitive. Proper aftercare, including cleaning the piercing as advised by a Professional Piercer and avoiding unnecessary touching or twisting of the jewelry, is crucial for a successful healing process.