The Frustration of Recurring Infections
If you've experienced the frustration of recurring piercing infections, you're not alone. While getting a piercing can be an exciting form of self-expression, dealing with infections can be disheartening. This can happen to any type of piercing from your ear, to your mouth even to your nipples, belly or gentiles. This article aims to shed light on why your piercing or piercings may keep getting infected and, more importantly, how to prevent it from happening.
Why does my piercing keep getting infected ?
This question starts with the Importance of Identifying the Causes
To effectively address recurring infections, it's crucial to understand their underlying causes. By pinpointing the source of the problem, you can take proactive steps to ensure your piercing journey is as smooth and trouble-free as possible.
Common Causes of Recurring Piercing Infections
Poor Hygiene Practices
Reasons: Neglecting to clean the piercing regularly or properly can lead to the accumulation of bacteria and debris. Additionally, failing to wash hands before touching the piercing can introduce harmful microorganisms.
Suggested Action: Establish a routine for cleaning your piercing with a saline solution, following your piercer's recommendations. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your piercing.
Low-Quality Jewelry
Reasons: Inferior jewelry made from materials like nickel or copper can corrode or cause allergic reactions. This corrosion can irritate the piercing, making it more susceptible to infections.
Suggested Action: Invest in high-quality, hypoallergenic jewelry made of materials like surgical steel, titanium, or niobium, which are less likely to trigger adverse reactions.
Over cleaning or Under cleaning
Reasons: Over cleaning, typically done with harsh cleansers, can strip away the body's natural defenses and cause irritation. On the other hand, under cleaning can lead to bacterial buildup.
Suggested Action: Follow your piercer's recommended cleaning routine, using a saline solution. Avoid using harsh chemicals or excessive force while cleaning.
Touching and Twisting the Jewelry
Reasons: Frequent touching or twisting of the jewelry introduces bacteria from hands to the piercing site. This also disrupts the healing process.
Suggested Action: Resist the urge to touch or twist your jewelry. Only handle it with clean hands when necessary.
Foreign Contaminants
Reasons: Contact with contaminants such as hair products, makeup, or dirty bedding can introduce harmful microorganisms to the piercing site.
Suggested Action: Be cautious about exposing your piercing to foreign substances. Cover it or take precautions when using such products.
Allergic Reactions
Reasons: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions to certain jewelry materials, causing irritation and infections.
Suggested Action: Prioritize jewelry made from materials that you know your body tolerates well. If you have a history of allergies, consult your piercer for suitable options.
Preventive Measures to Avoid Recurring Infections
Proper Aftercare
Adhering to a strict aftercare routine is paramount. Cleanse your piercing with a saline solution as recommended by your piercer, and avoid using harsh cleaning agents.
High-Quality Jewelry
Invest in high-quality, hypoallergenic jewelry made of materials like surgical steel, titanium, or niobium. This reduces the risk of allergic reactions and irritation.
Hands-Off Policy
Resist the urge to touch, twist, or fiddle with your jewelry. Only handle it with clean hands when necessary.
Maintain Cleanliness
Keep your piercing and the surrounding area clean. Avoid exposing it to contaminants like hairspray, makeup, or dirty bedding.
Regular Check-Ups
Schedule regular check-ups with your piercer. They can assess your piercing's health and provide guidance on aftercare adjustments.
Know Your Materials
Educate yourself about the materials used in your jewelry. If you have a history of allergies, opt for materials that are less likely to trigger reactions.
​Empowering a Healthy Piercing Journey
Recurring piercing infections can be frustrating, but understanding their causes and taking preventive measures can empower you to enjoy a healthy piercing journey. Patience and diligence are key here.
Proper aftercare, high-quality jewelry, cleanliness, and regular check-ups with your piercer can significantly reduce the risk of infections. By addressing the root causes, you can ensure your piercings remain a beautiful form of self-expression without the setbacks of infections.