Cartilage piercings have become increasingly popular in recent years, with many people opting to decorate their ears with multiple earrings and studs. While cartilage piercings can add a unique and personal touch to your style, it’s important to properly care for them to prevent infection and promote healing. Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when caring for your cartilage piercings:
DO:
1. Clean your piercing regularly: It’s essential to clean your cartilage piercing at least twice a day with a saline solution or gentle soap and water. This will help prevent the buildup of bacteria and reduce the risk of infection.
2. Avoid touching your piercing: Try to avoid touching your piercing with dirty hands, as this can introduce bacteria and irritants that may cause infection. If you need to adjust your earring, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly first.
3. Use a donut-shaped pillow: Sleeping on your cartilage piercing can cause discomfort and slow down the healing process. Using a donut-shaped pillow or a travel pillow can help alleviate pressure on the piercing while you sleep.
4. Keep hair products away from your piercing: Hair products such as hairspray and styling gel can irritate your piercing and delay healing. Make sure to keep these products away from your ear and avoid getting them on your piercing.
5. Follow your piercer’s instructions: Your piercer will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for your cartilage piercing. Make sure to follow their advice and seek professional help if you experience any unusual symptoms or complications.
DON’T:
1. Change your jewelry too soon: While it may be tempting to switch out your piercing jewelry for something new, it’s important to wait until your piercing has fully healed. Changing your jewelry too soon can cause irritation and prolong the healing process.
2. Use harsh cleaning products: Avoid using alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or other harsh cleaning products on your cartilage piercing, as they can dry out the skin and interfere with the healing process. Stick to gentle soap and water or a saline solution recommended by your piercer.
3. Overclean your piercing: While it’s important to keep your piercing clean, overcleaning it can be counterproductive and irritate the skin. Stick to cleaning your piercing twice a day and avoid excessive scrubbing or rubbing.
4. Ignore signs of infection: If you notice any signs of infection such as redness, swelling, pus, or excessive pain, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Ignoring an infection can lead to more serious complications and may require medical intervention.
5. Remove your jewelry prematurely: It’s crucial to keep your jewelry in place until your piercing has completely healed. Removing your jewelry too soon can cause the piercing to close up and may result in scarring. If you’re unsure about when to remove your jewelry, consult your piercer for guidance.
Caring for cartilage piercings requires patience and diligence, but with the right approach, you can enjoy your new accessory without any complications. By following these dos and don’ts, you can ensure that your cartilage piercing heals properly and stays looking great for years to come.