Piercing Aftercare Guide | Tattoos By Charlene

Looking after a new piercing

Healing time varies widely depending on the piercing, jewellery, placement, friction and your individual health. Follow the instructions given at your appointment and do not assume that a piercing is healed just because it feels comfortable or looks settled.

Daily cleaning

  • Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the piercing.
  • Use sterile saline wound wash suitable for piercings, following its label and the instructions provided by your piercer.
  • Gently rinse away loosened residue and dry carefully with clean disposable paper towel.
  • Do not twist, spin or unnecessarily move the jewellery.
  • Avoid alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, harsh antiseptics, tea tree oil and homemade salt mixtures unless a qualified healthcare professional specifically advises otherwise.

Reduce irritation

  • Avoid pressure, snagging, tight clothing and repeated touching.
  • Keep pillowcases, phones, headphones, helmets and other items that contact the area clean.
  • Avoid swimming or soaking in pools, hot tubs, lakes and the sea during early healing and follow your piercer's specific advice.
  • Do not change or remove jewellery early without professional advice. Some piercings can close quickly, and jewellery removal may complicate an infection.
  • Do not use ointments or cosmetic products on the piercing unless advised for your situation.

Jewellery and bumps

Jewellery that is too tight, too long, unsuitable for the placement or made from a material that does not suit you can contribute to irritation. Do not try to force jewellery through a swollen or closing piercing. Have a qualified piercer assess fit and material. A bump does not automatically mean infection, and online advice cannot identify its cause reliably.

When to seek medical help

Seek prompt medical advice for worsening pain, spreading redness, marked heat or swelling, thick or foul-smelling discharge, fever, red streaks or feeling unwell. Cartilage infections can become serious. Do not remove jewellery from a suspected infected piercing unless a healthcare professional advises you to do so. Seek emergency help for severe allergic symptoms or difficulty breathing.

Need advice?

WhatsApp 071 334 4172 for questions about your appointment or jewellery. For medical symptoms, contact a qualified healthcare professional. You can also read our piercing and jewellery guide and general aftercare guide.