Body piercing - Caring for a new piercing

After having a piercing, it is important to keep the area clean and dry.

Many piercers advise gently cleaning new piercings with a saline (salt water) solution twice a day, preferably after washing or bathing.

You can do this by submerging the area in a clean jug or bowl containing a saline solution (1/4 teaspoon of sea salt per egg cup or shot glass of warm water) for a few minutes at a time. Alternatively, you can wet a clean cloth or gauze in the solution and apply it as a warm compress.

This can help soften any discharge and allow you to clean the entry and exit points of the piercing with a cotton bud or gauze. Once the discharge is removed or softened, the jewellery can be gently moved so as to work a little warm water through the piercing. When you have finished, make sure you are careful to dry the area with a fresh piece of disposable paper towel or kitchen roll.

However, not all experts agree that new piercings should be regularly cleaned in this way, as it involves fiddling with the piercing and getting it wet, which could actually increase the risk of infection if the saline solution is not strong enough. Over-cleaning can also irritate the skin and delay healing.

In either case, it is advisable to keep the piercing as dry as possible for at least three days after the procedure. If you have an ear or facial piercing, having baths rather than showers will help to keep the piercing dry. Lower body piercings are harder to keep dry, so it may be best to sponge-clean your body for the first three days.

Wash your hands with warm water and antibacterial soap before touching or washing your piercing, and ensure that any clothing and bedding that may come into contact with the area around the piercing is clean.

If you get an infection

If your piercing becomes infected, the surrounding skin may be red and swollen. It will probably hurt when you touch it and may produce a yellow or green discharge.

If you have a fever or any of the above symptoms, see your GP immediately. A delay in treatment can result in a serious infection.

Leave your jewellery in unless your doctor tells you to take it out. This will ensure proper drainage and may prevent a painful collection of pus (abscess) from forming.

In many cases, the infection can be treated without losing the piercing. Minor infections may be treated with antibiotic cream, and a more serious infection may need antibiotic tablets. Your doctor will be able to give you advice about which treatment is best for you.