What’s Normal After a New Piercing?
- Mild bleeding, swelling, or tenderness in the first few days
- Bruising or slight discolouration around the piercing site
- A crust forming from whitish-yellow fluid (lymph—not pus)
- Mild itching as the tissue repairs itself
Even once the surface looks healed, deeper tissue might still be sensitive. Keep up your cleaning routine to avoid complications.
It’s also completely normal if your jewellery doesn’t move freely once the area settles—never force movement, as this can damage the healing tissue.
Essential Aftercare Tips for Safe Healing
Disinfect Daily Use Items
Clean phones, glasses, headphones, and anything that contacts the piercing on a regular basis.
Notify Barber or Hairdresser
Let hairdressers or barbers know about your piercing so they can avoid knocking or touching it.
Avoid Frequent Touching
Only touch your piercing when cleaning, and always wash your hands first. Avoid scratching as much as possible.
Rotate Bedding
Cover your pillow with a clean t-shirt to reduce contact with bacteria while sleeping. By flipping it inside out and turning it over, you get four clean surfaces.
Reduce Pressures
Use a travel or doughnut pillow to protect ear piercings while sleeping.
Stay Healthy
Hydration and a balanced diet support quicker healing.
What To Avoid During Healing
To protect the new piercing, avoid anything that can interfere with recovery:
- Do not use Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, antibacterial soap.
- Do not use BZK-based products (like Bactine® or many commercial ear-care solutions).
- Do not use Ointments that block airflow.
- Avoid Over-cleaning—stick to the advised routine.
- Avoid Friction from clothing or excessive movement.
- Avoid Twisting or turning the jewellery.
- Avoid Oral contact or exposure to others’ bodily fluids.
- Avoid Makeup, lotions, and sprays near the area.
- Avoid Hanging charms or accessories from the jewellery.
Trauma can lead to bumps, scar tissue, or delayed healing. Be gentle with your piercing at all times.
Best Products for Cleaning
The safest and most effective cleaning solution is pre-packaged sterile saline like NeilMed. It’s specifically designed for wound care and contains 0.09% sodium chloride, which matches your body’s natural salinity.
- Don’t create DIY salt mixes—getting the balance wrong can cause dryness or irritation
- Avoid contact lens solutions or general-use saline—they’re not made for wound care
Oral Piercings
What to Use
- Use NeilMed saline on the outside
- Rinse the inside with an alcohol-free mouthwash such as Corsodyl
- Never use sea salt mixes or alcohol-based rinses
Cleaning Routine
For the outside:
- Wash and dry your hands
- Apply saline-soaked cotton to the area for 3–5 minutes
- Wipe gently around the jewellery, including behind attachments
- Dry thoroughly with a clean pad
For the inside:
- Brush twice daily with a new toothbrush
- Rinse your mouth with Corsodyl after eating and before bed
- Limit mouthwash use to 2–3 times a day to prevent irritation
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, or spicy foods, which can slow healing
Combine oral hygiene with regular cleaning of the external area for best results.