Healing a piercing isn’t complicated, but it does require consistent care. At LABRET, we’ve helped thousands of clients through the healing process, and the difference between success and setbacks often comes down to a few key habits. Here’s a straightforward guide to what works—and what doesn’t—based on real-world experience.
Do’s
1. Clean Hands Are Non-Negotiable
Always properly wash your hands before touching your piercings. Even if your hands look clean, they carry bacteria that can cause infections. Dry them with a paper towel instead of a cloth to avoid transferring lint.
2. Stick to Saline Spray
Use NeilMed Aftercare Spray (provided free with every piercing) twice daily. Spray directly onto the piercing—no cotton swabs or wiping. Let it air dry naturally. This sterile saline solution cleans without irritating, unlike DIY salt mixes that often use the wrong ratios.
3. Follow Custom Aftercare Plans
A lobe piercing isn’t the same as a cartilage or navel piercing. Your LABRET piercer will give specific instructions based on your piercing’s location and jewelry type. Save the ear piercing aftercare sheet somewhere visible, like your bathroom mirror, to stay on track.
4. Protect the Area
If your piercing is on your ear, consider using a piercing or travel pillow with a hole in the center while sleeping. This helps prevent pressure on the piercing and reduces irritation during healing.
5. Stay Physically Healthy
Maintaining a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and eating nutrient-rich foods all will help support your body's natural healing processes. Vitamin C and zinc boost skin repair, while dehydration can lead to dry, irritated piercings. Avoid excessive alcohol, as it slows healing.
6. Watch for Changes
Check your piercing daily during cleaning. Mild redness or clear fluid is normal initially. Take a photo every few days to track progress—subtle changes are easier to spot this way.
7. Ask for Help Early
If something feels off, message LABRET on WhatsApp or Instagram. We’ve handled every scenario, from minor irritations to jewelry adjustments. Free checkups are included for life, so there’s no cost to being cautious.
What to Avoid
1. Touching or Twisting Jewelry
Fiddling with jewelry introduces bacteria and disrupts healing. Even clean hands can irritate the delicate fistula (healing channel) forming around the jewelry. Leave it alone unless cleaning.
2. Harsh Products
Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and antibiotic ointments are outdated aftercare methods. They strip moisture, kill healthy cells, and trap debris. Stick to saline spray—it’s all you need.
3. Premature Jewelry Changes
Switching jewelry too soon can damage healing tissue. Lobes take 6-8 weeks; cartilage requires 3-6 months. Even if it feels healed, wait for your piercer’s approval.
4. Submerging in Water
Avoid pools, lakes, and hot tubs for at least two weeks. Bacteria in water can infect piercings, and chlorine dries out the skin. Be cautious when washing your face for facial piercings—pat dry immediately.
5. Sleeping Directly on Piercings
Pressure from sleeping on a new piercing can cause irritation and bumps, especially in the cartilage. If you can’t break the side-sleeping habit, use a donut-shaped travel pillow, or the LABRET Piercing Pillow, specifically designed to aid the piercing recovery of side-sleepers.
6. Using Cotton Swabs or Pads
Fibers from cotton can wrap around jewelry and irritate the piercing. If crusties form, spray with saline and let them soften before gently rinsing in the shower.
7. Ignoring Persistent Issues
Throbbing pain after the first week, yellow/green discharge, or spreading redness are red flags. Don’t wait—contact LABRET. Infections caught early are easier to treat.
When in Doubt, Come In
Remember, everyone heals differently (read: Healing Timelines for Different Piercings), and proper aftercare is essential for ensuring that your piercing heals beautifully to become a cherished part of your style. If you have any questions or need assistance throughout your time, don’t hesitate to reach out. LABRET offers free checkups for life because we know healing isn’t always linear. Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn irritation bump or just want reassurance, we are here to support you every step of the way!
