We know! Especially on a hot Summer’s day 🌞, it is just so tempting to go for a refreshing splash at the beach or pool. But is it safe and/or healthy for your new piercing?
Usually, all body piercings must be sterilized and kept dry to avoid infection. A piercing is equivalent to a small wound on the body and should be taken care of appropriately to prevent other health problems. When you don’t take care of a new piercing, that small wound can turn into a big one and cause pain throughout the area. However, you are free to live life as usual as long as you maintain your care routine for your new piercing.
Typically, a piercing is just like any wound, best to wait for as long as possible before swimming. But if you do swim, when you come out of the water, cleanse with liquid soap or with proper aftercare.
How to cover your piercings while swimming
Experts recommend that you stay out of pools, hot tubs, lakes, even the ocean, at least until your piercing is completely healed. However, if you are an avid swimmer and you must get into the water, you can cover your piercing with a waterproof bandage. Keep in mind that not all piercings can be covered while swimming, for example, tongue and lip piercings. Additionally, it might be challenging to cover the whole piercing appropriately, depending on where it is.
You can also use a swimming cap to cover your ear piercings while swimming. Ensure that you buy one designed to protect the ears as some of them don’t. Tie your hair up to get it out of the way, and then pull the swimming cap to cover all the necessary areas. Another way to protect your ear piercings is by using a neoprene ear band. A neoprene ear band is similar to a headband like the one you wear before going under a dryer, but this one is waterproof. You can use a neoprene band to reinforce the swimming cap if you want to be safer.
How to care for your piercing after swimming
As you know, most of the water bodies people like to swim in can contain harmful bacteria, which can cause infection to your piercing. To avoid this:
- Ensure that you shower before and after getting in the pool or ocean.
- After swimming, ensure that you use shower gel or any other liquid soap to clean the area thoroughly.
- Ensure that you dry your body thoroughly as well before taking a piece of cotton or Piercing Aftercare cleansing swabs.
Your aftercare routine should remain the same, whether you are swimming or not, until the area is completely healed. Don’t forget to clean your hands before disinfecting the piercing. Don’t get carried away with the cleaning because too much cleaning can cause skin irritation, which can lead to a more significant wound.
To reduce the risk of infection, do not go swimming immediately after getting a piercing. Wait at least a week. Think of your new piercing as a fresh cut on your finger or hand. If you put it in water immediately, it might continue bleeding, and the bacteria from the water can make it swell and form puss. If you have done all the above and the pain persists, see your general practitioner immediately for further assistance.
In summary, it is best to avoid the waters immediately after your piercing at least for a few weeks. But if it can’t be avoided, do your best to be mindful and take proper precautions described. Afterall, don’t they say beauty comes to those who wait?
