Industrial piercings are a unique and edgy way to express yourself, but they require special care to ensure your piercing looks its best. If you’re new to industrial piercings – or body modification in general – it can be easy to be intimidated by their care and upkeep.
Cleaning industrial piercings, however, isn't as complicated as many believe; with the right knowledge and tools, you'll have no problem taking good care of your ear - or any other type of - piercing!
This blog post will discuss the correct cleaning procedure for an industrial piercing and provide helpful tips for keeping them infection-free. So if you're wondering how to clean industrial piercings properly, read on!
What is Industrial Piercing?
Industrial piercing is a type of body modification involving two ear perforations or referred as ear piercings. It is often referred to as a scaffold piercing, which suggests its appearance – two holes connected by one piece of jewelry (usually a barbell). Industrial piercings can be done on any part of the ear, but most commonly in the upper cartilage.
Industrial piercings are unique and can be customized depending on the person’s style. Some people choose to have small bars or rings connecting the two parts of their piercing, while others opt for more elaborate jewelry designs that make a bolder statement.
Due to its nature, industrial piercing is more complex than other piercings. It involves professional piercing equipment and sterilized needles and must be performed by a trained piercer. The process can take up to 30 minutes and may include special techniques to minimize pain and ensure proper healing process.
Cleaning Your Piercing with a Sea Salt Soak in 4 steps
With a sea salt soak, you can keep your industrial piercing clean and healthy. This procedure should be done twice daily for the first two weeks, followed by once daily for the next few weeks.
1. Make a sea salt solution
To make a sea salt solution, boil filtered water in a pot. Once the water is boiling, please remove it from the heat and add 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt to the hot water. Stir until all the salt has dissolved into the solution and allow it to cool until it reaches body temperature. You can store this solution in an airtight container for up to a week. After that, you should discard the solution and make a fresh batch.
2. Submerge your ear in the water
Once the solution has cooled, submerge your ear in the water and soak for five minutes. This will help reduce swelling and remove any debris stuck in the piercing. Be sure to tilt your head slightly so that the saltwater can fully saturate all areas of your industrial piercing.
3. Soak with a cotton pad instead:
If you prefer not to submerge your ear in the salty solution, use a cotton pad for the sea salt soak. To do this, saturate a clean cotton pad with the solution and gently press it against your ear for five minutes. This will help reduce pain and inflammation and remove any debris from your piercing. Make sure to change the cotton pad for each soak and discard it afterward. Be careful not to touch the piercing site directly with your fingers, which can cause irritation and increase the risk of infection.
4. Allow the piercing to air dry
Once you’re done soaking your piercing, gently pat it dry with a clean cloth and allow the area to air dry. Avoid rubbing or touching the piercing site directly, as this can irritate. Additionally, ensure that your hands are clean when handling the jewelry or cleaning the piercing. Lastly, apply a small amount of mild healing ointment to the area once it’s dry. This will help keep your piercing clean and promote healthy healing. With regular cleaning and proper care, your industrial piercing should heal in about 6-8 weeks.
Cleaning Your Piercing with Antibacterial Soap:
It is important to clean your industrial piercing properly to prevent infection and promote healing. Aftercare includes cleaning the area with antibacterial soap twice a day. It is important to use gentle, lukewarm water and remove all jewelry before cleaning for the best results.
You can dry the piercing thoroughly afterward, as moisture can cause irritation and increase the risk of infection. In addition, it is important to avoid applying creams, oils, or lotions near the piercing.
It is also recommended to minimize activities that cause friction on the piercing until it has completely healed. This includes avoiding tight clothing and taking out jewelry when possible. Proper cleaning and aftercare are essential for a successful industrial piercing experience. You can enjoy your new piercing for many years with the right care and attention.
Practicing Safe Aftercare
Once the piercing is healed, it is important to practice safe aftercare to keep the jewelry clean and avoid infection. Always wash your hands before touching the piercing or the jewelry, and dry them thoroughly.
Removing any body oils and other debris from the jewelry with an antibacterial soap or solution every day is also recommended. Try to rotate the jewelry regularly to prevent it from getting stuck in one position.
Finally, avoid swimming or other activities that expose your piercing to bacteria or pathogens. Proper aftercare steps can help keep your industrial piercing looking and feeling great for years!
Frequently Asked Questions and answers.
Should I move my industrial piercing while cleaning it?
No, keeping your industrial piercing still while cleaning it is important. Moving the jewelry during cleaning can irritate and potentially damage your piercing. Gently clean the area with a mild soap or saline solution twice daily for best results. Be sure to rinse thoroughly with clean water afterward.
How long do you clean an industrial piercing?
Industrial piercings should be cleaned twice daily, once in the morning and once at night. It would be best to use an antibacterial soap or saline solution to clean the piercing to prevent infection. Also, it is advised that you twist and rotate the jewelry slightly while cleaning it. This will help ensure that all bacteria are removed thoroughly. You must be gentle while cleaning the piercing. After cleaning, it is also important to let your industrial piercing air dry before inserting any jewelry.
How can I make my industrial piercing heal faster?
To help your industrial piercing heal faster, keep it clean and avoid touching it with dirty hands. Use a saline solution or mild soap and warm water to gently clean the area around the piercings twice a day. Also, avoid wearing tight clothing or jewelry that could rub against the piercing and irritate it. Moreover, try to avoid swimming and submerging the piercing in water until it has healed completely. Additionally, it is important to watch out for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, and contact your piercer if you notice any of these symptoms.
