Getting a piercing can be an enjoyable experience, but it also carries some risks. Without taking the necessary precautions, there is a potential for a severe infection. Additionally, there is a possibility of experiencing allergic reactions to the metals used in the piercing. To minimize these risks, it is advisable to choose high-quality jewelry.
The quality of your jewelry can have a significant impact on how quickly your wounds heal, whether you are replacing your old jewelry or getting a new piercing. Here are some tips to help you choose the right jewelry.
You will first need to find jewelry that is extremely polished. This will give your jewelry a shiny mirror finish and protect your piercings. Jewellery with scratches or nicks can cause discomfort and hinder healing.
A piece made from a biocompatible material is another thing to look out for. This will ensure that jewelry does not oxidize or react to the skin. You might be interested to learn that some organic materials such as bioplastic have been proven safe for piercings.
Also, it is important to have your jewelry pierced professionally. You should never try to force it in yourself. This can lead to complications and wasted money.
You should also use a multivitamin that contains vitamin C to improve healing. To reduce swelling, you can also use a non-steroidal antiinflammatory (NSAID), product.
If you want to heal your piercings faster, avoid alcohol. Excessive use of alcohol may lead to a piercing infection. Also, be cautious with mouthwash. Too much mouthwash can cause damage to cells and slow down healing. Diluting mouthwash with bottled water is a safer option.
It is also important to get jewelry that is made from the best materials available. Most jewelry is made of metal alloys. These alloys are designated with specific designations to indicate their exact standard. Some alloys have been approved for medical use.
Alternative materials like silicone and polymer are better for the environment than metal. They may be less durable. They can also vary in quality. It is also important to buy a piece of jewelry that is made of the right metal for the piercing.
There are other materials that can be used for piercings, such as obsidian. Obsidian has been used for centuries. But, these materials can be difficult to sterilize and may encourage the growth of microbes.
Sebum secretion from the sebaceous glands
It doesn’t matter if you are trying to heal piercings, or just to maintain your skin’s health, it is important to understand how sebum secretion works. Sebum is actually the body’s first line defense against infection. It protects skin cells from damage by free radicals. It is also a natural moisturizer that will help your skin stay supple, healthy, and hydrated.
Sebum is rich in fatty acids, cholesterol, lipids, and other nutrients. It also contains wax esters, squalene, and keratin. These lipids help lock in moisture and protect the skin from harmful pathogens. It also helps to make skin look shiny.
There are three primary zones that produce sebum. The peripheral zone is a layer of non-differentiated proliferative cells. These cells produce early sebocyte markers such as keratin 7. They also slow down the apoptosis process. They then push into maturation zone, which is a flattened area with cells.
The acinar glands are berry-shaped. They secrete an oily suspension. These glands are located in the middle of your skin near the hair follicles. These glands are regulated by hormones, like testosterone, which are also responsible for regulating overall sebum production.
Meds and other medical conditions can also affect the secretion of sebum. For example, if you have an ovarian problem, your sebum production may decrease. Likewise, if you have a pituitary condition, your production of sebum can be affected. Your doctor may recommend isotretinoin to decrease sebum production if you are on birth control pills.
You can also reduce your sebum by avoiding high-fat foods. It contains lipids and fat-soluble antioxidants that protect your skin against the damaging effects caused by free radicals.
It doesn’t matter if you’re shaven, healing piercings or washing your face. The sebaceous glands are responsible to maintaining your skin’s texture, appearance, and health. Sebum is an important antibacterial agent that helps to fight harmful pathogens. It helps protect your skin from dehydration, too.
Aside from its many uses, sebum is also important to the health of your heart. It also helps your body protect itself from UV radiation.
Protecting from other people’s body fluids
During the healing of your piercing, it is important to protect it from contact with other people’s body fluids. Infections and prolonged healing times may result if your piercing is contaminated.
Using hot water soaks can stimulate your body’s healing mechanisms. It can also reduce swelling. During your healing process, avoid hot tubs and public pools.
To prevent infection, a good condom is essential. However, you should also avoid sexual contact during your healing period. Oral sex is the easiest way to get an infection, so avoid it at all costs.
Avoid using cosmetics, hairspray and powdered foundation during your healing process. Avoid excessive use of alcohol or aspirin. A healthy diet will also be beneficial to your body.
During your healing process, avoid wearing loose or ill-fitting clothes. This will help prevent blood circulation from being compromised. It is also important to avoid sleeping on your piercing. This can cause blood circulation to be impeded, which can slow down the healing process.
Avoiding alcohol can also benefit your piercing. Avoiding alcohol can lead to infection so it is best not to consume too much. You can also use an alcohol-free mouthwash, but you should dilute it with bottled water.
A quality condom can help protect your piercings, but you should avoid any sexual contact during the healing process. You can also use a hard-vented eye patch. These can protect your eyes from irritation and can be used during contact sports. A waterproof bandage can also protect your navel piercing.
If you are traveling, you can use a saline solution rinse. These are convenient and easy to use, and are available in the first aid aisle. They aren’t as effective as a good saline solution, but they are a quick fix.
As a hot compress, you can also use a warm towel in a Ziplock bag. This can help to heal your piercing and can also relieve swelling.
Infection symptoms
Redness, pain, swelling and other symptoms can indicate infection after healing piercings. You may also experience an upset stomach or fever. These symptoms may last for more than two weeks. You should seek medical attention immediately. In severe cases, you may need to be admitted or given antibiotics.
In some cases, the infection can spread beyond the piercing. You should not touch the infected area nor remove your jewelry until it has completely healed.
The symptoms of infection when healing piercings may also include pain, burning and itching. There may be light pus or fluid discharge. The infection may be accompanied by swelling or tenderness. You may also develop an allergic reaction.
When a piercing is infected, you can try some at-home remedies. You can apply saline solution to the affected area or rubbing alcohol. A warm compress can also be used. This will soothe the pain and speed up the healing process.
You can also ice the infected area. However, you should not use ice on the ears directly. The skin around the piercing hole may swell due to the infection. It can also close the hole if this happens. You may also want to wash the area with soap and water. Unscented glycerine soap can also be used.
Apply antibiotic ointment two times daily to treat an infected earlobe. You may also want to consider visiting a dermatologist to have the area swabbed for culture. Because ear piercings pierced in cartilage are more susceptible to infection,
If the symptoms of infection when healing piercings persist, you should consult a doctor. Your doctor may recommend antiseptic medication or antibiotics. You may also be referred to an ENT specialist.
You may also want to remove your jewelry. This will prevent the infection from spreading and prevent you from reinserting the jewelry into the piercing.
You can also consider going braless to avoid irritation. This is important because piercings can be sensitive for several days after they are pierced. It is important to wash your hands often.
Piecing together a life one day at a time, that’s me. I’m Rusty, and I love being editor-in-chief of creative piercing. It’s my passion to help others see their vision and bring it to life. When I’m not working or taking care of my family, you can find me reading a good book or eating pie (of course!).
