After getting your ears pierced, is it possible to swim?
It’s normal to want to flaunt your new ear piercing as soon as possible after getting your ears pierced. But one crucial query that frequently comes up is whether swimming is safe after getting ear piercings. Understanding the hazards and how to safeguard your new piercings during the healing process is crucial since swimming, whether in a lake, pool, or the ocean, can introduce bacteria and other toxins into your piercing site. This post will discuss the dangers of swimming after getting ear piercings and provide practical tips for maintaining your piercing.
Swimming Risks Following Ear Piercing
Swimming in water can expose your new ear piercing to dangerous microorganisms, particularly in public pools, lakes, or the ocean. Water can get into your piercing while you swim, which could lead to inflammation or infection. In instance, chlorine and other chemicals used to sterilize the water are frequently found in pools, but they can irritate an open piercing and slow its healing. A fresh piercing can be easily infected by bacteria, viruses, or other infections found in natural water bodies like lakes and oceans. Swelling, pain, and occasionally the need for medical attention can result from these infections. It is essential to refrain from swimming until your piercing has completely healed in order to reduce these hazards.
How Much Time Should Pass Before Swimming?
Ear piercing healing times can vary, but typically earlobe piercings take 6 to 8 weeks to cure, whereas cartilage piercings, like tragus or helix piercings, can take up to 6 months or longer to fully heal. It is advised to keep your piercing away from potentially bacterial water sources throughout this healing phase. To lower the risk of infection, it is preferable to wait until the piercing has completely healed, despite the temptation to go swimming. See your piercer or a medical expert for guidance if you’re not sure if your piercing is completely healed.
How to Keep Your Piercing Safe When Swimming
There are precautions you may take to keep your piercing safe if you must swim before it has completely healed. Using piercing covers or waterproof bandages is one choice. By using these products, you can lessen the chance of your piercing coming into contact with pollutants and protect it from the water. Swimming is still risky, though, even with these protective coverings. Avoid completely burying your head in the water and try to spend as little time as possible there. Use a saline solution to properly clean your piercing after swimming in order to get rid of any chemicals or bacteria that might have come into touch with it.
Fresh Piercing Aftercare and Hygiene
When it comes to a new ear piercing, proper aftercare is crucial to the healing process and reducing the chance of infection. To maintain your piercing bacteria-free, clean it frequently with saline solution or antibacterial soap. Hydrogen peroxide and other harsh chemicals might irritate the piercing and slow its healing, so stay away from applying them. Additionally, it’s crucial to avoid turning or twisting the jewelry while it’s mending because this could aggravate the discomfort or damage. Always wash your hands before handling or cleaning your jewelry, and be careful not to contact your piercing with unclean hands. A smooth recovery and the avoidance of difficulties can be achieved by taking good care of your piercing as it heals.
Conclusion: Do Not Swim Until Completely Healed
In conclusion, even though it’s natural to feel tempted to go swimming right after getting your ears pierced, it’s best to hold off until the piercing has completely healed to reduce the chance of infection and other issues. Swimming in lakes, pools, or the ocean during the healing phase exposes your piercing to bacteria and irritants that may cause infections or slow the healing process. Take care to protect the piercing if you have to swim before the healing process is finished, but always put good cleanliness and aftercare first. You can enjoy your new piercing without sacrificing its long-term beauty or your health by exercising patience and according to the proper care instructions.