The 15 most frequently asked questions about piercings
- Does it hurt a lot to get a piercing?
The pain of a piercing varies depending on the location and your pain threshold. Earlobes usually hurt less than cartilage or the navel. It is a quick sting, followed by discomfort that lasts only a few seconds. Some people feel a burning sensation or pressure, but intense pain is rare.
- How long does it take for a piercing to heal?
Healing time depends on the type of piercing. Earlobes take 6-8 weeks, while cartilage can take 3-6 months. Belly button piercings can take up to 12 months to heal completely. During this time, it is important to follow the recommended care to avoid infection.
- What care should I take after getting a piercing?
Clean the area with saline/saline solution twice a day, avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands, and do not change the jewellery until it is fully healed. Avoid immersing the piercing in swimming pools, hot tubs or swamps until it has healed. Do not apply alcohol or oxygenated water, which can irritate the skin.
- Can I get a piercing if I have allergies or sensitive skin?
Yes, but it is important to use hypoallergenic materials such as titanium, surgical steel or 14k gold or higher. Avoid nickel jewellery as it can cause allergic reactions. If you have sensitive skin, consult a professional before getting a piercing to make sure you choose the right material.
- Which materials are best for piercings?
Recommended materials include titanium, surgical steel, 14k gold or higher, and niobium. These materials are hypoallergenic and less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions. Avoid materials such as nickel, which can cause allergies. Always choose high-quality jewellery to reduce the risk of complications.
- How long should I wait to change the piercing jewellery?
You should wait until the piercing is fully healed before changing the jewellery. This can be 6-12 weeks for earlobes, and up to 6 months or more for cartilage or the navel. Changing the jewellery too soon may cause irritation or infection.
- What do I do if my piercing gets infected?
If you suspect an infection, do not remove the jewellery, as it may close the hole and trap the infection inside. Clean the area with a saline solution and avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands. If the infection does not improve within a few days, or if you develop a fever, consult a professional immediately.
- Can I have more than one piercing at a time?
Yes, you can have multiple piercings at the same time, but be aware that this can increase the burden of care and recovery time. Make sure you are prepared to take proper care of each piercing, as multiple piercings at the same time may cause more discomfort and require additional care.
- Is it safe to get a piercing at home?
No, home piercing is not recommended. Professionally performed piercings in sterile environments minimise the risk of infection, errors or complications. At home, it is difficult to ensure cleanliness and proper technique, which increases the risk of serious infection or misplacement of the piercing.
- Which piercings are most prone to infection?
Cartilage piercings, such as ear, nose and navel piercings, are more prone to infection because of their location and the difficulty in cleaning them properly. The cartilage has less blood flow, which makes healing more difficult. Piercings in areas that are in frequent contact with clothing or that are handled a lot are also at higher risk.
- Can I exercise or swim after getting a piercing?
Avoid swimming for at least 6-8 weeks after getting a piercing to prevent infection from bacteria in the water. You can exercise, but be careful not to bump or irritate the piercing. Clean the area after sweating, as sweat can cause irritation.
- Is it normal for my piercing to bleed or hurt after piercing?
Yes, it is normal for the piercing to bleed slightly and be sore in the first few hours or days after piercing. The pain and redness should gradually subside. If pain persists or worsens, or if there is excessive swelling, it may be a sign of infection or irritation, and you should consult a professional.
- How do I know if my piercing is healing properly?
A properly healing piercing should have no redness, swelling, severe pain or unusual discharge. The skin around the piercing should look healthy, with no scabs or bad odour. Some tenderness to the touch is normal, but if you notice that the area is constantly irritated or inflamed, consult a professional.
- Can I sleep on the side of my piercing?
It is not recommended to sleep on the side of a freshly pierced ear as this can cause pressure, irritation and delay healing. If you have an ear piercing, use a travel pillow with a hole in the centre to avoid direct contact. This will help minimise discomfort and the risk of infection.
- What do I do if I want to remove the piercing after it has healed?
If you decide to remove the piercing after it has healed, simply remove the jewellery. The hole may close over time, depending on the location and how long you've had the piercing. Some piercings, such as cartilage piercings, may leave a small mark or scar even after the hole has closed.
