Q&A for How to Take Care of a Lip Piercing

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I got my lip pierced this past Saturday. It's a little swollen, but it doesn't hurt. I do notice a little bit of pus coming out, but not a lot. I clean it every time and make sure it's always clean. Is that normal, even if it's just a little?

Marsha Durkin, RN
Registered Nurse
Marsha Durkin is a Registered Nurse based in Waukegan, Illinois. With over 15 years of professional experience, she works both as a nurse and a Laboratory Information Specialist for Insight Hospital and Medical Center. Marsha received her Associate's Degree in Nursing from Olney Central College in 1987.

Marsha Durkin, RN

Registered Nurse

Expert Answer

No, pus is not normal. Please see your doctor to get checked for an infection.

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Question

I just pierced my lip at home the other night and now its really swollen. I might be allergic to the jewelry. Would I be able to change the jewelry and keep my piercings, or will I lose them?

Marsha Durkin, RN
Registered Nurse
Marsha Durkin is a Registered Nurse based in Waukegan, Illinois. With over 15 years of professional experience, she works both as a nurse and a Laboratory Information Specialist for Insight Hospital and Medical Center. Marsha received her Associate's Degree in Nursing from Olney Central College in 1987.

Marsha Durkin, RN

Registered Nurse

Expert Answer

If your piercing is really swollen, you need to see a doctor to check for infection and get medication if needed. An infection is very serious.

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Question

Can you use salt that you have in the kitchen or does it have to be a certain type of salt?

Community Answer

It needs to be salt without iodine and other preservatives. Sea salt works best.

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Question

The eating part is so wrong. You cannot eat yogurt due to the fact that is has bacteria in it and will lead to infection.

Community Answer

Not so! Yogurt contains good bacteria that helps to restore the natural environment of your mouth and stomach. You seem to be getting your bacteria types mixed up.

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Question

How much does a lip piercing hurt?

Community Answer

It totally depends on pain tolerance and the ability of the piercer.

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Question

What if I lick my lips a lot? Should I not do that?

Community Answer

It is normal to lick your lips, but try not to overdo it if you have a lip piercing. You don't want to irritate your piercing, because that may delay healing time or make it more susceptible to infections. Make sure you keep cleaning it properly as well.

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Question

My new lip piercing is itchy. Is that normal?

Community Answer

Yes, it's normal. It means your body is healing.

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Question

How long should you avoid water for?

Community Answer

You don't necessarily need to avoid water.

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Question

I am not supposed to get the piercing wet. Do I soak my lip with the ring in it?

Community Answer

Yes. Hold a cup to your lip in a way that submerges the piercing hole and jewellery. Do not remove the ring or it'll heal over.

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Question

How do I make swelling on the outside of my lip go away?

Community Answer

Use an ice pack or ice; hold some ice gently on your piercing. Don't push too hard as that might hurt it. Just use it as you would an ice pack and it'll help. Or, try sucking on ice and take an anti-inflammatory as well.

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Question

Why shouldn't I smoke right after a piercing?

Community Answer

Smoking greatly increases the chance of infection.

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Question

What does it mean when the outside of my lip is a little red?

Community Answer

It will normally be a little red after all just got a piercing. If the red gets spot gets larger and more swollen with smelly discharge and stinging, you may have an infection.

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Question

After the piercing has healed, can you leave the lip ring out without it closing up?

Community Answer

Not instantly, no. A lip piercing can take up to 3 years to become completely permanent, depending on your body. After it's completely healed you should be able to leave it out for short periods of time but again, every piercing is different.

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Question

When can I change my lip piercing?

Community Answer

Wait at least 6 weeks. Do not change it until it no longer hurts and is completely healed.

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Question

Are you allowed to take the piercing out to clean it after you get it done? Or do you have to wait for it to heal and then take it out?

Community Answer

You're not supposed to take out the piercing at all for about 6 weeks. You just have to clean around it.

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Question

How long will the swelling last?

Community Answer

It really depends, my first one was swollen for like two days, the second one only for a few hours. If it lasts longer than a week, you may want to consult a doctor.

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Question

What can I use instead of mouthwash?

Community Answer

There really is no alternative. Make sure the mouthwash you use does not have alcohol.

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Question

Can drinking vodka infect a lip piercing?

Community Answer

You can pretty much drink and eat whatever you want. Just make you're cleaning it properly. I don't think vodka would be an issue.

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Question

Am I supposed to take the jewelry out while it is healing in order to soak it?

Community Answer

No, as the piercing will close up. Always keep in the jewelry in until everything is fully healed.

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Question

Can I take some supplements like Vitamin C and/or Vitamin E to speed up the healing process?

Community Answer

Sure, you could - or better, just eat things rich in those vitamins. Vitamin C certainly helps with healing of all kinds. Zinc and Vitamin B could also be helpful.

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Question

Is pink salt acceptable instead of sea salt?

Community Answer

You should use fine-grained sea salt and nothing else. Best not to chance it.

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Question

Should I use Q-tips and Neosporin to clean my piercing?

Community Answer

Ointments can trap infection and aren't recomended. Q-tips, however, can be helpful for cleaning when soaked in a salt water solution.

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Question

Why would my piercer suggest using Listerine mouthwash?

Community Answer

Listerine is an antiseptic, which can reduce the risk of infection in your piercing.

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Question

How do I eat without the risk of biting on my snake bite studs in my mouth?

Community Answer

Eat slowly and carefully, and don't just chomp away.

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Question

Do I need to avoid oral pleasures?

Community Answer

Yes, for the initial healing period. (Usually about 3 weeks.) Simple kisses may be okay, but avoid anything beyond that.

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Question

I'm a competitive swimmer and swim 5 days a week in a chlorinated pool. Can I cover it with waterproof tape?

Community Answer

As long as you know 100% sure no water would get in the piercing, it should be fine. But keep in mind that chlorine pools are extremely unhygienic and can cause serious infections, so you may not want to risk it if you have any doubts.

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Question

Will a lip piercing heal better with a ring or a stud in it?

Community Answer

A stud is best in case your lip swells, ideally a longer stud.

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Question

How do I keep the inside of my lip ring from hanging on the rim of my husband during oral?

Community Answer

Take out the piercing if it's fully healed. If it's not healed, avoid oral sex until it is healed.

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Question

Why does the mouthwash have to be alcohol-free?

Community Answer

Alcohol will dry out the piercing, which will irritate it. If you can't find an alcohol-free mouthwash, try some saltwater instead.

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Question

How do I sleep without ripping it out?

ThatPleb 101

Community Answer

Laying on your back is the best option, but if it's a post and not a ring, you could put a band-aid over it. (Just make sure the sticky part isn't on the piercing.)

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