How to Take a Bath with a New Piercing

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If you've got a new piercing, you know how important it is to keep it clean and healthy. [1] Taking a bath with a new piercing is best avoided, if possible; showering is safer and easier. However, if your only option is to take a bath, some precautions can help you avoid infections.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Showering Instead

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  1. It is easier, safer, and overall a better idea. [2]
    • You should ideally not have a soaking bath until the piercing is through the initial healing stages, and oozing, bleeding and scabbing have all stopped.
  2. Just be careful to avoid hitting or damaging your piercing area. Don't pull at or scrub the area.
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  4. Ideally both. [3] The purpose of this is to rinse out any bacteria or soap that might have snuck in there.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Bathing (if Necessary)

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  1. [4] Clean the bath thoroughly first. [5] Disinfectant and a very good rinse. Repeat this step every single time you bathe with a new piercing.
  2. Very hot water will cause your piercing to swell and hurt.
  3. If not possible, do everything you can to keep the piercing well clear of the water. Make sure a minimum amount of contact occurs between the piercing and the water.
    • Do not allow any soap, shampoo, conditioner or any other chemicals to get on the piercing.
    • Do not touch, pull, tug, brush against, wash over, scrub around or near the piercing whilst you are in the water. [6]
  5. Then immediately rinse the wound out with sea salt water (one pinch in an eggcup of boiled and cooled water is about right) or tea tree oil. Ideally both. [7] The purpose of this is to rinse out any bacteria, or soaps that might have snuck in there, and it is absolutely critically important that you do this as soon as you are out of the water.
  6. [8]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I wash my hair in the tub after getting an ear piercing?
    Community Answer
    I wouldn't recommend it, but if you have to, try to avoid getting soap in the piercing.
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    Not Helpful 4 Helpful 32
  • Question
    How many times should I clean the piercing? Should I use just the saline water and nothing else?
    Community Answer
    You should be soaking your piercing 2-3 times a day in warm saline water. You shouldn't need anything else to clean your piercing.
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    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 29
  • Question
    I pierced my ears a few days ago, and they've started swelling, and they're painful. What do I do?
    Community Answer
    If the area is red, swollen, and leaking pus, it may be infected. Soak the piercing 2-3 times per day in a mixture of warm (not hot) water and non-iodized salt. Talk to your doctor to make sure you don't need antibiotics.
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      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about care pf piercings, check out our in-depth interview with David Wilkins .

      References

      1. ↑ David Wilkins. Professional Body Piercer. Expert Interview
      2. ↑ https://ironbrush.com/about/piercing-aftercare/
      3. ↑ https://almostfamouspiercing.com/tea-tree-oil/
      4. ↑ David Wilkins. Professional Body Piercer. Expert Interview
      5. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/house-and-home/household-advice/a657043/bathroom-cleaning-tips-sparkling-bathroom/
      6. ↑ David Wilkins. Professional Body Piercer. Expert Interview
      7. ↑ https://www.byrdie.com/body-piercing-aftercare-new-piercing-care-to-common-piercing-problems-4077438
      8. ↑ David Wilkins. Professional Body Piercer. Expert Interview
      9. ↑ David Wilkins. Professional Body Piercer. Expert Interview
      1. ↑ David Wilkins. Professional Body Piercer. Expert Interview
      2. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/lifestyle/can-i-go-swimming-after-a-piercing/
      3. ↑ David Wilkins. Professional Body Piercer. Expert Interview

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To keep your new piercing clean, try taking showers instead of baths while the piercing heals. If you have to take a bath, clean your tub thoroughly to help keep your piercing from getting infected. Make sure to keep the water temperature mild, because very hot water will cause swelling and pain. While it may be tempting to relax in the bath for a long time, limit your piercing’s exposure to soap and chemicals from shampoos or conditioners by only bathing as long as you need to. Once you get out of the bath, lightly pat your piercing dry and immediately rinse the area out with sea salt water. For more advice, like how to shower with a new piercing, read on.

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      • Anonymous

        May 9, 2017

        "Thanks for the info. I got very little aftercare advice/tips after I got my piercing today. This information helped ..." more
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