Cartilage piercings, popular for their diverse placement options, require dedicated aftercare. Unlike the fleshy earlobe, cartilage has a limited blood supply, making its healing process longer. A diligent aftercare routine supports natural healing, minimizes complications, and ensures a successful outcome.
Daily Care for Your Piercing
Maintaining a clean environment around your new cartilage piercing is important for proper healing. Begin by thoroughly washing your hands with antibacterial soap and warm water before touching the piercing area. This prevents bacteria and infection.
The primary cleaning agent for a cartilage piercing is a sterile saline solution. This can be a pre-packaged wound wash containing 0.9% sodium chloride and water, or a homemade mixture of 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt dissolved in 8 ounces of warm distilled water. Apply the solution by spraying it directly onto the piercing or by saturating a clean gauze pad or cotton swab, gently dabbing the front and back. Avoid using cotton balls, as their fibers can snag on the jewelry.
Clean the piercing two to three times daily. After applying the saline solution, gently pat the area dry with a clean paper towel or non-woven gauze to prevent moisture buildup. It is not necessary to rotate or twist the jewelry during cleaning; this can cause irritation and delay the healing process.
Practices to Avoid for Better Healing
Refrain from touching the piercing, as this can transfer bacteria to the open wound. Manipulating the jewelry by twisting or playing with it can also irritate the healing tissue and potentially lead to complications like bumps or prolonged healing times.
Avoid using harsh cleaning agents such as rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or perfumed soaps on the piercing. These products can dry out the skin, damage new cells, and impede the natural healing process. Do not apply ointments or creams to the piercing, as they can trap moisture and bacteria, blocking airflow to the wound.
Sleeping directly on a new cartilage piercing can apply pressure and friction, causing irritation, swelling, and delayed healing. To mitigate this, consider sleeping on your back or using a U-shaped travel pillow to create a space for your ear. Be mindful of hair products, cosmetics, and clothing that may come into contact with the piercing, as these can introduce irritants or snag the jewelry. Avoid submerging the piercing in unhygienic bodies of water, such as pools, hot tubs, lakes, or oceans, until it is fully healed, as these environments can harbor bacteria.
Recognizing and Addressing Healing Challenges
It is important to differentiate between normal healing signs and potential complications. During the initial days, mild tenderness, itching, slight redness, or clear/white-yellow fluid discharge that forms a crust are typical. However, signs such as excessive pain, significant swelling, persistent redness, warmth around the piercing, or the discharge of thick, foul-smelling yellow or green pus may indicate an infection.
If you suspect an infection or experience persistent issues like a painful, discolored, or swollen bump, consult a professional piercer or a healthcare provider. Do not remove the jewelry prematurely if an infection is suspected, as this could cause the piercing to close, trapping the infection inside the tissue. A piercer can assess the situation and offer guidance, while a doctor can diagnose an infection and prescribe appropriate treatment, such as oral antibiotics if necessary.