Emu oil is a pale yellow liquid derived from the fat of the emu, a large flightless bird native to Australia. It is commonly sold as a topical skin care product, often promoted for its ability to soothe irritation and support skin health. This article investigates the properties of emu oil and evaluates its suitability for active piercing aftercare.
Emu Oil’s Biological Properties
The composition of emu oil generates interest for its use in skin applications. The oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, making up approximately 60% to 70% of its total content. Monounsaturated oleic acid, an omega-9 fatty acid, is the most abundant component, often accounting for over 40% of the oil.
This high percentage of oleic acid is thought to enhance the oil’s ability to penetrate the outer layers of the skin. The oil also contains linoleic acid, an omega-6 fatty acid, and other saturated and unsaturated fats. These components contribute to the oil’s reported anti-inflammatory properties, which is the primary reason it is considered for use on irritated tissue.
Scientific studies suggest emu oil may reduce certain chemicals that trigger redness and swelling, supporting its reputation for soothing skin. This utility has led to its promotion for various minor skin ailments. While these properties are beneficial for general skin care, they do not automatically translate to safe use on a new, open piercing channel.
Safety and Application for Healing Tissue
Applying emu oil to a fresh piercing is generally discouraged by piercing professionals. A new piercing is a puncture wound, and introducing a non-sterile product carries risk. Commercial emu oil is not a medical-grade, sterile product, meaning it may contain contaminants that can lead to infection.
A significant concern with using any thick oil is the risk of occlusion. Applying a heavy, greasy substance seals the piercing channel, trapping dead skin cells, debris, and bacteria inside. This environment, devoid of necessary airflow, creates ideal conditions for bacterial growth and increases the risk of infection.
Occlusion can also lead to the development of irritation bumps, often mistakenly identified as keloids. These bumps, which are usually hypertrophic scarring, form when the healing tissue is constantly irritated by trapped matter or lack of oxygen. The oil prevents the natural flushing and drying process important for a clean healing environment.
The use of emu oil depends heavily on the piercing’s stage of healing. It is strongly advised against during the initial, active healing phase. Once a piercing is fully healed and stable, a small amount of refined emu oil may be used for general moisturizing. It may also be useful later to massage established scar tissue, but only after consulting with a professional piercer or dermatologist.
Recommended Piercing Aftercare
The standard for new piercing aftercare focuses on simple, non-irritating methods that allow the body to heal itself. The primary cleaning agent recommended is sterile saline solution, which contains 0.9% sodium chloride and is formulated for wound wash. This solution is isotonic, matching the body’s natural salinity, allowing it to clean the area without damaging fragile healing cells.
A new piercing should be cleaned by gently irrigating the area with the sterile saline spray, typically once or twice a day. It is important to avoid using harsh chemicals such as alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antibacterial soaps. These can severely irritate and dry out the healing tissue, prolonging the recovery time.
Many professionals advocate for the “LITHA” (Leave It The Hell Alone) principle, which emphasizes minimal physical interaction. This means avoiding touching, rotating, or moving the jewelry, as mechanical irritation is a major cause of complications. Allowing warm water to run over the piercing in the shower is often sufficient to rinse away any crusty discharge.
The goal of aftercare is to keep the piercing clean and dry while avoiding interference with the natural biological process. Introducing any oil, including emu oil, before the piercing has fully matured into a healed fistula contradicts this approach and introduces unnecessary risk.