Hi there! I'm Amelia, and I'm a professional piercer with over 10 years of experience. I'm passionate about body piercing and I love helping people safely and successfully adorn their bodies. I'm happy to answer your question about Savlon and new piercings.
Let's get one thing straight: **Savlon is not suitable for cleaning new piercings.** While it might seem like a good idea since Savlon is an antiseptic cream often used for minor wounds, it's actually really important to avoid using it on your new piercing. Here's why:
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Savlon can hinder the healing process. Antiseptic creams like Savlon are designed to kill bacteria, which sounds good in theory. However, these creams can be too harsh for the delicate tissue of a new piercing, potentially irritating the area and delaying healing.
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Savlon can trap bacteria. The thick, creamy texture of Savlon can create a barrier over your piercing, trapping moisture and bacteria inside. This moist environment is a breeding ground for infection, which you definitely want to avoid.
* **Savlon contains ingredients that can irritate a piercing.** Some of the ingredients in Savlon, like fragrances and preservatives, can be irritating to a fresh piercing. This irritation can lead to inflammation, redness, and discomfort.
**So, what should you use to clean your new piercing?**
The best way to clean a new piercing is with a saline solution (salt water) or a gentle, fragrance-free soap specifically designed for piercings.
Here's a simple cleaning routine:1. Wash your hands thoroughly. This is the most crucial step in preventing infection.
2. Prepare your saline solution. You can buy sterile saline solution from a pharmacy, or you can make your own by dissolving 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt in 8 ounces of warm water.
3. Cleanse your piercing. Gently clean the piercing and the surrounding area with the saline solution or piercing soap. Use a clean cotton swab or gauze pad to remove any crusty discharge.
4. Rinse thoroughly. Make sure to remove all traces of soap or saline solution.
5. Pat dry with a clean paper towel. Paper towels are more hygienic than cloth towels, which can harbor bacteria.
Remember:*
Don't over-clean your piercing. Twice a day is usually enough. Over-cleaning can irritate the area and slow down healing.
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Avoid touching your piercing. Your hands carry bacteria that can cause infection.
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Be patient. Healing takes time.
If you experience any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pain, or discharge, contact your piercer or a medical professional immediately.
Taking proper care of your new piercing will help it heal beautifully and safely. Remember, when it comes to aftercare, less is often more. Stick to the recommended cleaning routine and avoid using harsh products like Savlon.
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