Cleaning piercings?

[reverie]

tbh, i think hydrogen peroxide would be better for minor wounds (like piercings) than witch hazel.

but all in all, best bet would be to double check with the piercer.

Why do you think this?

[©antSEEme]

because which hazel is an astringent, not a disinfectant.

it would prob work better as an anti-bruising agent or anti-scarring like you mentioned, but as far as infection fighting goes, rubbing alch or hydro peroxide

but, this is just my opinion. also, like i said, i had my piercings done years and years ago, so there's prob better ways now.

[reverie]

because which hazel is an astringent, not a disinfectant.

it would prob work better as an anti-bruising agent or anti-scarring like you mentioned, but as far as infection fighting goes, rubbing alch or hydro peroxide

but, this is just my opinion. also, like i said, i had my piercings done years and years ago, so there's prob better ways now.

Ah, gotcha. I wasnt reccommending the Witch Hazel for the disinfecting part of the process. I was recommending it at the end after the salts, specifically for soothing and to prevent swelling. Swelling can make the piercings (especially infected or very tight ones) get swallowed up into the skin. Bad scenario, has happened to me a couple times. Ibuprophen helps to also reduce swelling.

I wouldn't use hydrogen peroxide or anything with alcohol in it because like I said it will dry out the skin, potentially causing some of the healing skin to flake off, sometimes making the hole bigger etc. This is mainly a concern if you're worried about scarring. It's very important on facial scars not to do this, as they are notorious for scarring horribly....On lobes I don't see it causing a problem.

[AlteredStateGrl]

....and...hfb....how are things with your bloody ear now?? better i'm hoping.

[amsklei]

I've got 6 piercings from professionals to friend-jobs. For each set I've kind of experimented with different healing techniques. On my first earring I used peroxide and I would not recommend for anyone to use that for a piercing. Next I got my Lip done and I was recommended by the piercer to use regular anti-bacterial soap on the outside (a mild mouthwash for the inside). By a different piercer I had my nipples done and was recommended salt water. I tried H2Ocean but found it was just as easy to buy a small 2 oz spray bottle and make up a bunch of salt water and refill as necessary. Finally I had my lobes done by a friend with 2 sewing needles, a Bic lighter, a 14 gauge barbell, isopropyl alcohol, and a pair of rubber gloves. I used salt water mostly but washed them really good every time I took a shower. The only time it got infected was after a time it ended up in someones mouth. Then I used alcohol daily and it subsided. Now if anything starts to ache (like its early warning of infection) I use "Doctor Burt's Herbal Blemish Stick" that little sucker is pretty handy.

[al-Mu'akhkhir]

you can get infections in piercings after they heal?

anyways the piercings are coming along nicely, the right one is barely noticeable though the left which has been the most problematic in terms of having more fluid and blood than the right seems to be awfully sore today... I noticed some puss on the entrance of the piercing when I woke up so I q-tipped it off and it sort of stung a little... I was surprised.

I work with a professional piercer so she's been looking at it daily and she thinks they both are looking fine.

[HansyPants]

Triple antibiotic works well, don't twist the studs too much because it can lead to build up of scarring

And for any type of piercing, this stuff works wonders if you have some place to buy it

+1 on this H2Ocean. This stuff is great because you don't actually have to touch the piercing. Try not to move it around/twist it/rotate it because it actually introduces new bacteria into the wound. If you have crusties take a quick shower so you don't have to touch them or just use the spray and wipe away but try not to rotate them intentionally.
God Speed and happy healing