I just got both of my nipples pierced earlier today and want to make sure that I do all the correct aftercare procedures so I do not get an infection.
From what I have read, am I to understand that you only clean the piercing for 2 1 2 weeks? So after that you stop twisting the ring with soap after that point?
Also, I work in a warehouse loading merchandise and carrying heavy boxes all day. As a result I sweat a lot on my chest. What is the best method as far as keeping the area clean during my work day? Should I wear a tight tank top undershirt or keep a loose shirt on? And what is the best way to remove the crust that forms?
If you are following our aftercare, then yes, you only clean for about 2 1 2 weeks. Yes, you stop moving the jewellery after that point as well. What we generally suggest for cleaning is that you soap around the breast area and then let the warm water run over the breast area. This will get out any dirt sweat accummulated for the day. The body will do the rest of the healing job. The more you move and irritate this piercing, the greater chance you have of developing a problem.
Overcleaning is the most common problem we have seen for any piercings. Wearing a undershirt or another layer underneath may be helpful; each person is different and you have to see how you feel when wearing the extra layer.
The best way to remove crusties is after your shower, take a Q-tip and remove the softened crusties without moving the ring too much. If you let the water run over the piercings for a few minutes, these crusties should be quite easy to remove without moving the ring.
Keep in touch
Great, thanks for all the advice...
It has been 6 days since I got my piercings and I think that they are doing well... I do my best to leave them alone but sometimes they get bumped. When this happens, they get hard and super sensitive (which is great lol) but the tips of my nipples get white. Is this normal? And when I am rinsing them in the shower can move the ring up and down? Or is it best to not move it at all?
Also, I was wondering how long it I have to wait until I can go into any bodies of water. I am moving to California at the end of the month and obviously want to go into the ocean. Will this compromise the healing process at all? What about a pool?
And one more note; from the looks of it, my actual nipples look very dry and around the piercing holes looks dry too... Should I apply some Shea Butter to them to moisturize them? And if so, do I have to be careful not to get any in the holes?
Thanks in advance!
What products are you using on your piercings? The colour of your nipples is a little bit of a concern. Are you using any of these products; alcohol, peroxide, Bactine? If so, please STOP! This is drying out the tissues and why the nipples are white. If not, then we need more information so that we can help resolve this issue.
When bumped, the piercings will become sensitive and even bruised. Do your best to avoid that. When its time to clean the piercings then you can move the ring back and forth to get them clean. Other than that, if the rings by some chance get put in a upward position, then you can move them to a downward position, but do not rock it up and down - it will irritate the piercings.
As to swimming, by the time you move out to California, you will be able to swim in any body of water without problems. Right now, you can only swim in a chlorinated pool (for the next 2-3 weeks).
If the nipples are dry and chapped, please put on some type of moisturizer as long as it does not get into the piercing. You will know it if any does get inside. It will sting!
Keep in touch
As far as products that I am using on the piercings, I am only using Dial antibacterial soap with no moisturizer (liquid orange soap). I used Neosporin for the first 2 days, but after that just using the soap in the shower.
It is only the tip of my nipples that turns white when it gets very sensitive after it is bumped cold type reaction.
Also, I started to wonder, how long will I have to wait until it is OK for someone to play with my piercings? Do I have to wait until they are all healed?
Thanks again
You will only clean your piercings for another week with you reducing the frequency as well. After that, just leave them alone and do not clean them. We recommend soaping around the nipple area and then letting the water run over them for a few minutes. This is all the 'cleaning' you will need after next week.
If you notice that you have crusties, after your shower take a Q-tip and remove them. If they become dry or chapped, you can take another Q-tip and a water based moisturizer and rub it into the skin, not in the piercing. This is all you will have to do after your aftercare is completed.
As to letting someone play with them, it will be up to how you feel when someone does. Take your cues from your body, if you can handle it then great.
Good luck
Great, thanks for all the help....
I have ran into an issue that has brought some concern to me....
There have been multiple occasions when my nipple feels like it is wet and I lift my shirt and the left side of my right nipple piercing is oozing what looks like a white yellowish puss....... is this normal? or first signs of infection.... It does not feel any diffent from the left nipple, but definitly makes me think what is going on....
Thank you again!!!!!!!
What do you mean by multiple occasions? Is there a regularity to it? Generally for women, just before their periods some can experience a discharge that lasts a couple of days and then stops. For men, they do not have a regular system and we have seen some have monthly discharge and other once every six months or even once a year. This is because we are mammals and the nipple area will wheep a discharge for some people.
Its not an infection and we generally recommend that you let water run over them in the shower and then take a Q-tip and remove the discharge. Try and not move the ring too much. For a few, this just lasts a short while and for others longer. We cannot tell you what your body will do; everyone is different.
Take care
