piercings summer vacation piercer cleaning
Start writing a post
Arts Entertainment

5 Things To Consider Before Getting A Piercing This Summer

Before you go under the (piercing) needle, make sure you can take care of it.

Reese Addison
Jun 12, 2018
College of Charleston
79
5 Things To Consider Before Getting A Piercing This Summer
https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-with-silver-colored-nose-pin-922525/

It is always fun to show off unique body piercings, and the summer is the perfect time for it. I have several body piercing and in no way consider myself an expert, but I have successfully taken care of my piercings enough to heal them easily and keep them from infection. So I'm here to pass on some advice before you get pierced this summer season.

1. You shouldn't swim right after getting a piercing

Body piercings take months to a year to full heal and most piercers recommend waiting at least 3 months before diving in. Pools, lakes, ponds, and the ocean can be teeming with bacteria and the last thing you want is your fresh piercing becoming infected.

2. You will have to clean the piercing regularly

It's good to clean your piercing with unscented soap every time you shower and deep cleaning by soaking your piercing with warm saltwater for 20 minutes daily is the best way to promote fast healing. If you are planning on getting a body piercing, consider whether you'll be traveling a lot and if you are will you be able to keep up with cleaning while you're away. Proper cleaning is the key to avoiding keloids, quick healing, and preventing infections.

3. Think about what you'll be doing over the summer

If you're going to be in the sun a lot you don't want your piercing to get sunburned, which isn't hard if it's a ear or facial piercing. But getting sunscreen into what is essentially an open wound isn't a good idea either. And if you have a bellybutton ring or a dermal piercing, sand could easily get into it, which could irritate the piercing. That said, you should definitely still wear sunscreen, just make sure to apply gently around your fresh piercing.

4. You won't be able to change the jewelry

One of the most fun things about piercings is showing off new jewelry, but piercers suggest waiting 3-4 months before changing jewelry after the initial piercing. In the same way that touching and playing with a piercing irritates it, changing the jewelry too soon when the piercing is still fresh can slow the healing process. So if you get a piercing and want more than just a silver ball for jewelry, you'll want to pay a little extra for a "fancy" piece.

5. Plan ahead for your piercing

Doing things on a whim can be fun and exciting; even I have gotten an impromptu piercing and it's been my favorite experience so far. I did, however, know the shop I was going to and know it is clean and reputable. I went to the piercing parlor I always go to so I knew I was in good hands. If you decide to get a piercing on a whim while on vacation, make sure to research shops and don't just walk into the first one you see on the street.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

Siena College
15822
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
small towns
Relationships

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you.

University of New Haven
293496
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College
90163
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
waitlisted
Swoon

Navigating the Talking Stage: 21 Essential Questions to Ask for Connection

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

National Writers Society
152517
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
single life
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

Marist College
62242
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments