This week I spent five days relaxing with my boyfriend and his family at Center Parcs in Longleat. It was a lovely place, but unfortunately I had to do battle with one of my arch-nemesis… PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS. I hate those verruca infested, urine-filled cesspits. Unfortunately I didn’t want to be a spoil-sport and not go swimming with everyone, and many of the outdoor activities are cancelled during the winter period. Bugger. I will admit the swimming itself was fun, but the aftermath reminded me of my hatred almost instantly.
I couldn’t hear out of one ear and my piercings weren’t happy. Specifically my newest microdermal. Let the fun times begin!
Now other than rant on about the cleaning process, I thought it would be best to post up my care method to aid anyone who has a similar incident!
First things first, gather everything you need. I use:
- Anti-bacterial soap (I use the brand dettol)
- Non-iodized sea salt
- A small cup/shot glass small enough to cover the area
- Fresh kitchen towels (for drying the area around your microdermal)
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Hot water
The next step is the most important step. Wash your bloody hands! Grab that anti-bacterial soup and give your hands a good scrub, Christ only knows what you’ve been touching. You’ll then want to clean out the cup with some peroxide and make sure you wash it out thoroughly before using it. Hydrogen Peroxide is an acid and will burn you if used directly to your skin. It is far too strong for piercing aftercare, only use it for (slightly) sterilising equipment. Never use peroxide on piercings!
Now run your tap and let the water get to a temperature you can just bare on your skin. The heat will encourage blood flow around the infection, helping it to heal faster. Add a small amount of sea salt, but not too much! You should aim to get it to around the saltiness of tears. Too much salt and it will dry your skin, prolonging the healing process.
Hold the cup over the microdermal (as pictured) for 3-5mins. This will allow the warmth of the water and the drawing, slightly sterile nature of the salt to work it’s magic. If I can clearly see some swelling under my microdermal I give it a little squeeze. Wash your skin with warm water. I usually do an additional soak for 1min before washing it with cold water and letting it air-dry. Towels harbour bacteria, never use towels on an infected piercing.
Do this twice a day. Over-care can be just as damaging as none at all. If you find there is lymph around the piercing do not pick it off. It is a sign that your body’s immune system is working and an important part of the healing process.
Good luck and I hope you have a swift recovery. Remember if you are worried about the infection, always speak to your doctor or a trained piercer!
