Industrial piercings are a unique and eye-catching way to adorn your ears, but they also require proper care and attention to keep them healthy and beautiful. Industrial piercings consist of two separate cartilage piercings that are connected by a single barbell that runs across the upper ear. Because of this, they are more prone to irritation, infection, and migration than other types of ear piercings. Therefore, it is important to follow some basic guidelines on how to clean and maintain your industrial piercing jewelry.
Cleaning Your Industrial Piercing Jewelry
The first step to keeping your industrial piercing jewelry clean is to wash your hands thoroughly before touching it. This will prevent the transfer of bacteria and dirt from your fingers to the piercing site. You should also avoid touching your piercing unnecessarily, as this can cause inflammation and delay healing.
To clean your industrial piercing jewelry, you will need some warm water, antibacterial soap, a soft toothbrush, and a clean paper towel or gauze pad. Here are the steps to follow:
- Remove the barbell from your ear gently and slowly. If the piercing is still healing, you may feel some resistance or discomfort, but do not force it out. If the piercing is fully healed, you should be able to slide the barbell out easily.
- Soak the barbell in a bowl of warm water mixed with a few drops of antibacterial soap for about 3 minutes. This will help loosen any crust or debris that may have accumulated on the jewelry.
- Scrub the barbell gently with a soft toothbrush to remove any remaining dirt or buildup. Pay special attention to the twists, curves, and hard-to-reach areas of the jewelry, as well as the threaded balls at each end.
- Rinse the barbell thoroughly under running water to wash off any soap residue. Soap can dry out your skin and cause irritation if left on the jewelry.
- Dry the barbell with a clean paper towel or gauze pad before putting it back in your ear. Do not use a cloth towel, as it may harbor bacteria or lint that can get into your piercing.
You should clean your industrial piercing jewelry at least once a week, or more often if you notice any signs of infection or irritation. You should also clean your jewelry before inserting it into your piercing, especially if you have changed it recently or have been wearing it for a long time.
Maintaining Your Industrial Piercing Jewelry
Besides cleaning your industrial piercing jewelry regularly, there are some other things you can do to maintain its quality and appearance. Here are some tips:
- Choose high-quality jewelry made from hypoallergenic materials such as titanium, surgical steel, or gold. Avoid cheap or plated jewelry that may contain nickel or other metals that can cause allergic reactions or tarnish over time.
- Store your jewelry in a safe and dry place when not in use. Avoid exposing it to moisture, heat, sunlight, or chemicals that can damage or discolor it.
- Rotate your jewelry occasionally to prevent it from getting stuck or embedded in your ear. This will also help distribute the pressure evenly on your cartilage and prevent migration or rejection of the piercing.
- Check the tightness of the threaded balls regularly and tighten them if needed. Loose balls can fall off and get lost or cause injury to your ear or other parts of your body.
- Replace your jewelry if it shows signs of wear and tear, such as bending, cracking, chipping, rusting, or fading. Worn-out jewelry can cause irritation, infection, or injury to your piercing.
Industrial piercings are a stylish and versatile way to express yourself, but they also require proper care and maintenance to keep them looking great and feeling comfortable. By following these simple steps on how to clean and maintain your industrial piercing jewelry, you can enjoy your piercing for years to come.
