Aftercare varies by piercing location, but several principles apply broadly.
Wash your hands before necessary contact with the area.
Follow your piercer's written aftercare instructions.
Use sterile saline wound wash when appropriate.
Avoid twisting or rotating jewelry unnecessarily.
Reduce pressure, friction, and snagging.
Do not change the jewelry prematurely.
Seek medical advice if symptoms suggest infection or another complication.
Cartilage piercings may take many months to heal fully. A piercing that looks settled on the outside may still be healing internally.
Increasing pain, spreading redness, unusual warmth, fever, or concerning discharge should be assessed by a healthcare professional. Do not remove jewelry from a potentially infected piercing without medical guidance.