Are you considering getting a tragus piercing? Have you recently gotten one and are looking for tips on how to keep it clean and healthy? We've got you covered! Welcome to The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning and Caring for your Tragus Piercing. We'll take you through the basics of caring for your tragus piercing, so that you can enjoy it with confidence. This guide covers everything you need to know to keep your tragus piercing looking and feeling its best. Let's get started!
What is a Tragus Piercing?
The tragus is the small triangle-shaped cartilage flap located above and to the side of your ear canal (pictured above). It is usually pierced with a flat back piercing stud with a designed top (pictured below).
How to Clean Your Tragus Piercing
Cleaning your tragus piercing is essential for avoiding infection and promoting healing. To clean your tragus piercing, you should use a saline solution or a non-iodized sea salt solution twice a day. Soak the area for five to ten minutes, and then gently pat it dry. You can also use a Q-tip or cotton swab to clean the area around the piercing.
What Products to Use for Cleaning and Aftercare
When it comes to cleaning and caring for your tragus piercing, you want to make sure that you are using the right products. A non-iodized sea salt solution will help reduce inflammation, redness, and swelling while it also fights off infection. You can make your own sea salt solution just make sure to dissolve the salt completely before applying it to your tragus piercing. You can do this by adding non- iodized sea salt to boiling water that has since cooled. Additionally, you can use a mild soap when showering!
What to Avoid When Cleaning and Caring for Your Tragus Piercing
It's very important to make sure that you are taking proper care of your tragus piercing. You should never use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or ointments on your piercing as they can irritate the skin and they can damage the piercing jewelry. Instead, stick to a saline solution or non- iodized sea salt solution specifically designed for piercings to keep it clean and healthy. Additionally, avoid touching the area too much as this can lead to infection.
Proper Healing Times and Signs of Infection
Typically, you should expect a tragus piercing to take 3- 6 months to heal. It varies person to person but it will likely take a minimum of 3 months. During this time, you should watch for signs of infection such as redness or swelling (pictured below). If signs of infection persist contact your piercer or doctor to get their advice on the healing process. It's also important to note that some people heal faster than others. If you are prone to infections, then make sure that you keep your tragus piercing clean at all times and follow all aftercare instructions carefully.
Tips for Avoiding Infection and Other Complications
Make sure to wash your hands before touching your tragus piercing or cleaning it. As we have mentioned, make sure to avoid using products with alcohol, peroxide, tea tree oil, or any other harsh chemicals, as these can irritate the piercing increase your risk of infection. Additionally, try to avoid changing or removing your jewelry too soon or too often. This can disrupt the healing process and lead to irritation or infection as you are introducing new bacteria into the fresh piercing hole.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you experience any signs of infection or other complications including excessive redness, swelling, discharge, fever, and pain be sure to reach out to your piercer or healthcare professional. Additionally, if you feel like your tragus piercing is too tight or too loose, seek professional advice from a body piercer who can help you adjust the jewelry accordingly.
Conclusion
A tragus piercing is an exciting way to express your style and make a statement. To ensure your piercing will heal quickly and safely, it is important to follow the proper steps for cleaning and caring for your tragus piercing. By following the steps outlined in this guide, your piercing will heal and you can style it any way you'd like! Remember to seek professional help if you experience any signs of infection or other issues during the healing process! Check out some of our tragus piercings linked below!!
