Swimming is a basic summertime essential. Cool dips in the pool are all you need to refresh during a vacation. However, a big concern arises if you have just gotten your ears pierced. You might wonder how long one should wait for the infection to heal. Even though you have the swimming cap on, the risk of getting an infection always stops the way. If you, too, are thinking, can you swim after getting your ears pierced? We have got you covered. It is advised to avoid swimming for at least 24-48 hours. However, we will discuss the factors in detail in this article below.
Healing Process after Piercing
When you get a piercing, your earlobe or cartilage gets a tiny wound that needs time to heal. Like any wound, proper healing helps prevent infections and other issues.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Earlobe piercings usually heal in 6 to 8 weeks.
- Cartilage piercings can take up to 12 months to fully heal.
The healing phase is crucial because the piercing is most vulnerable to infection during this time. How quickly and well your piercing heals depends on a few key factors:
- Your overall health
- Proper aftercare routine
- Exposure to potential contaminants
To avoid complications, make sure to follow these tips before swimming after getting your ears pierced.
Risks of Swimming with New Piercings
Although you can swim after getting your ears pierced, waiting for some time is a good option. This is because a newly pierced area, be it the nose, belly button, or ear, is more susceptible to infection, and surely you don’t want to make it worse, do you? So, let us discuss the risks associated with swimming when having new piercings, which are listed below:
- Infection: Lakes, oceans, and pools are full of bacteria and microbes. Exposing your fresh piercing to these environments can drastically increase the risk of infection.
- Irritation: Swimming too soon can cause irritation. Chlorine in pools and salt in ocean water can make a new piercing red, swollen, and uncomfortable.
- Delayed Healing: Water can soften the skin around your piercing, slowing down the healing process. This can lead to complications and increase the chances of improper healing.
Professional Tips
Now, if you have got your ears pierced and wonder how long you have to wait before you can swim, I am here with expert suggestions. Experts often advise you not to swim right after getting your ears pierced. The following are some guidelines to abide by:
- Wait for the initial healing phase: Avoid swimming until the initial healing is complete. This means waiting at least 6-8 weeks for earlobe piercings and at least three months for cartilage piercings.
- Check your piercing’s condition: Always check for signs of inflammation or infection before swimming. Your piercing should be free of redness, swelling, or discharge before taking a dip.
- Use protective measures: If you need to swim before full healing, take precautions. Use waterproof bandages or ear protectors to keep water and bacteria away from the piercing.
If you want to know about the ways to properly cover your ears, check out this article for an in-depth explanation.
Tips for Keeping Your Ear Piercings Safe in the Water
If you can’t wait long enough after getting your ears pierced and choose to swim, take care of your piercings by following these tips:
- Clean your piercings before and after swimming: Use a saline solution or an antiseptic recommended by your piercer to clean and dry your piercings. This helps remove bacteria and allergens.
- Avoid submerging your head: Try to keep your head above water to minimize exposure. Engage in activities like wading or light swimming that don’t require full submersion.
- Use waterproof barriers: Silicone ear guards or waterproof bandages can help keep water out. Ensure they are securely in place before entering the water.
- Shower right after swimming: Rinse your piercings thoroughly with fresh water, then clean them again with a saline solution to remove bacteria, salt, or chlorine.
- Listen to your body: Watch for signs of infection or irritation. If you notice worsening redness, swelling, pain, or discharge, stop swimming and consult your piercer or a healthcare provider.
Knowing When to Get Medical Help
After knowing that you can swim after getting your ears pierced, the next step is to get ready for any unforeseen incidents, such as rashes or discharge. While some slight irritation is normal, the following signs point to a possible infection or other issue that needs to be checked out:
- Increased Redness and Swelling: Redness and swelling around the piercing site that lasts longer than usual or gets worse may be a sign of an infection.
- Pain and Discharge: Infection symptoms include intense pain, green or yellow discharge, or an unpleasant smell.
- Fever: Fever can be a sign of a more serious infection that requires immediate medical attention.
If you encounter any of these symptoms, it’s imperative that you get medical help. Prompt intervention can avert more severe issues and guarantee appropriate recovery.
Conclusion
Summing up, the article covered detailed information about whether you can swim in chlorine water and pool after getting your ears pierced. If you want to keep up with the piercing trend yet refresh in the summertime by summer, the above-mentioned guide is a lifesaver. So, follow the tips and thank us later.