What to Know About Aftercare for Medical Piercing

Medical piercing aftercare

Getting a medical piercing is a safe and hygienic way to have your ears or nose pierced. But the healing process doesn’t end once the piercing is done. Aftercare is just as important.

Proper cleaning and care help prevent infections, reduce discomfort, and support faster healing. Whether you’ve had your ears or nose pierced, knowing how to care for it is key.

Why Aftercare Matters

Even though medical piercing is done in a clean, sterile environment, a piercing is still an open wound. Without proper care, bacteria can enter the site and cause complications.

Aftercare helps protect your skin, reduce swelling, and ensure the piercing heals correctly. Cleanliness, consistency, and attention to detail all play an important role in your recovery.

Ear piercing aftercare

General Piercing Aftercare

The most important rule is to keep the area clean and avoid unnecessary contact. Always wash your hands before touching your piercing. Cleaning twice a day is recommended—once in the morning and once in the evening.

During showers, gently wash the piercing with mild liquid soap and rinse thoroughly. Dry the area carefully using a clean tissue or cotton swab, not a towel.

Don’t remove the jewellery during the healing period. This helps keep the hole open and allows the tissue to heal properly around it.

Caring for Ear Piercings

Medical ear piercings are done using skin-friendly, sterile jewellery—but even the cleanest piercing needs care afterward.

Make sure you clean both the front and back of the ear. After washing, let the area air dry completely before getting dressed or applying any products.

You can change your earrings after six weeks, but only if the piercing is healing well. Always wash your hands and use clean jewellery.

Caring for Nose Piercings

Nose piercings also require daily care. Gently wash the outside of the nose twice a day using liquid soap and rinse with water. Use cleansing swabs to clean between the skin and jewellery.

Keep the area dry and avoid applying cosmetics, perfumes, or sprays near your face. Be gentle when washing your face, changing clothes, or blowing your nose.

If the jewellery shifts during sleep or daily activity, press it back into place gently with clean fingers.

Wait at least four weeks before switching to new nose jewellery. Healing continues for several months, so ongoing care is recommended even after changing your stud.

What to Avoid

During the healing period, try to minimize exposure to products and environments that could irritate your piercing. That includes:

  • Harsh soaps or alcohol-based cleaners
  • Makeup or sprays applied near the piercing
  • Rough contact with clothing or hands
  • Prolonged moisture or submersion in water

Small adjustments to your daily routine—like drying your piercing thoroughly or using a bandage at night—can help speed up the healing process.

Safe medical piercing

Watch for Signs of Complications

Some discomfort is normal at first. You may notice mild redness or swelling in the first few days. But if symptoms persist or worsen, it could be a sign of infection.

Be on the lookout for:

  • Increased pain or swelling
  • Discharge that is yellow or green
  • Redness that spreads beyond the piercing
  • Warmth or throbbing at the site
  • Fever or flu-like symptoms

If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to speak with a doctor. Avoid removing the jewellery unless advised to—this can trap bacteria inside the piercing.

navel piercing with needle by doctor

Start Safe, Stay Safe

Whether you’re caring for your baby’s first ear piercing or maintaining your own nose piercing, following simple aftercare steps makes all the difference. Clean hands, gentle cleansing, and careful handling help your skin heal comfortably and without complications.

At Medical Piercing Clinics in Ontario and Calgary, we make safety our priority from start to finish. Our experienced medical professionals use sterile equipment and skin-safe materials to ensure every piercing is done to the highest standards of care.

For a safe, sanitary piercing experience—and expert guidance on aftercare—book your appointment with Medical Piercing today.

Over 500,000 Safe Piercings Done


Book An Appointment