You've (hopefully) heard the spiels about the horrors of piercing guns and the debate of their legality, but what about the provided after-care cleansers that promise "nothing-short-of-a-miracle rapid healing?"
Let's get one thing straight.
Your body will heal your piercing regardless of what products or methods you use.
There will be individuals who heal piercings despite the factors working against them. But just because those people "vouch" for a certain DIY remedy, does not mean that it will work for you or the majority, or that it's even a good idea.
Follow aftercare advice recommended by your (reputable) piercer. (NOT Dr. Google, and certainly not the untrained employees in the mall.)
Proper aftercare for most piercings should only consist of saline. No essential oils, no antibac soaps, no ointments, no magical-herb-witchy-voodoo.
Let's take a peek at what one such popular (albeit inappropriate) product consists of:
• Quick Healing! 3 weeks for ear piercing, 6 weeks for nostrils, 8 weeks for cartilage.
• Pediatrician tested.
• Ingredients: water, sodium hypochlorite, phosphoric acid
• Avoid direct contact with clothes as fabric discoloration may occur.
Not only is this information absurd and false, but it is dangerous!
In any percentage, these ingredients are too harsh for safe and healthy healing (and, I don't know about you, but I wouldn't want to put any product in my open wound that could discolor my clothes... 🤷🏼♀️)
Let's clear some of this grossly misconstrued information up...
Lobe piercings take 6-8 weeks to heal.
Nostrils can take from 4-6 months to heal.
Cartilage may take 6-9 months to heal.
Here's a background on the ingredients contained in this product:
HAZARD SUMMARY
* Phosphoric Acid can affect you when breathed in.
* Phosphoric Acid is a CORROSIVE CHEMICAL and
contact can irritate and burn the eyes.
* Breathing Phosphoric Acid can irritate the nose, throat
and lungs causing coughing and wheezing.
* Long-term exposure to the liquid may cause drying and
cracking of the skin.
IDENTIFICATION
Phosphoric Acid is a colorless, odorless solid or a thick, clear liquid. It is used in rustproofing metals, fertilizers, detergents, foods, beverages, and water treatment.
Source:
This is what you could be cleaning your children's open wounds with!
(Not to mention, it is typically more expensive than wound wash/saline).
These products are gimmicky and cause more harm than good. Research is a vital part in ensuring a successful piercing experience.
Piercings require commitment and dedication, and no single product will speed up this process.
Be safe out there!
Happy healing!
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