PIERCING EDUCATION ✦ HEALING & AFTERCARE
CAN YOU SWIM WITH A NEW PIERCING? 💦
Why swimming can interfere with healing and how to protect your new piercing.
Planning a beach day, pool party, or relaxing afternoon in the hot tub? If you've recently gotten pierced, you might want to think twice before jumping in!
At ARAKNA Body Jewelry, we want your piercings to heal beautifully. One important part of proper aftercare is avoiding swimming while your piercing is healing.
Here's why!
WHY SHOULD YOU AVOID SWIMMING?
A fresh piercing is an open wound, making it more vulnerable to irritation and infection.
Swimming pools, lakes, oceans, and hot tubs can expose your piercing to bacteria, chemicals, and other contaminants.
✧ SWIMMING POOLS
Chlorine helps disinfect water but doesn't eliminate every microorganism. Pool chemicals may also irritate healing tissue.
✧ LAKES AND OCEANS
Natural bodies of water can contain bacteria and other microorganisms.
✧ HOT TUBS
Warm water can encourage microbial growth, particularly when maintenance is inadequate.
Prolonged soaking can also soften healing tissue and contribute to irritation.
✧ Even water that looks perfectly clean isn't necessarily safe for a fresh piercing!
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU WAIT BEFORE SWIMMING?
The safest recommendation is to avoid swimming and submerging your piercing until it has fully healed.
Healing times vary depending on the piercing location, your anatomy, and your individual healing process.
Here are some general estimates:
| Piercing | Approximate Healing Time |
|---|---|
| Earlobe | 6–8 weeks or longer |
| Helix, conch, tragus & daith | 6–12 months or longer |
| Industrial | 6–12 months or longer |
| Nostril | 4–6 months or longer |
| Septum | 2–3 months or longer |
| Eyebrow & bridge | 3–6 months or longer |
| Tongue | 4–8 weeks or longer |
| Lip | 2–3 months or longer |
| Navel | 6–12 months or longer |
| Nipple | 6–12 months or longer |
| Surface & dermal piercings | Varies considerably |
| Genital piercings | Varies by placement |
These are approximate healing times, not guaranteed dates when swimming becomes safe.
Your piercing may look healed on the outside while the tissue inside is still recovering.
WHAT IF YOU ACCIDENTALLY GET YOUR PIERCING WET?
Don't panic! A brief splash of water doesn't automatically mean your piercing will become infected.
If your piercing is exposed to swimming water:
- Rinse the area with clean, running water.
- Use sterile 0.9% saline wound wash if appropriate for the piercing.
- Gently pat dry with clean, disposable gauze.
- Avoid twisting, touching, or unnecessarily moving your jewelry.
- Monitor for unusual swelling, increasing pain, redness, or discharge.
✧ Avoid using alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or harsh disinfectants to compensate for water exposure.
If you notice increasing pain, spreading redness, significant swelling, pus-like discharge, or fever, consult a healthcare professional.
PLANNING A VACATION? GET PIERCED AT THE RIGHT TIME!
If you have an upcoming beach vacation, swimming trip, or spa weekend, consider scheduling your new piercing afterward.
A little planning can save you months of unnecessary irritation!
If swimming is unavoidable, speak with your professional piercer beforehand about the risks.
Waterproof dressings may be suitable for certain piercing placements, but they aren't practical for every piercing and cannot guarantee protection.
KEEP YOUR PIERCINGS HAPPY & HEALTHY! 🖤
We know it's tempting to jump into the pool on a hot summer day, but protecting your healing piercing is worth the wait!
Remember: A beautiful piercing is a long-term investment. Give it the time it deserves to heal properly!
At ARAKNA Body Jewelry, we're always happy to answer your questions about piercing aftercare, jewelry sizing, and healing.
Have questions? Contact us at info@araknabodyjewelry.com or visit our website.
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