Piercing vs swimming pool and sauna – tips and recommendations. Can I make use of swimming pool, gym etc. having had ears pierced?

Ear piercing, especially when freshly done, requires following a set of recommendations to ensure optimal healing conditions. So, how does one address the dilemma of piercing and using facilities like swimming pools and saunas? The answer is simple – ear piercing does not exclude the possibility of visiting places like pools, saunas, or gyms; however, certain precautions should be taken. Below, we provide tips and recommendations to make this possible.

Piercing vs Swimming Pool and Sauna – Is It Safe to Swim After Piercing?

When it comes to swimming pools or other water bodies such as jacuzzis, natural lakes, or seas, special caution is required. Water in these locations may contain bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms that can increase the risk of infection. While chlorine in pool water has bactericidal properties, it can also irritate the wound, slowing the healing process.

• Healing Time: While ear piercings typically heal within 6–8 weeks, navel piercings may require 6 months to a year to fully heal. The navel area is more susceptible to movement, friction, and moisture, making it more prone to irritation and slower healing.

Recommendations:

• Avoid Swimming for at Least 6–8 Weeks: This period allows the initial healing process to take place. For more sensitive areas, such as the navel or cartilage, the healing period may be longer – up to 6 months.
• Protect the Piercing: If swimming is unavoidable, use a waterproof bandage to shield the piercing from direct water contact.
  • After swimming:
    • Gently wash the piercing with antibacterial soap or a special piercing aftercare solution.
    • Thoroughly dry the wound with a sterile gauze pad, avoiding rubbing.
• Avoid Submerging Your Head: If the piercing is on your face, ears, or other areas that might come into contact with water, limit head immersion.

Piercing vs Swimming Pool and Sauna – Is It Safe to Exercise After Piercing?

Gyms, like swimming pools, pose certain risks for fresh piercings, including:

• Contact with Sweat: Sweat contains bacteria and salts that can irritate the wound or cause an infection.
• Clothing Friction: Tight or ill-fitting clothing can snag on the piercing, causing irritation or injury.
• Contaminated Surfaces: Shared gym equipment, mats, and benches may harbor bacteria that can infect a fresh piercing.

Recommendations:

1. Avoid the Gym for the First 2 Weeks: During this period, the piercing is most vulnerable to infection.
2. Minimize Sweating: Adjust workout intensity to avoid excessive sweating. After exercising, thoroughly clean and dry the pierced area.
3. Be Careful with Accessories and Clothing: Avoid wearing headphones, headbands, or tight clothing that could catch or irritate the piercing.
4. Protect the Piercing: Use a bandage or dressing to shield the area from contact with sweat, clothing, or dirty gym equipment.
5. Avoid High-Impact Exercises: For piercings in high-friction areas (e.g., navel, nipples), avoid exercises that cause bending, compression, or friction in the area.
6. Clean the Piercing Post-Workout: Use a saline solution or a specialized piercing care product to clean the area gently.

Piercing vs Swimming Pool and Sauna – Other Public Spaces (Saunas, Steam Rooms, Beaches)

Piercing and swimming pools or saunas – beyond these popular places, let’s consider the risks associated with using saunas or swimming in the sea:

1. Saunas and Steam Rooms
   • Avoid saunas for at least 6–8 weeks. High heat and humidity can encourage bacterial growth and excessive sweating, which may irritate the piercing and delay healing.
2. Beaches and Sea Water
   • While seawater is salty and can have mild antiseptic properties, it is not sterile. Sand and debris at the beach can easily contaminate the wound.
   • If visiting the beach, protect the piercing with a waterproof bandage and avoid swimming in the sea for the first 6–8 weeks.

How to Care for a Piercing During the Healing Period?

1. Daily Hygiene
   • Clean the pierced area twice daily with saline solution or a specialized piercing aftercare product.
   • Avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as these can excessively dry and irritate the skin.
2. Avoid Touching
   • Only touch the piercing with clean hands, and avoid twisting or turning the jewelry unnecessarily.
3. Wear Appropriate Clothing
   • Ensure that clothing does not rub against the piercing to prevent irritation.
4. Monitor the Piercing
   • Watch for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, discharge, or pain. If any issues arise, consult a piercer or a healthcare professional.

Engaging in activities like swimming, gym workouts, or visiting saunas after getting a piercing requires careful planning and responsible behavior. Avoiding unnecessary risks during the first weeks or months of healing is essential to prevent infection. By practicing good hygiene, protecting the piercing, and following expert recommendations, you can ensure a smooth healing process and minimize complications.

Compendium of knowledge about Piercing the ears

• What ear piercing method is employed by Easy Waxing?
• Can one-year-olds get their ears pierced?
• Is it possible to get 2 ear piercings in the earlobe during one visit? How to properly set up an appointment?
• Do Blomdahl earrings have hypoallergenic properties?
• How long does it take for ears to heal?
• Can I purchase in your studio a new set of earrings?
• Can I make use of swimming pool, gym etc. having had ears pierced?
• What to do when an earring gets lost?
• Can I rely on your help with putting in the new set of earrings later on?
• What should I do in case I lose an earring stopper?
• Is Blomdahl’s ear piercing also dedicated for adults?
• Are there different models of piercing earrings?
• Is there an additional fee charged if medical grade titanium earrings are chosen?
• Can a minor come to a piercing appointment without an adult supervision?
• Is Blomdahl ear piercing a painful procedure?