A Traveler’s Guide to Body Piercings
How to ensure both you and your piercings enjoy the journey.
Planning a new piercing while you’re planning a trip? You might be wondering how to take care of a healing piercing while you're away from home. This guide covers everything you need to know to ensure your piercings are as happy as you.
Understanding the Needs of Your Piercings While Traveling
Body piercings can require lifestyle adjustments to accommodate these beautiful new adornments. Whether it's adjusting your sleeping habits, incorporating aftercare into your daily routine, or taking special precautions while traveling, it's important to plan ahead. Here's what you should consider before hitting the road:
1. Allow Adequate Healing Time
Your piercing will have the best chance of success if it has had sufficient time to heal. It's generally advised to avoid traveling within the first one to two weeks after getting a new piercing, depending on its location. Travel can introduce variables, like climate and elevation changes, which might negatively impact the healing process. Swelling, for example, can fluctuate with elevation changes, and is especially noticeable after flights.
To mitigate this, consider:
Waiting at least 72 hours before flying to allow some of the initial swelling to subside.
Using anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen to ease swelling in healing piercings before and after flying.
Using ice to reduce swelling. This can be especially helpful with oral piercings.
Getting pierced with a longer piece of jewelry to accommodate potential swelling.
Stay on top of your cleaning regimen. We offer travel-sized aftercare products that you can take in your carry-on.
2. Be Cautious with Water Activities
While it's tempting to jump into a pool or relax in a jacuzzi during vacation, it's best to avoid soaking new piercings. Most bodies of water are breeding grounds for bacteria, which can introduce your piercing to potential infections. The mix of bacteria and chemicals from various sources in these watery environments poses a significant risk, so it's suggested to keep your piercing dry and clean and avoid submerging it while it’s healing.
If avoiding water completely isn't feasible, some piercings could be protected using a waterproof, breathable bandage, such as Tegaderm. This type of dressing can be an effective protective measure only if it's applied correctly and stays in place. Ensure the bandage completely seals around the piercing and jewelry to prevent water from penetrating. This method can provide a barrier against bacteria and chemicals while allowing you to enjoy at least a small amount of water activities.
3. Know Where to Get Help
If you encounter significant swelling, irritation, or other concerns with your piercing while traveling, it’s important to know where to seek help. Members of the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) can provide assistance and are located worldwide. You can find a qualified piercer through their directory at safepiercing.org. These professionals can help assess your piercing, provide suggestions for care, and change your jewelry to better accommodate swelling if necessary.
If you experience symptoms of an infection, such as unexpected and excessive redness, pain, or discharge, seek medical attention promptly. It’s important to take potential infections seriously to prevent complications.
Need more information? Give us a call or book a consultation with a piercer to get advice specific to the piercings you are interested in and the travel you have planned. We’re always here to help!