Well we are now approaching that time of year again here in Australia when the question of Summer fun in the water is asked often when people are considering getting a new piercing.
Care should be taken with fresh piercings and swimming for the first month or so.
My general rule of thumb regarding swimming with fresh piercings is – “If you’d be worried if you got a mouthful of the water you’re considering swimming in, then DON’T put your fresh piercing in it.”
This most commonly applies to:
- public swimming pools
- home pools that are not well maintained
- public and home spas
- rivers and lakes because there is no bacterial control
- and “still” salt water like bay beaches.
While your piercing has not yet healed, it is an open wound that is prone to infection if you bathe in water with a high bacterial content. The worst offender in this is heated spa’s.
Surf beaches are usually ok. The water here is much cleaner than other choices.
If you want to take a dip and you’re unsure regards the quality of the water – or whether your piercing is healed – please use a waterproof dressing such as tegaderm. Waterproof dressings are available from most pharmacies.
Rinse your piercing with clean water after swimming – and ENJOY YOUR SUMMER 🙂
Remember to not leave infections untreated. They can turn nasty quickly.