How to Treat Infections, Bumps, Or Swelling

If your piercing looks infected or has a bump (not a keloid), or is very swollen, we recommend healing soaks to help your body naturally clear the irritation. It’s important to keep the earring in during treatment — removing it can trap the infection inside and make healing more difficult.

Healing Soaks

This method uses your body’s natural salinity to help flush out bacteria and promote healing. Proper saline concentration is crucial, so we recommend using OceanMist Piercing Aftercare Spray if possible.

How often: Soak your piercing 3–5 times daily for 3–5 minutes until the irritation subsides.

Using OceanMist Piercing Aftercare Spray:

  1. Spray some aftercare solution into a glass cup.
  2. Heat it in the microwave for about 10 seconds (warm, not hot).
  3. Dip a sterile cotton ball into the warmed solution.
  4. Place the soaked cotton ball gently against your piercing.
  5. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.

Making Your Own Saline Solution:

  1. Pour 1 cup of warm, sterile water into a clean cup.
  2. Add 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt or pink Himalayan salt and stir until fully dissolved.
    (Avoid using too much salt — a stronger solution can irritate your skin.)
  3. Dip a sterile cotton ball into the saline solution.
  4. Place the soaked cotton ball on your piercing.
  5. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes.

Important Tips:

  • Never clean your piercing with alcohol, peroxide, creams, soaps, or ointments.
    These can damage the skin, burn the piercing, trap dirt or fibers, and delay healing.

General Aftercare Guidelines:

  • For the first two months, clean your piercing twice daily (morning and night).
  • If irritation occurs later, continue cleaning regularly.
  • Clean your piercing any time it comes into contact with potential irritants — after bathing, applying lotions or hair products, or wearing hats.

For more detailed aftercare information, please click the button below to visit our Aftercare Page.

View Piercing Aftercare Information Here