How to Clean Helix Piercings

Helix piercings often make sleeping uncomfortable throughout the healing process.

All ear cartilage piercings take between three months and a year to heal fully. Helix piercings are the most common cartilage piercing. There are specific precautions you need to take to prevent infection throughout the healing period. Practice good hygiene and avoid touching the piercing while it heals unless you are performing a daily cleaning. Keep your hair clean and dry it immediately after washing. Clean your piercing one time each day with chloroxylenol or triclosan based antibacterial soap. Avoid using alcohol swabs, Betadine, peroxide or tea tree oil for cleaning.

Things You'll Need

• Antibacterial soap
• Cotton swabs
• Timer
• Lavender Essential oil
• Grape seed oil
• Vitamin C supplement 2500 mg
• Zinc supplement 100 mg

Instructions

1. Scrub your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap and hot water.

2. Soak a cotton swab in warm water and apply to the piercing site. Pour a drop of antibacterial soap on each side of the piercing site and spread the soap evenly over the site with the cotton swab until you produce a lather.

3. Push any dried discharge away from the site of the piercing gently with the cotton swab.

4. Set your timer for two minutes. Rotate your jewelry continuously during this time to push the soap through the piercing.

5. Soak another cotton swab in cool water and rinse the piercing site until all soap residue is gone. Allow the site to air dry. Avoid using a towel to prevent infection.

Tips & Warnings

• Use 10 drops of essential laoil diluted in 15 mL of grape seed oil and apply with a cotton swab in the same manner as the antibacterial soap twice a week to reduce scar tissue. Ask your doctor if it is safe for you to take daily supplements of Vitamin C and Zinc to expedite the healing process.

• Do not change jewelry by yourself until the piercing site has healed. Keep your phone, bedding, and hats clean at all times. Seek medical attention immediately if your pain increases, you see increased redness, or you notice thicker, discolored discharge from the piercing site.

References

• Body Piercing Guide: Ear Cartilage Piercings