Body piercing and sports: How to care for your piercing during physical activity?

Deciding on a piercing, such as a ragnar piercing, often raises questions about daily activities, including sports, which may have contraindications for fresh piercings. Can a new piercing interfere with workouts? How can you avoid irritation and infections during intense activity, ensuring proper care without compromising your piercing?

Healing time and the initial period after piercing

Every piercing, including lobe or conch, requires an appropriate healing time. During this period, it’s crucial to avoid intense physical activities. Depending on the location, healing may take several weeks to several months, so it’s essential to avoid removing jewelry until fully healed.

In the initial weeks post-procedure, avoid strenuous exercise that could lead to excessive sweating or mechanical damage to piercings like belly button or septum. Sweat creates an ideal environment for bacteria, which can cause infections, making hygiene critical. Using products like saline solutions or specialized sprays, such as Puri Nasin, can help prevent the formation of lymph and support healing.

How to protect fresh piercings during sports

If you decide to engage in physical activity with a new piercing, follow these essential guidelines:

• Clean the piercing regularly: Clean the pierced area 2-3 times daily to aid healing and prevent infections.
• Cover the piercing: Use protective gear, bandages, or plasters to shield the area from dirt and bacteria, especially for piercings like tragus or helix. Always wash your hands with antibacterial soap before touching the piercing.
• Avoid tight clothing: Tight garments can irritate the area, so opt for loose, breathable workout attire to avoid irritation.
• Disinfect after workouts: After every exercise session, clean the area with saline solution or recommended antiseptics to remove sweat and bacteria. Products like Marimer or Sterimar are excellent for cleaning piercings like lobe or conch.
• Avoid shared spaces: Gyms, pools, and saunas pose a higher risk of bacterial exposure. Avoid these environments during the initial healing weeks.

Types of sports and their impact on piercings

Certain sports can pose more risks to fresh piercings. Here’s a quick overview of potential challenges:

• Contact sports (e.g., soccer, basketball, MMA): These involve a high risk of accidental damage to piercings, particularly septum or helix. It’s best to remove jewelry or use protective covers during such activities.
• Yoga and Pilates: These are less invasive but avoid positions that pressure areas like the belly button piercing.
• Water sports: Pools and seawater can harbor bacteria, increasing infection risks. Always use waterproof plasters to protect the piercing.
• Running and fitness: Ensure sportswear doesn’t rub against the piercing. For nipple piercings, choose sports bras with soft padding to avoid irritation.

The importance of hygiene during physical activity

Maintaining hygiene is vital for fresh piercings, particularly during workouts. Here are a few tips:

• Always wash your hands before touching the piercing.
• Carry antibacterial wipes, saline solution, or piercing aftercare sprays for on-the-go cleaning.
• Avoid cosmetics near the piercing, as they may contain irritants that can delay healing.

When to stop exercising

If you notice symptoms like redness, swelling, pain, discharge, or other signs of infection, stop all physical activities and consult your piercer or a healthcare professional immediately. Proper care and timely action can prevent complications and ensure smooth healing.