Yes, you should delicately remove blood crust, often referred to as "crusting" or "crusties," from your new piercing as part of your regular cleaning routine. This type of accumulation is a normal part of the healing process.
Understanding Piercing Crusties
When a new piercing heals, your body naturally produces a clear to pale yellow fluid (lymph). This fluid, along with any dried blood or dead skin cells, can dry and form a "crust" around the piercing site. While it's a sign your body is working to heal, these crusties can become uncomfortable or even hinder healing if not gently removed. Keeping the area clean by removing these accumulations helps maintain hygiene and promotes proper healing.
How to Safely Remove Piercing Crusties
Proper and gentle removal of crusting is crucial to avoid irritation or damage to the delicate healing tissue. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Prepare Your Solution: Use a saline solution specifically designed for wound care or a homemade solution of non-iodized sea salt and distilled water. Avoid harsh chemicals, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide, as these can irritate the piercing and delay healing.
- Soak the Area: Gently soak the piercing area to soften the crusties. You can do this by holding a clean, wet cotton ball or cotton round soaked in saline solution against the piercing for a few minutes. This softens any dried discharge, making it easier to remove without force.
- Delicate Wiping: Once softened, delicately wipe away the crusting with a clean, wet cotton ball, cotton round, or Q-tip dipped in the saline solution. The goal is to gently lift the crusties away, not to scrub or pick at them.
- Clean Once Daily: It is recommended to clean the piercing area once a day to remove any accumulated crusting and keep the new piercing clean. Consistent, gentle cleaning is key to a smooth healing process.
Cleaning Your Piercing: Do's and Don'ts
Proper aftercare is essential for a healthy piercing. Here’s a quick overview of what to do and what to avoid:
| Do's | Don'ts |
|---|---|
| Clean daily with saline solution. | Don't pick or forcefully remove crusts. |
| Soak to soften stubborn crusts. | Don't use harsh chemicals (alcohol, peroxide). |
| Use clean cotton balls or Q-tips. | Don't rotate or play with the jewelry. |
| Wash hands before cleaning. | Don't touch with unwashed hands. |
For more detailed information on piercing aftercare and why crusting occurs, you can refer to reputable sources like Byrdie's guide on piercing healing.
Why Removing Crusties is Important
Removing crusties helps prevent bacteria from building up around the piercing, which could lead to infection. It also ensures that the piercing channel remains clear and allows the skin to breathe, promoting a cleaner and more efficient healing environment. While they are a normal part of healing, their delicate removal is a crucial step in maintaining piercing hygiene.
