What are the effects of a snag on a piercing?
A snagged piece of jewelry causes immediate pain, but the impacts can go far beyond that. Here's what can happen if you snag jewelry repeatedly or too violently:
1. Immediate pain and irritation
When a piercing is pulled or moved suddenly, it causes instant pain. This shock can lead to:
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Redness around the area.
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Increased sensitivity for a few hours or days.
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Skin irritation caused by rubbing or stretching.
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Sometimes, slight bleeding .
2. Prolongation of healing time
If your piercing is still healing, a snag can disrupt this process. The area then has to "repair" itself again, extending the overall healing time.
3. Migration or rejection
Repeated snagging puts stress on the piercing channel. This can cause migration (gradual displacement of the jewelry) or, in extreme cases, complete rejection. These phenomena are particularly common in delicate areas such as the navel, eyebrows or surface piercings.
4. Risk of infection
A snag can create small, invisible lesions. If they are not cleaned properly, bacteria can lodge there, increasing the risk of infection.
How to avoid collisions?
Even with the best jewelry, snags can happen. Here are some simple tips to minimize this risk:
1. Choose suitable jewelry
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Properly fitting jewelry : Jewelry that is too long or ill-fitting is more likely to snag. Consult your piercer to choose a suitable size and style, and don't hesitate to take a look at our helix piercing jewelry .
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Minimalist design : Choose jewelry with a smooth surface and no prominent ornaments, especially during healing.
2. Pay attention to your clothes
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Gently put on clothes that are likely to catch (wool sweaters, lace, tight collars).
- Choose soft, non-cling fabrics like cotton or silk, especially during the first few months.
- For ear or facial piercings, try removing your sweater from the shoulders rather than over your head.
- If you wear a motorcycle helmet, carefully move the foam away from your piercing when putting it on and taking it off.
3. Adapt your daily routine
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Tied Hair : If you have long hair, it can easily get tangled in your jewelry. A bun or ponytail can be a temporary solution. A braid (or African braid) is ideal to avoid this problem.
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Soft towels : Use short-fiber towels like microfiber towels, woven cotton towels, or even thin hammam-style towels. If you don't have any of these, just let your piercing air dry.
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Protect your piercings if necessary : During sports or risky activities, apply a bandage to protect your jewelry.
What to do if your piercing is irritated after a snag?
Despite all these precautions, it is impossible to completely eliminate the risks. Here is how to react in the event of a collision:
1. Clean quickly but gently
Use a sterile saline solution to clean the area. This will kill bacteria and reduce the risk of infection. If there is bleeding, you can apply a disinfectant, but consult your piercer for a personalized opinion.
2. Soothe the area
A warm compress soaked in saline solution applied for a few minutes can soothe pain and reduce redness.
3. Observe your piercing
Watch for the following signs:
- Persistent redness or swelling.
- Pain that does not decrease after 24 to 48 hours.
- Abnormal discharge (yellow or greenish).
If any of these symptoms appear, consult your piercer promptly.
4. Leave your jewelry alone
Avoid handling or turning your jewelry after a snag, this could make the situation worse.
