Itchy piercing? Discover the causes and our soothing solutions!

The causes of itching

1. Healing in progress: a normal phase

If your piercing is recent, itching can be a sign of healing. During this phase, your body reacts to repair the area. Itching is a common side effect while the skin rebuilds itself.

Namely:

• This can last from several weeks to several months.
• As long as you do not notice intense redness, swelling or unusual discharge, there is no cause for concern.

2. Reaction to the jewelry material

Jewelry made with an unsuitable material (such as alloys containing nickel) can irritate your skin and cause itching.

The solution:

• Opt for jewelry made of ASTM F-136 titanium, niobium, or high-quality surgical steel.
• Consult your piercer for a change if you suspect an allergy.

3. Excessive drying

Excessive use of antiseptic products or an overly rigorous aftercare routine can dry out the skin around the piercing, leading to itching.

What to do :

• Clean a maximum of twice a day with a sterile saline solution.
• Avoid perfumed soaps, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide, which can dry out or irritate.

4. Accumulation of sebum and dead cells

The skin around the piercing naturally produces sebum, which can accumulate with dead cells and cause irritation.

Trick :

• Gently clean around the jewelry with a sterile saline solution to remove any residue.

5. Snags or friction

Accidental snagging with your clothing or repeated friction (for example, with a helmet or earphones) can irritate the area and cause itching.

How to prevent it?

• Adapt your jewelry to your lifestyle: opt for simple and well-fitting designs.
• Pay attention to tight clothing or accessories that may cause irritation.

Can itching be a sign of infection?

Sometimes, but not always. Here are the symptoms of a possible infection:

• Persistent redness or heat around the piercing.
• Yellow or greenish discharge.
• Increased pain and swelling.

If you notice these signs:

• Contact your piercer immediately.
• Clean gently with a sterile saline solution.
• Do not remove the jewelry without professional advice, as this could worsen the situation.

What can be done to relieve the itching?

1. Avoid scratching or touching

As tempting as it may be, scratching can worsen irritation or introduce bacteria.

2. Moisturize the skin

If your skin is dry, apply a moisturizing treatment suitable for healing (approved by your piercer).

3. Soothe irritations with saline compresses

Apply a compress soaked in warm saline solution to the piercing for a few minutes. This will relieve itching and promote healing.

4. Choose a suitable piece of jewelry

If the itching persists, your jewelry may not be suitable. For example, jewelry that isn't right for a helix piercing can cause rubbing or irritation. In this case, consider switching to titanium or niobium jewelry, which is ideal for sensitive skin.