Are you someone who recently got a new piercing? Or maybe you’ve had a piercing for a while now, but it’s taking longer than expected to heal? Whatever the case may be, you’re likely on the hunt for a solution to speed up the healing process. Luckily, there’s a natural method known as the LITHA piercing healing method that can help.
In this article, we’ll discuss what the LITHA method for piercing is and how to do it to heal your piercings the fastest. We’ll also dive into the benefits of healing piercings naturally, and provide answers to some frequently asked questions.
What is the LITHA Method?
LITHA stands for “Leave It The Hell Alone.” This may sound counterintuitive, but it’s actually a proven method for allowing your body to naturally heal your piercing without interference. The LITHA method involves minimal to no contact with your piercing, which means no twisting, turning, or cleaning with harsh solutions.
Instead, the focus is on letting your body do its job. Your body naturally produces lymph fluid that helps to flush out any bacteria or debris around the piercing site. By leaving your piercing alone, you’re allowing this process to happen without any interference, which can lead to a quicker and less painful healing process.
How to Do the LITHA Method
To start the LITHA method, you’ll want to clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Once your hands are clean, avoid touching your piercing as much as possible. This means no twisting or turning your jewelry, and no cleaning the piercing site with harsh solutions.
It’s important to note that while the LITHA method involves minimal to no contact with your piercing, you still need to be mindful of your piercing’s surroundings. Avoid wearing tight clothing that could rub against your piercing, and try to avoid sleeping on the side of your piercing.
How Long Do I Have to Do it?
During the healing period, it’s important to refrain from interfering with your piercing. This means resisting the temptation to poke or prod the area to check on its progress. It’s also important to avoid listening to anecdotal advice from friends or online forums about the length of time it takes for a piercing to fully heal. Every person’s body is unique, and healing times can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. Instead, commit to leaving your piercing alone and refraining from any unnecessary touching or attempts to change the jewelry for the entirety of the healing period.
How to Protect Your Piercing While Sleeping and Avoid Tangled Hair
Ensuring that your piercing remains safe while you sleep is crucial to the healing process. Here are a few tips to help you keep your piercing protected while you sleep:
Use a donut pillow:
If you have a healing ear piercing and find it difficult to avoid sleeping on it, you can use a hemorrhoid pillow, also known as a donut pillow, to keep your piercing from touching anything while you sleep on it.
Position pillows:
Try positioning pillows behind your back to prevent yourself from rolling over onto your piercing. This can be an effective method for those who have trouble staying in one position while sleeping.
Use chip clips:
Some people have found success using chip clips on their pajamas as a way to remind them not to roll over onto their piercing while sleeping.
In addition to protecting your piercing while sleeping, it’s important to take steps to avoid tangling your hair in the jewelry:
Wear your hair up:
During the healing period, keep your hair in a ponytail or braid to prevent it from getting tangled in your piercing. This will also help prevent your hair from getting caught in the jewelry and potentially causing damage to your piercing.
Be careful when brushing or drying your hair:
Wet hair is more prone to tangling, so take extra care when brushing or drying your hair to keep it away from your piercing. If possible, avoid brushing or drying your hair near the piercing site.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your piercing heals properly and avoid any unnecessary damage or discomfort. Remember to be patient and gentle with your piercing during the healing process, and if you have any concerns or questions, consult with your piercer or a medical professional for guidance.
Why You Shouldn’t Touch Your Piercing and What to Do About It
If you find yourself unable to resist the urge to touch your piercing, then it may be best to reconsider getting one in the first place. It’s important to remember that piercings involve intentionally inflicting some level of damage on your body, and your responsibility is to ensure that your body is given the best possible chance to heal properly. If you’re unable to control your impulses and keep your hands off your piercing, it may be a sign that you’re not ready or responsible enough to handle the healing process that comes with getting a piercing. It’s important to carefully consider your decision to get a piercing and be prepared to take the necessary steps to ensure its proper healing.
Can I Clean My Piercing with Soap?
No, it’s generally not recommended to clean your piercing with soap. While some piercers may recommend different methods for cleaning, using soap can be harsh on the delicate healing tissue and can lead to irritation or even infection.
How to Remove Crusties from Your Piercing
Crusties, which are the yellow flakes that can build up on your jewelry while it’s healing, are a normal part of the healing process and generally not harmful to your piercing. However, if a crusty is ready to fall off, it’s okay to remove it. The best way to remove crusties is to let water wash over your piercing for a few seconds while you’re in the shower. This will allow the crusties that are ready to come off to do so, while leaving the ones that aren’t. Never pick at crusties to pull them off, as this can introduce bacteria and potentially cause an infection.
Using Sterile Saline Spray to Clean Your Piercing
Another method for cleaning your piercing is to use sterile saline spray. This is a common recommendation from piercers and can typically be found at the counter of your piercing studio or in the first aid section of a pharmacy. When choosing a saline spray, be sure to check the ingredients and look for a product that contains only water and sodium chloride. Other ingredients can potentially irritate your piercing or slow down the healing process.
To use sterile saline spray, simply spray it around your piercing for a few seconds up to twice a day. Avoid using cotton swabs or balls, as the fibers can get stuck in your piercing and cause irritation. Instead, use non-woven gauze to dry your piercing after cleaning.
If your piercing is in a place that is more easily able to soak than spray, you can also soak your piercing in a bowl of sterile saline spray for up to fifteen minutes. Be sure to throw away the bowl of spray after each use, as it is no longer sterile.
Be careful not to overdo your saline spray routine, as too much saline can dry out your piercing and cause further irritation. Stick to the recommended usage and consult with your piercer if you have any concerns about the healing process.
Choosing the Right Piercing Aftercare
One of the most common questions asked when it comes to piercing aftercare is which method is right for you. The answer is simple – as long as you are basically leaving your piercing alone, how you are rinsing it doesn’t really matter. However, if you find your piercing is becoming too dry, it might be time to leave the saline spray behind. If you use the saline spray and find that it helps you heal quicker, you can safely add it to your healing routine for future piercings. Remember, everyone’s body is different and every piercing is unique, so you’ll have to figure out what works best for you.
Tips to Speed up the Healing Process
Piercings can take a long time to heal, so it’s important to be patient. However, there are a few things you can do to speed up the process. Drinking enough water, getting enough sleep, and avoiding smoking and drinking can all help. These are the same things that a doctor would recommend after a minor injury, and they can make a big difference in how quickly your piercing heals.
Reasons Why Your Piercing Might Not Be Healing Properly
If your piercing is taking much longer to heal than expected, there could be a few reasons why. The first reason might be that you’re not actually leaving it alone, and you might be unknowingly irritating it. The second reason could be that you have the wrong jewelry in your piercing.
For healing, it’s important to wear jewelry made of implant grade titanium. Regular titanium, stainless steel, or 316L won’t do. If you’re not sure whether your jewelry is made of implant grade titanium, visit a piercer and have them change it out for you.
Another reason why your piercing might not be healing properly is that you haven’t downsized your jewelry to an appropriate length. After you’re pierced, your piercer will fit you with a larger piece of jewelry to accommodate for swelling. In a few weeks, after the swelling has gone down, you will need to visit your piercer again to switch to a shorter piece. If you leave the longer piece in, it’s likely that it will be nudged around often because of the extra length. A well-fitting piercing is much harder to irritate.
Lastly, some piercers don’t recommend a ring for healing jewelry because it often shifts around. If your ring is shifting, it’s best to visit a piercer and get it switched out.
Remember, healing a piercing takes time. Be patient and follow the proper aftercare instructions to ensure that your piercing heals properly. If you have any concerns or questions, always consult a professional piercer or medical professional.
Healing Piercings Naturally
The LITHA method is a great way to heal your piercing naturally, without any interference from harsh cleaning solutions or excess touching. But what are the benefits of healing piercings naturally?
First and foremost, healing piercings naturally can lead to a quicker healing process. By avoiding any interference with your body’s natural healing process, you’re allowing your body to do what it does best – heal itself.
Additionally, healing piercings naturally can reduce the risk of infection. Harsh cleaning solutions or excess touching can introduce bacteria to your piercing, which can lead to infection. By leaving your piercing alone, you’re minimizing this risk.
Lastly, healing piercings naturally can be more comfortable. Twisting or turning your jewelry can be painful, and harsh cleaning solutions can be irritating to your piercing site. By leaving your piercing alone, you’re reducing the risk of pain and discomfort during the healing process.
FAQs
Q: Can I still clean my piercing with saline solution if I’m using the LITHA method?
Ans: While the LITHA method for piercing involves minimal to no contact with your piercing, you can still clean your piercing with saline solution if necessary. However, it’s important to use a sterile saline solution and to avoid excess touching or twisting of the piercing site.
Q: How long does the LITHA method take to heal a piercing?
Ans: The healing time for a piercing varies depending on the individual and the location of the piercing. However, using the LITHA method for piercing can lead to a quicker healing time compared to harsh cleaning solutions or excess touching.
Q: Can I still change my jewelry while using the LITHA method?
Ans: It’s recommended to wait until your piercing is fully healed before changing your jewelry. However, if you must change your jewelry while using the LITHA method, be sure to clean your hands thoroughly beforehand and avoid excess twisting or turning of the jewelry during the process.
Q: What should I do if my piercing becomes infected?
Ans: If you suspect that your piercing has become infected, it’s important to seek medical attention from a professional. In some cases, antibiotics or other treatments may be necessary to heal the infection.
Q: Can I still swim or take baths while using the LITHA method for piercing?
Ans: It’s generally recommended to avoid submerging your piercing in water while it’s still healing, as this can introduce bacteria to the piercing site. If you must swim or take a bath, be sure to avoid excess twisting or turning of the jewelry and to clean the piercing site thoroughly afterwards.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the LITHA method is a natural and effective way to heal your piercings. By leaving your piercing alone and allowing your body to naturally heal itself, you can reduce the risk of infection and discomfort, and potentially speed up the healing process. If you’re considering using the LITHA method, be sure to consult with your piercer or a medical professional to ensure that it’s appropriate for your specific piercing and healing process.
