Piercings are a popular way of expressing oneself through body modification. However, taking care of piercings can be a delicate process. One common question during the healing process is whether or not to remove “crusties” that form around the piercing. Crusties are a natural part of the healing process, but many people are unsure if they should remove them or leave them alone. In this article, we will explore the topic of crusties on healing piercings and whether or not they should be removed.
What Are Crusties?
Crusties are a natural part of the healing process for piercings. They are formed from the lymphatic fluid that is produced by the body to help heal the piercing. This fluid dries and forms a crust around the piercing, which helps to protect it from bacteria and other harmful elements.
Are Crusties a Sign of Infection?
While crusties are a normal part of the healing process, they can also be a sign of infection if they are accompanied by other symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain. Infections can occur if the piercing is not properly cleaned or if the jewelry used is of poor quality. If you suspect that your piercing may be infected, it is important to seek medical attention.
Leave Crusties Alone When Healing a Piercing
When it comes to healing piercings, the golden rule is “leave it the hell alone!” and this includes leaving your crusties alone as well. While it may be tempting to pick and scrape at the crusties around your piercing, doing so can actually do more harm than good. It’s important to be patient and let your body heal naturally.
How to Safely Remove Crusties
To safely remove crusties, running your piercing under the shower is a good rule of thumb. The water pressure should be enough to remove any crust that is ready to come off. However, if the crust is still stuck, it’s not yet ready to be removed. It’s important not to force or pick at it, as this can cause further irritation and slow the healing process.
You can gently poke the crusties with clean hands for piercings that can’t be run under direct water, such as a daith piercing. But again, only remove crusties that are ready to come off with the slightest bit of pressure. Remember, crusties are like scabs, and removing them too early can cause further damage to the raw tissue underneath.
While leaving crusties alone is usually the best course of action, they can sometimes cause more harm than good. Crusties are made of a sticky liquid that can fuse to your jewelry before drying, causing it to get pushed through your piercing if it gets knocked around. This can prolong the healing process and cause further irritation.
If you do need to remove crusties, there are safe methods to do so. Running your piercing under high water pressure is the best option, as it won’t cause any harm to your piercing. Gently poking the crusties with clean fingers is also an option, but be careful not to push too hard or use dirty nails.
Salt water soaks can also help remove crusties and promote healing. However, it’s important not to overdo it, as too much salt water can dry out and irritate your piercing. Always use a sterile wound wash with only two ingredients: water and sodium chloride, such as Neilmed Piercing Aftercare.
Why You Should Never Use Q-Tips
Whatever you do, never use Q-Tips or cotton balls to remove crusties. These fibers can get stuck in your piercing and cause further irritation and infection. Instead, use medical gauze if you need something that can be soaked and touched against your piercing.
How to Clean Crusties from Healing Piercings
It is important to clean your piercing regularly to prevent infection and promote healing. However, it is important not to over-clean the piercing, as this can cause irritation and delay healing. To clean crusties from healing piercings, follow these steps:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Wet a cotton ball or swab with warm water.
- Gently clean around the piercing, taking care not to move the jewelry.
- If necessary, use a saline solution to help dissolve the crusties.
- Rinse the piercing with warm water and pat dry with a clean towel.
Do Not Pick at Crusties
While it may be tempting to pick at crusties, this can actually harm the healing process. Picking at crusties can cause bleeding and scarring, which can delay healing and even lead to infection. It is important to let crusties fall off naturally as the piercing heals.
Can Removing Crusties Harm Healing Piercings?
Removing crusties from healing piercings can actually harm the healing process. Crusties are formed from the lymphatic fluid that is produced by the body to help heal the piercing. Removing the crusties can disrupt the healing process and delay the formation of new crusties, which can actually slow down the healing process.
Best Practices for Aftercare and Removing Crusties from Piercings
To promote healing and prevent infection, it is important to follow these best practices for aftercare:
- Clean your piercing regularly with a saline solution or warm water.
- Avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands.
- Avoid using harsh soaps or other products on the piercing.
- Wear loose clothing to avoid irritating the piercing.
- Avoid swimming or submerging the piercing in water until it is fully healed.
It is also important to avoid removing the jewelry before the piercing is fully healed, as this can cause the piercing to close up and lead to infection.
Do Crusties Slow Down the Healing Process of Piercings?
Crusties are a natural part of the healing process and do not necessarily slow down the healing process. In fact, crusties help to protect the piercing from harmful bacteria and other elements. However, picking at crusties or removing them too early can disrupt the healing process and delay the formation of new crusties.
What Are Crusties Made of in Healing Piercings?
Crusties are made of lymph fluid that is produced by the body to help heal the piercing. The fluid contains white blood cells, plasma, and other substances that help to fight off infection and promote healing. As the fluid dries, it forms a crust around the piercing, which helps to protect it from harmful elements.
Should You Remove Crusties from New or Healed Piercings?
It is not necessary to remove crusties from new or healed piercings. Crusties are a natural part of the healing process and will fall off on their own as the piercing heals. Removing crusties can actually disrupt the healing process and delay the formation of new crusties, which can slow down the healing process.
Can Leave Crusties on Healing Piercings Cause Scarring?
Leaving crusties on healing piercings will not necessarily cause scarring. However, picking at crusties or removing them too early can cause bleeding and scarring, which can delay healing and lead to infection. It is important to let crusties fall off naturally as the piercing heals.
How Often Should You Clean Crusties from Healing Piercings?
It is important to clean crusties from healing piercings regularly to prevent infection and promote healing. However, it is important not to over-clean the piercing, as this can cause irritation and delay healing. Aim to clean the piercing 1-2 times per day, or as directed by your piercer or healthcare provider.
Is It Normal for Crusties to Form on Healing Piercings?
Yes, it is normal for crusties to form on healing piercings. Crusties are a natural part of the healing process and help to protect the piercing from harmful bacteria and other elements. However, if you experience other symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain, it is important to seek medical attention as this may be a sign of infection.
FAQs
Q: Are crusties a sign of infection in healing piercings?
A: Crusties are not necessarily a sign of infection in healing piercings. However, if you experience other symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain, it is important to seek medical attention as this may be a sign of infection.
Q: How often should you clean crusties from healing piercings?
A: Aim to clean the piercing 1-2 times per day or as directed by your piercer or healthcare provider.
Q: Can leaving crusties on healing piercings cause scarring?
A: Leaving crusties on healing piercings will not necessarily cause scarring. However, picking at crusties or removing them too early can cause bleeding and scarring, which can delay healing and lead to infection.
Q: Should you remove crusties from new or healed piercings?
A: Removing crusties from new or healed piercings is unnecessary. Crusties are a natural part of the healing process and will fall off on their own as the piercing heals.
Q: Do crusties slow down the healing process of piercings?
A: Crusties are a natural part of the healing process and do not necessarily slow down the healing process. In fact, crusties help to protect the piercing from harmful bacteria and other elements.
Conclusion
In conclusion, crusties are a natural part of the healing process for piercings and do not necessarily need to be removed. It is important to clean the piercing regularly to prevent infection and promote healing, but it is equally important not to over-clean the piercing as this can delay the healing process. If you experience any symptoms of infection, it is important to seek medical attention. By following these best practices for aftercare, you can ensure that your piercing heals properly and looks great for years to come.
