How to Disinfect a Lip Piercing

Body piercing dates back to the ancient cultures of the Romans, Egyptians and Greeks, where they were used as group symbols and to ward off evil spirits. Nowadays, body piercings serve primarily as decorative. Piercings in different areas of the body take different lengths of time to heal and must be cared for properly to avoid infection. Lip piercings require two to three months to heal. Proper care and cleaning measures ensure the wound caused during the piercing process heals without infection.

Things You'll Need

• Antibacterial soap
• Towel
• Cotton swabs
• Saline solution
• Paper towels
• Alcohol-free mouthwash

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash away germs and bacteria before caring for your lip piercing.

  Wash your hands with antibacterial soap prior to cleaning and disinfecting your lip piercing. Since germs and bacteria can be transferred from your hands, resulting in infection in your piercing wound, it's vital your hands are clean every time you touch your piercing or the area surrounding it.

• 2

  Wet a cotton swab with water and apply a small drop of antibacterial soap. Gently wash the lip ring jewelry with the soap solution to remove any crusty stuff or dried blood. Do not try to remove crusting or scabs from your lip as this may cause bleeding. Use another wet cotton swab to rinse the lip ring.

• 3

  Cleanse your lip piercing with saline solution. It's safe to squirt the saline solution directly onto the piercing wound or you can dab it on with a cotton swab. Dry the area by patting it gently with a paper towel.

• 4

  Antibacterial mouthwash helps clean food and bacteria from lip piercings.

  Rinse your mouth with antibacterial, alcohol-free mouthwash for 30 to 60 seconds after eating to flush food particles out of the piercing wound and keep it clean.