Shenmen piercing aftercare: how to look after it after the piercing!

The Shenmen piercing is a piece of wellbeing body jewellery that is placed in the outer cartilage area of the ear. Stimulating this area contributes to reducing stress, improving general wellbeing and strengthening the immune system.

But what are the important rules after the piercing? How does Shenmen piercing aftercare work? Can the wound become inflamed, and if so, what can you do? Stay with us and you will get the answer to every question!

Shenmen piercing aftercare – what to look out for

A Shenmen piercing needs careful aftercare, because it is a puncture wound that requires basic aftercare. It is important to note that after the piercing it is normal for the wound to bleed a little for a few days.

Because it is a cartilage area, the healing time of the piercing may be 8–12 weeks, but this can vary from person to person. It is important to be patient!

Do these things to care for your Shenmen piercing:

• After the piercing has been placed, it is a good idea to spray the area morning and evening with Medical Piercing’s own aftercare spray while it is inflamed; then, 2 weeks after the piercing, 1 drop of oil can also go on the wound. You can buy the aftercare kit at our studio.
• The piercing must not be moved for 10 days; after that, however, it is a good idea to move it gently once a day, ideally during the evening cleaning.

Avoid the following:

• fiddling with or touching the jewellery and the area around the wound
• cleaning with alcohol
• soaking in a bath or swimming pool
• sunbeds, saunas, strong sunshine
• cosmetics around the ear

It is also important to note that you should under no circumstances change the jewellery before full healing for another piece! Always wait until the wound has healed.

If your Shenmen piercing aftercare follows these points, you have a good chance of contributing to successful healing, and you will be able to enjoy the beneficial effects of the piercing in the long term.

The wound has become inflamed – what should you do?

Even with thorough Shenmen piercing aftercare, it can happen (in a small percentage of cases) that the wound becomes inflamed. In most cases this happens 4–5 weeks after the piercing, if dirt gets into the wound.

First of all, it is important to sum up in a few words the signs of healthy wound healing.

We can speak of it if the ear and the wound area are:

• not painful
• not red
• and not swollen

By contrast, the symptoms of inflammation are:

• an inflamed lump at the entry and exit holes
• the piercing site is painful
• a burning sensation around the wound
• the area is red, throbbing, perhaps hot

What you can do yourself:

• In this case, use Medical Piercing’s own aftercare spray morning and evening while the piercing site is inflamed; then, 2 weeks after the piercing, 1 drop of oil can also go on the wound.
• Keep your ear as sterile as possible, and rinse it 2–3 times a day with the solution above.

In summary – the most important rules

In short, the most important rules are:

1. Clean it regularly: Clean the area around the piercing at least twice a day. Use sterile saline solution or a cotton pad soaked in a mild, soap-free cleanser. Gently clean the piercing, then rinse thoroughly with water.
2. Don’t fiddle with it, and don’t touch it with dirty hands: Avoid fiddling with or turning the piercing, otherwise the surface of the wound may become irritated, which can slow down the healing process. You may only move it gently while cleaning! Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching the piercing or the area around it.
3. Do not remove the jewellery: Leave the jewellery in place unless your doctor or piercing specialist advises otherwise.
4. Avoid contamination: Make sure that no make-up, hairspray or other cosmetics get near the piercing. These can irritate the wound and make healing more difficult.
5. Reduce inflammation: If the piercing is tender or inflamed, use cold therapy (an ice cube wrapped in a clean towel) to ease the swelling.
6. Don’t go to the baths / beach or sauna: The bacteria and chemicals in pool water and in saunas can irritate and infect the piercing.
7. Reduce physical activity: Avoid exercise that makes you sweat a lot, lifting heavy weights or other activities that can cause increased pressure or friction on the piercing.
8. See your doctor if problems arise: If any kind of inflammation, swelling, pus-like discharge or pain appears, see your doctor or your piercer.

IMPORTANT! These are only general guidelines; always follow the specific instructions and advice given by your piercing specialist. During the healing period, pay extra attention to the piercing and the surrounding areas to ensure successful healing and to minimise the risk of infection.

Remember that everyone heals at their own pace, so the healing time of a Shenmen piercing may be a little different for everyone. However, general hygiene practices and regular care can help healing go faster and without complications.

Are you convinced that Shenmen piercing aftercare is not such a complicated task after all? Would you like to give it a go too? Book with us, and we can do your piercing as early as tomorrow!