Many people think of using Bactine for piercings. It is because the hard part is not over even if your piercing is over. Actually, the fact is that aftercare is equally important as the piercing itself. Your piercing should be healed quickly. Otherwise, it may result in a severe infection.
So, now the question is: Can you use Bactine on piercings? Well, unfortunately, the answer is no. You should not think of using Bactine after your piercing. Bactine can be very harmful to an open wound like a piercing.
However, Bactine is considered an over-the-counter antiseptic spray that was used to heal piercings earlier. It was quite a popular product once. But, not anymore!
So, why shouldn’t you use Bactine to heal the piercing wound? We will tell you all these things in this article. So, keep reading.
What Is Bactine?
So, as we have discussed in the introduction part, Bactine is considered an over-the-counter antiseptic spray that was used to heal piercings earlier. Bactine has lidocaine. Therefore, you can say that it is nothing but a local anesthetic. It can numb nerve endings.
The function of Bactine is to numb the skin temporarily. In this way, Bactine decreases pain and discomfort in your body. So, Bactine is used for treating insect bites, sunburn, minor cuts, skin irritations, and scrapes.
You can find Bactine in the form of spray, ointment, skin patches, gel, and in other forms. In the United States, Bactine is one of the highly popular and top-selling products that is both an antiseptic and pain reliever.
Many people use Bactine as a numbing spray for piercings and tattooing. However, you should use Bactine on your skin only. It should not go into your eyes, mouth, or any other open body parts.
In case someone is allergic to lidocaine or other ingredients that remain in this product, the person should not use Bactine. On the other hand, you must not use too much Bactine as your skin will absorb it. Therefore, it can cause serious side effects.
Using Bactine For Piercing Cleaning And Healing- Can You Do It?
This point is also discussed in the introduction section. unfortunately, nowadays, you will not be able to use Bactine for piercing cleaning and healing. Earlier, many piercers might suggest using Bactine on piercing wounds, but not anymore. Bactine can be very harmful to an open wound like a piercing.
But, many people may think: Why is Bactine bad for piercings?
- You should not forget that Bactine is nothing but an antiseptic that includes lidocaine in it. So, it can destroy new and healing skin cells around the piercing. That will result in slow piercing healing.
- On the other hand, if you over-sterilize your skin around the piercing, it can mess with your immune system. Fistula can grow on your piercing. Thus, your healing process can be delayed.
- Lidocaine that remains in Bactine sabotages the healing process of your piercing. But, lidocaine is an ingredient that can prevent blood clotting. Therefore, your wound may get severe.
- Lidocaine may also cause an allergic reaction. In case someone is allergic to lidocaine or other ingredients that remain in this product, the person should not use Bactine. On the other hand, you must not use too much Bactine as your skin will absorb it. Therefore, it can cause serious side effects.
What Should You Use To Clean Your Piercings?
The truth is that there is no need of using any antiseptic spray for piercings. You should not use any antibacterial products or any other medicine to heal the piercing unless your piercer or doctor has prescribed it.
Otherwise, you will have to clean the piercing using a fragrance-free and mild soap. You may choose to use any bar or liquid soap. Avoid using those products has harsh chemicals or any antibacterial ingredients.
If you want to use salt water, make sure the water is clean. For that, use lukewarm water. Here are the products that you use to clean your piercing.
- Alcohol
- Tea Tree Oil
- Water
The Bottom Line
So, Bactine should not be used to heal or clean the piercing area. It would the best to listen to your piercer and doctor. All the best!
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