After getting a new piercing, you might be wondering, “How long after a piercing can you swim?” As eager as you might be to splash in the pool right after a new piercing, it’s best to wait until your piercing has fully healed. This is because a new piercing can easily get infected. Natural bodies of water like lakes and oceans are rife with bacteria. Pools and hot tubs have chlorine which can irritate your skin and cause infections.
Healing Time After Piercing
Healing time can differ depending on where your piercing is located, how well you keep your piercing clean, and your skin type, but this guide will help you figure out how long you need to wait before swimming.
When Can You Swim After Piercing?
Achilles Piercings – It’s recommended to wait at least 6 months before swimming if you have an Achilles piercing, but BME reports that it can take years for this type of piercing to heal. There is even a post about someone having an unhealed Achilles piercing for 10 years!
Belly Button/Naval Piercings- Naval piercings can take between 6-12 months to heal.
Ear Piercings – Healing time can vary depending on where in your ear your piercing is located.
- Cartilage Piercings: 12 to 16 weeks
- Industrial/Scaffold Piercings: 12 to 14 weeks
- Lobe Ear Piercings: 4 to 6 weeks
- Tragus Piercings: 8 to 10 weeks
Nose Piercings – Nose piercings take 8-12 weeks to heal.
Septum Piercings – Septum piercings can take 6-8 months to heal.
Rules and Recommendations for Safe Swimming After Piercing
Wait before your piercing has fully healed before swimming. You will know your piercing has healed if:
- You have waited the recommended time to allow the piercing to heal.
- There is no longer redness, swelling, or discharge in the piercing.
- The piercing does not feel tender when you touch it.
- Your jewelry can move relatively freely.
Tips on Swimming Safely to Avoid Complications
Different piercings require different precautions and care while swimming. In general, it’s best to swim in well-maintained and clean natural bodies of water and pools. Avoid swimming in polluted or stagnant water, since it increases the risk of bacterial infections.
It’s also important to shower with warm water and gentle soap after you swim, making sure to gently clean your piercing with saline and the appropriate cleaning solution.
Any kind of water sport of rough play that could rip or harm your piercing should be avoided.
Here are some other safety tips to consider:
- Achilles Piercings: Chlorinated water can irritate this piercing, so swimming in salt water is best.
- Belly Button/Naval Piercings: Even after your piercing has healed, it is recommended that you use a waterproof bandage on your piercing when you go swimming.
- Ear Piercings: In general, it’s safe to swim in any kind of water as long as it’s clean. You can also use a waterproof bandage to protect your piercing.
- Nose Piercings: Avoid harsh pool chemicals and always clean your piercing after you swim.
- Septum Piercings: Harsh pool chemicals should be avoided. Gently clean your piercing after swimming.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long after a piercing can you swim?
It depends on where your piercing is located. Please read the “Healing Time After Piercing” section of this guide to see the recommended time you should allow your piercing to heal.
Can you swim with a new piercing?
It is not recommended since it will increase the risk of your piercing getting infected.
How long should you wait to swim after a piercing?
You should wait until your piercing has fully healed. Read the “Rules and Recommendations for Safe Swimming After Piercing” section of this guide for a list of signs to know when your piercing has healed.
How long does it take for a belly button piercing to heal before swimming?
It can take between 6-12 months for a belly button piercing to heal.
When can I swim after a belly piercing?
After 6-12 months once your piercing has healed.
How long does it take for an Achilles piercing to heal before swimming?
6 months to several years with one person reporting that their Achilles piercing hasn’t healed yet after 10 years.
When can I swim after Achilles piercing
Once your piercing has fully healed, it can be anywhere from 6 months to 10 years, or even longer.
How long does it take for a naval piercing to heal before swimming?
Naval piercings can take between 6-12 months to heal.
When can I swim after a naval piercing?
Once your naval piercing has healed, after at least 6-12 months.
How long does it take for a septum piercing to heal before swimming?
It can take 6-8 months for a septum piercing to heal.
When can I swim after a septum piercing?
You can swim after your piercing has healed, which is after 6-8 months.
How long does it take for a nose piercing to heal before swimming?
Nose piercings can take 8-12 weeks to heal.
When can I swim after a nose piercing?
After your nose piercing has healed after 8-12 weeks.
How long does it take for an ear piercing to heal before swimming?
The healing time for an ear piercing can vary depending on where it’s located:
- Cartilage Piercings: 12 to 16 weeks
- Industrial/Scaffold Piercings: 12 to 14 weeks
- Lobe Ear Piercings: 4 to 6 weeks
- Tragus Piercings: 8 to 10 weeks
When can I swim after an ear piercing?
After 4-16 weeks depending on where the piercing is located in your ear.
Can you go in chlorine with a new piercing?
Yes, as long as your piercing has fully healed. If you have a nose or septum piercing, harsh pool chemicals should be avoided. People with Achilles piercings should only swim in salt water.
How long after a piercing can you swim in the ocean?
As soon as it is fully healed.
Can you swim in the ocean with a new piercing?
No, you should wait until your piercing has fully healed.
Can I swim in salt water after getting a piercing?
You can if your piercing has fully healed.
Can you go to the beach with a new piercing?
Yes, but wait until your piercing has fully healed before you go swimming.
Conclusion
As long as you keep your piercing clean and give it enough time to heal, you can still enjoy swimming with a piercing. Always follow the aftercare instructions from your piercer and double-check with them about the estimated healing time. Consult your piercer if you are experiencing any complications with your piercing.
