Getting a new piercing doesn't mean putting your active lifestyle on hold, but it does require some adjustments. Whether you're a dedicated gym-goer, competitive swimmer, or weekend surfer, understanding how physical activity affects healing piercings helps you stay active without compromising your new jewellery.

Swimming: The Biggest Risk Factor

Let's address the elephant in the room first. Swimming with a fresh piercing is not recommended, regardless of where you're swimming. All bodies of water pose risks to healing piercings, though the specific concerns vary.

Pools and Spas

Chlorinated pools might seem clean, but they present multiple problems for healing piercings. First, the chlorine and other pool chemicals can irritate the sensitive healing tissue. Second, despite treatment, pools contain bacteria from the many bodies that share the water. Hot tubs and spas are even worse due to the warm water, which creates an ideal environment for bacterial growth.

Ocean Swimming

Australia's beautiful beaches are tempting, but salt water isn't as beneficial for piercings as some old wives' tales suggest. While saline is used for piercing aftercare, ocean water is not sterile. It contains bacteria, microorganisms, sand particles, and other contaminants that can cause infection or irritation. The salt concentration in sea water is also different from the isotonic saline used in aftercare.

Lakes, Rivers, and Dams

Natural freshwater bodies carry some of the highest risks due to the presence of bacteria and microorganisms that thrive in these environments. Unlike pools, there's no chemical treatment to reduce bacterial loads.

The Swimming Timeline

Most piercers recommend avoiding submerging your piercing for the full healing period. For lobes, this means 6-8 weeks minimum. For cartilage piercings, wait 3-6 months at minimum, with some piercings requiring up to 12 months before swimming is safe.

If You Must Swim

We understand that sometimes swimming is unavoidable. Perhaps you have a holiday booked, a child's swimming lesson to attend, or swimming is part of your rehabilitation for an injury. If you absolutely must swim with a healing piercing, there are ways to reduce (but not eliminate) the risk.

Waterproof Bandages

Waterproof wound dressings can provide a barrier between your piercing and the water. Look for products specifically designed to be waterproof rather than just water-resistant. Apply the bandage carefully to ensure complete coverage of the piercing on both sides. Keep in mind that no bandage is 100% waterproof, especially during active movement.

Limit Exposure

If you must enter the water, keep your time to a minimum. Quick dips are lower risk than extended swimming sessions. Avoid putting your head underwater if possible.

Clean Immediately After

As soon as you exit the water, remove any bandage and clean your piercing with sterile saline. Gently flush the area to remove any water or contaminants that may have entered. Allow the piercing to dry thoroughly.

No Bandage Guarantees Protection

Even with a waterproof bandage, there's still risk. Movement can break the seal, water can seep in at the edges, and removing the bandage while wet can introduce moisture. Consider swimming with a healing piercing a calculated risk, not a safe activity.

Exercise and Your Healing Piercing

The good news is that most forms of exercise are compatible with healing piercings, with some precautions. The main concerns are sweat, friction, and the risk of trauma to the jewellery.

Managing Sweat

Sweat itself isn't harmful to piercings, but it can create a moist environment that promotes bacterial growth if left to sit. After exercising, clean your piercing with saline and dry it thoroughly. If you work out multiple times daily, a quick water rinse after each session (followed by proper cleaning in your regular routine) helps keep things fresh.

Gym Equipment Hygiene

Gym equipment, especially anything that touches your head or ears, can harbour bacteria. Wipe down equipment before use, and avoid letting your ear rest directly against padded surfaces. When using phones, clean them regularly and consider using speakerphone or earbuds that don't touch your piercing.

Sports-Specific Considerations

Different sports present different challenges for healing piercings:

  • Running and cycling: Generally safe. Secure any dangling jewellery and clean after sweating.
  • Weightlifting: Avoid exercises that put pressure on your ear against benches or pads. Modify exercises or use towels as barriers.
  • Yoga: Be mindful during poses that put pressure on your ears. Use a folded towel under your ear for floor poses.
  • Contact sports: Avoid until healed, or tape over the piercing with protective padding if participation is essential. The risk of catching or tearing jewellery is significant.
  • Martial arts: Most schools require removal of jewellery for safety. Discuss with your instructor. Consider waiting until you can safely remove jewellery before training.
  • Team sports: Helmets should be cleaned and fitted to avoid pressing on piercings. Consider sport-specific jewellery if allowed.

Protective Measures for Active People

Secure Your Jewellery

Ensure your jewellery is properly tightened before physical activity. Loose balls or ends can come unscrewed during movement. However, don't overtighten, as this can damage threads and make future removal difficult.

Consider Your Jewellery Style

During the healing period, you'll be wearing your initial jewellery and can't change it. However, once healed, consider switching to snug-fitting studs or seamless rings for exercise. Dangly earrings and hoops with loose closures are more likely to catch on things or fall out during activity.

Headwear Considerations

If your exercise involves headbands, hats, or helmets, pay attention to how they interact with your piercing. Friction from these items can cause irritation. Look for options that don't press directly on your piercing, or position headwear to avoid the area.

Australian Summer Sports Tip

In Australia's hot climate, you'll likely sweat more during outdoor activities. Consider exercising during cooler parts of the day and cleaning your piercing more promptly after activity. The sun itself won't harm your piercing, but increased sweating requires increased attention to aftercare.

When Exercise Might Be Affecting Your Healing

If you notice your piercing acting up after workouts, consider whether your activity level is affecting healing. Signs that exercise might be problematic include irritation bumps that appear after intense training, increased discharge following workouts, redness or swelling that worsens with activity, or the piercing feeling more sensitive after exercise.

If you notice these patterns, try scaling back the intensity or frequency of workouts, being more diligent about post-workout cleaning, ensuring you're staying hydrated (dehydration can affect healing), and giving your body adequate rest between sessions.

Timing Your Piercing Around Your Lifestyle

If you're planning a new piercing and have a particularly active lifestyle, timing matters. Consider scheduling your piercing during your off-season if you're a competitive athlete, or during a period when you can reduce training intensity. Avoid getting pierced right before a beach holiday, swimming carnival, or any event where water exposure is likely.

For year-round swimmers, lobe piercings are the easiest to manage due to their shorter healing time. Cartilage piercings require longer periods of modified activity and may not be practical for those who swim competitively or professionally.

The Bottom Line

Stay active, but stay smart. Most exercise is fine with a healing piercing as long as you manage sweat, avoid trauma, and don't submerge the piercing in water. A few months of modified activity is a small price for years of enjoying your new piercing.