Nipple Piercings: All I’ve learned
Okay so first and foremost nipple piercings are a piercing that you need to be very diligent in taking care of. A nipple getting infected is something you DO NOT want. Everyone has different sensitivity to their nipples so I won’t go into detail about the level of pain I experienced but here are the main points -
- Make sure to buy the cleaning supplies you need before the piercing(s). You should pick up any type of wound wash that’s ONLY salt and water. Don’t use anything that has any other added items. I recommend nursing pads for the first couple of weeks at least so that you don’t bleed into your bra. You’ll also need salt and hot water for the soaks
- During the piercing this is what I went through
- Wear a tank top or button down shirt to the appointment and a bra is recommended (it feels really nice to have the support afterwards).
- Don’t use things you aren’t sure are safe!! Such as lotions or numbing items.
- Piercing soaks: Boil some water and add roughly ¼ tsp of salt to roughly one cup of water. After it cools down pour the mixture into a medicine measuring cup and lower your piercing into it. Once its completely covered and made a seal, lay on your back. You can do this 1-2 times a day for 15 minutes.
- You will bleed the most after a shower and after you wake up in the morning. It’s normal don’t worry, but also be prepared. (If it’s bleeding non stop please see a doctor). IMPORTANT: Do NOT try to forcefully remove dried blood from your piercing! It’ll wash away on its own and you will risk irritating or possibly infecting the piercing.
- After a week or so you’ll start to see bruising on the nipple, that’s ok, its healing. You might also see a small bump next to the piercing, that is usually due to friction. I had a small one for a few days due to my job but it went away.
- It may be more comfortable to wear a bra while you sleep. You also shouldn’t sleep on your stomach until fully healed.
- The first couple of weeks especially it is important not to fool around with them. Just let them heal. All you should actively be doing are the soaks.
- During showers I’ve read that its good to cup your hands under the piercing so that the water fills up and covers the whole thing. You can use regular non-scented bar soap to wash them as well but BE GENTLE.
- After the bleeding has fully stopped its normal to feel very itchy, just like any normal wound does when its healing. At this point its also normal for clear/cloudy discharge to appear now and again.
TLDR: Keep ‘em clean, Do soaks 1-2 times a day. DON’T MESS WITH THEM. Bleeding is normal.
If you have any questions please feel free to ask :)


