Piercing Aftercare: Beer And Lip Piercings, What's Safe?

Getting a lip piercing can be an exciting way to express your personal style, but it's important to care for it while it heals. One common question is whether you can drink beer after getting a lip piercing. Most professional piercers recommend avoiding alcohol for at least three weeks after getting a lip piercing. This is because alcohol can kill newly growing cells and slow down the healing process. It can also thin your blood, increasing the risk of bleeding and swelling. However, some people report drinking a few weeks after getting a lip piercing without any issues. Ultimately, it's best to ask your piercer for advice as they will be able to give you personalised guidance based on your specific situation.

Alcohol and healing

It is generally recommended that you refrain from drinking alcohol for at least three weeks after getting a lip piercing. Alcohol consumption can slow down the healing process by killing new cells and increasing the risk of bleeding and swelling due to its blood-thinning properties. In addition, alcohol-containing mouthwash should be avoided as it can harm the healing process and cause discomfort.

However, some people choose to drink alcohol within a few weeks of getting their lip piercing without experiencing any issues. Low-alcohol beverages like wine, beer, and mixed drinks are less likely to cause problems compared to liquor, which may burn the piercing site.

To promote healing, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and rinse your mouth with a saline solution or a low-alcohol antiseptic mouthwash after meals and at least twice a day. Additionally, avoid smoking, engaging in oral sex, and picking at any scabs that may form, as these can introduce bacteria and cause infections.

While there are conflicting opinions on the consumption of alcohol during the healing process, it is generally advisable to refrain from drinking or at least minimise alcohol intake to allow for optimal healing. Consulting with a professional piercer or a healthcare provider can provide more personalised advice based on individual circumstances.

• Avoid kissing or oral sexual contact during the healing period to prevent the transmission of bacteria and the risk of contracting STDs.
• Refrain from swimming, hot tubs, and sun exposure for an extended period to reduce the risk of infection and promote healing.
• Do not remove the jewellery during the healing process unless instructed by a healthcare professional.
• Consult a doctor if you experience prolonged or significant irritation, bleeding, or other complications.

Yeast infections

It is not advisable to drink alcohol after getting a lip piercing as it can kill newly growing cells and slow down the healing process. Alcohol also thins the blood, increasing the risk of bleeding and swelling if the piercing is pulled. However, some people who drank a few weeks after getting their lip piercing did not experience any issues.

While drinking beer after getting a lip piercing may not necessarily cause a yeast infection, it is generally recommended to avoid alcohol for at least three weeks to ensure proper healing. Yeast infections can occur in new piercings, but this is not specific to beer consumption, and the type of yeast used in beer production differs from the type that causes infections.

To prevent infection and promote healing, it is crucial to maintain proper aftercare for lip piercings. This includes rinsing the mouth with a saline solution or a low-alcohol antiseptic mouthwash twice a day and after meals. Cleaning the external piercing site with a saline solution twice a day is also recommended. Additionally, avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, kissing, and oral sex for at least three weeks. Refrain from swimming, hot tubs, and sun exposure for extended periods during the healing process.

Lip piercings are prone to infection due to their constant contact with saliva, food, makeup, and other bacteria. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, throbbing, clear or white discharge, and bumps around the piercing site. If you suspect an infection, it is important to seek medical advice and continue proper cleansing and aftercare routines.

Overall, while drinking beer after a lip piercing may not directly cause a yeast infection, it is best to avoid alcohol and follow the recommended aftercare guidelines to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of any complications or infections.

Blood thinning

Drinking alcohol is not recommended after getting a lip piercing as it can cause additional swelling, bleeding, and discomfort. Alcohol is a blood thinner, which can increase the chance of bleeding if the jewellery is pulled on. It can also slow down the healing process by killing newly growing cells.

Some people suggest that beer should be avoided due to the caffeine and carbonation, which can cause more swelling. However, others claim that liquor is more likely to cause burning and irritation if it comes into contact with the piercing.

It is generally recommended to avoid drinking alcohol for at least 3 weeks after getting a lip piercing to allow for proper healing. Rinsing the mouth with a saline solution or a low-alcohol antiseptic mouthwash can help prevent infection.

It is important to note that everyone's healing process is different, and factors such as diet, lifestyle, and stress can influence how long it takes for a piercing to heal. Therefore, it is always a good idea to consult with a professional piercer to get personalized advice.

• Avoid smoking, kissing, oral sex, and swimming for at least 3 weeks.
• Do not pick at any scabs that form, as this can cause unnecessary bleeding and increase the risk of infection.
• Avoid sunbathing or using sunbeds for at least 6 months.
• Clean the external piercing hole with a saline solution twice a day.
• Do not remove the jewellery during the healing process unless instructed by a medical professional.

Mouthwash

You should use a mouthwash that is alcohol-free and hydrogen peroxide-free. Alcohol-based mouthwash will dry out your piercing, delaying the healing process and potentially leaving you more susceptible to infection. Mouthwash containing hydrogen peroxide is acceptable if it has been diluted per the instructions on the bottle, but it tastes terrible. A sea salt mouthwash is a gentle, effective, and natural way to reduce bacteria in your mouth. To make your own sea salt mouthwash, boil water for 5 minutes to sterilize it, then mix in 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt (not table salt) until it dissolves.

You should use your mouthwash of choice 2-3 times a day for 5 minutes at a time, and briefly (30 seconds or so) after eating. It is recommended to do full 5-minute sessions in the morning and evening, and then a 30-second rinse after meals. Make sure to always brush your teeth and use your mouthwash after eating, rather than before.

It is vital not to overuse mouthwash, as doing so can be harmful. Limit non-alcoholic mouthwash rinses to twice a day, with the same frequency that you would clean any other piercings.

Drinking alternatives

• Water: Drinking water is always a great alternative, as it helps keep you hydrated and supports the healing process. It's important to ensure the water is filtered or bottled to avoid any potential contaminants.
• Ice Chips: Sucking on ice chips is a recommended way to soothe any swelling that may occur after a lip piercing.
• Herbal Tea: Opting for unsweetened organic herbal tea, especially green tea, provides antioxidants and helps with hydration.
• Black Coffee: Black coffee, without any added milk or sugar, can be a good option. The heat from the coffee helps reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Coconut Water: Coconut water is an excellent choice as it provides electrolytes like potassium, which promote healing, without the added sugar found in some sports drinks.
• Non-acidic Fruit Smoothies: Blended fruit smoothies without any added juice or sweeteners can be a good way to get some vitamins and minerals while being gentle on your piercing.
• Clear Broths: Drinking warm, clear broths is another way to stay hydrated and nourished while avoiding solid food particles that could irritate your piercing.

It's also important to note that while these alternatives are generally safe, it's always a good idea to check with your piercer for specific aftercare instructions and recommendations.

Additionally, it's worth mentioning that the healing process for a lip piercing can vary between individuals due to factors like diet, lifestyle, and stress. Therefore, it's essential to pay attention to your body's healing process and adjust your drinking habits accordingly.

Frequently asked questions