Tea tree oil is a natural ingredient that has potential benefits to use for piercings. Tea tree oil has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties that make it a powerful natural product for piercing. Tea tree oil for piercings is used in various ways for various purposes.
If you currently undergo body piercing or want to have another piercing that definitely this article is for you.
Benefits of tree tea oil for piercing
Tea tree oil naturally possesses an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory property that helps to remove distress at the site of the piercing. Moreover, it is well known for wound-healing abilities so it is widely used to speed up the healing process. Tea tree oil for piercing offers the following benefits to you.
- Reduce redness
- Provides comfort to the irritation around piercing
- Provides protection against fungal infection
- Shrinks pustules, papules, and other bumps
- Prevent formation of scar tissue and other
Which piercing areas need tea tree oil?
The topical application of tea tree oil is generally considered safe. So it can be used on various body parts that undergo piercing including
- Ears
- Nose
- Eyes
- Eyebrows
- Lips
- Chest
- Nipples
- Navel
- back
Cautions while using tea tree oil for piercing
You must go through these cautions before using tea tree oil for piercings to avoid any type of mishap
Although tea tree oil is safe for external use on the skin its ingestion and oral consumption are strictly prohibited. Ingestion of tea tree oil may bring some serious side effects like confusion, dizziness, and reduced muscle coordination
It is safe to use tea tree oil for mouth rinse or soak in some conditions, but still, you need to ask your piercer about this.
5 Methods to use tree oil for piercing aftercare
The method of application of tea tree oil for piercing depends on the area where you want to use it. Whatever the area you choose, you must dilute your tree tea oil and perform a patch test to check the reaction of your skin. A patch test is an appropriate way to check the skin compatibility with tea tree oil instead of full application of oil on an open wound.
1. Dilution
Similar to other herbal products or essential oil, tea tree oil is very strong and it can cause irritation or burn on direct application
You must dilute the tea tree oil for piercing by adding a couple of drops of water to make a rinse. You can add an equal amount of water to tea tree oil for making a topical solution
2. Patch test
The next step after dilution is to perform the patch test. For this, you need to apply a small quantity of diluted oil on the inner side of the arm or leg.
Observe the area for 48 hours and if you do not experience any irritation then tea tree oil is safe to use for piercing. In case you have a history of allergy then it is mandatory to wait for 48 hours and observe the specific area to find any sign of side effects.
3. In form of topical shot treatment
When you get satisfied with the safety of tea tree oil for your skin then apply a small amount of diluted oil on a thin cloth and dab it around the skin. Apply gentle pressure and avoid the vaping of cloth back and forth otherwise, it can result in irritation.
4. As sea salt soak
Sea salt soak is a good carrier of tea tree oil so you can put a few drops of tea tree oil in it, mix it well, and dip your piercing in the solution. Once you have done it, wash the area with normal water and tap dry it.
Alternatively, you can dip a cotton cloth in sea salt soak mix with tea tree oil and directly apply this cloth to the piercing area. Then rinse with normal water and pat dry in the same way
5. In form of sea salt rinse
It is recommended by piercers that sea salt rinse must be used for piercings located inside the mouth. Addition of tea tree oil in sea salt rinse boat its healing properties / swish the rinse in mouth and spit, do not swallow the rinse having tea tree oil for piercing.
Why dilution is necessary for using tea tree oil for piercing?
As a general rule, products having natural origin also need to be diluted because the essential oil and herbal extracts are so powerful enough to apply directly on the skin. Direct application of such products may result in allergies or blisters. So diluting the product prior to use is suggested for avoiding any skin-related problem.
In some exceptional situations where dilution is not required for example some ready-to-use products of tree tea oil are safe to use without dilution. Most of such products are marketed in the form of roller ball tubes. You must be selective while purchasing tea tree oil for piercing.
Are there any serious side effects of tea tree oil for piercing?
Even Though tea tree oil is completely safe for topical application, some chances of skin allergies are still there.
You have greater chances of getting skin allergies with tea tree oil if you have any of the mentioned below condition
- Previously had allergic reactions with tea tree oil
- Improper dilution of oil prior to use
- Have ultra-sensitive skin especially for essential oils
When to discontinue the use of tea tree oil for piercing?
The use of tea tree oil for piercing aims to speed up the healing process and prevent skin irritation and infection. But if you face any of the following signs on the skin then definitely you should discontinue its use
- Rash
- Swelling
- Itching
- Hives
If you do not face any problematic signs then you can continue the use of tea tree oil for piercing till you get complete recovery of the wound or it has been a few weeks of piercing so the chance of getting infection diminished.
Summing up
The practice of using tea tree oil for piercing is an effective method to prevent skin irritation, redness, and infection if used in a way as directed. In some exceptions, tea tree oil can cause more skin irritation for skin-sensitive individuals. So it is mandatory to perform a patch test every time before using tea tree oil for piercing.