Not immediately. You must avoid swimming immediately after piercing to prevent the risk of getting the infection. A website recommends avoiding swimming for at least 24 hours after piercing. Also, this website has provided healing time for some common body piercing such as ear lobe (six to eight weeks), top of the ear (six to eight weeks), belly button (six months to one year), nose (up to six months) and tongue (two to four weeks).
It is better to avoid swimming till the piercing has healed completely. A (2011) study suggests that piercing is an open wound which needs to be kept dry because the area is prone to infection. Some common symptoms of infection are blood or pus from the piercing or the area getting swollen, painful, dark or hot.
A study has shown that bacteria like S aureus and P aeruginosa often manifest infection within two to four weeks of ear piercing.
When it comes to hygiene, it’s essential to be mindful not only of your piercing but also of everyday items like towels and clothes. These items can sometimes harbor bacteria if not properly cleaned, which is why it’s important to maintain good hygiene in all areas of your life.
In conclusion, it is recommended to cover up the area before coming in contact with water. Not only in swimming pools but infection in the area of piercing can also occur due to swimming in hot tubs, streams, lakes, rivers or the sea.
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