It is generally not recommended to leave crust on your piercing as it can impede the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Crust, also known as “exudate,” is the combination of blood plasma, lymph fluid, and dead skin cells that can accumulate around a healing piercing. While a small amount of crust is normal during the healing process, excessive buildup can indicate a problem with the healing process.
To promote healing, it is important to follow the aftercare instructions provided by your piercer or healthcare provider. This typically involves cleaning the piercing site with saline solution or a gentle soap and water solution, and gently removing any crust that has formed around the piercing. However, it’s important to be gentle when cleaning and not to remove any crust that is firmly attached, as this can cause further irritation and delay healing. If you have any concerns about the healing process, or if you experience excessive crust, redness, or discharge, you should contact a professional piercer or healthcare provider for advice.