Drinking alcohol after getting a snake eyes piercing (a horizontal tongue piercing near the tip) is not recommended during the healing period. Alcohol can interfere with the healing process, increase discomfort, and raise the risk of complications. Here’s a detailed explanation to help you make an informed decision about consuming alcohol with a snake eyes piercing.
Can You Drink Alcohol With a Snake Eyes Piercing?
While it’s technically possible to drink alcohol with a snake eyes piercing, it’s not a good idea during the healing phase. Alcohol can irritate the piercing, slow down the healing process, and introduce bacteria into your mouth. To promote faster and safer healing, it’s best to avoid alcohol for at least the first 2–4 weeks after getting the piercing.
Why Should You Avoid Alcohol After a Snake Eyes Piercing?
- Irritation and Discomfort
- Alcohol, especially hard liquors, is highly acidic and can sting when it comes into contact with the fresh piercing.
- This irritation can cause additional pain, swelling, and redness around the piercing site.
- Delayed Healing
- Alcohol dehydrates the body, including your mouth, reducing the ability of your tissue to heal efficiently.
- Proper hydration is crucial for the tongue to recover after being pierced.
- Increased Risk of Infection
- Drinking alcohol lowers your immune response, making it harder for your body to fight off bacteria that might enter the piercing site.
- Shared drinks or unclean glasses can introduce harmful bacteria, further increasing infection risks.
- Swelling and Inflammation
- Alcohol increases blood flow and dilates blood vessels, which can worsen swelling in the pierced area.
- Excessive swelling may lead to discomfort or even embedding of the jewelry.
- Compromised Aftercare
- Consuming alcohol might make it easy to forget to follow proper aftercare practices, such as rinsing with saline solution or avoiding irritants.
When is it Safe to Drink Alcohol?
You can usually resume drinking alcohol once your snake eyes piercing is fully healed. Healing typically takes 2–3 months, but the initial healing phase (first 2–4 weeks) is the most critical. Consult your piercer to confirm that your piercing is healed before drinking alcohol.
Tips If You Choose to Drink Alcohol
If you must drink alcohol during the healing phase, follow these precautions to minimize risks:
- Stick to Light Alcohol
- Avoid strong spirits and opt for lighter drinks like beer or cider, which are less likely to sting the piercing.
- Drink in Moderation
- Limit your alcohol intake to avoid dehydration and increased swelling.
- Rinse Thoroughly
- After drinking, rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free antiseptic mouthwash or saline solution to clean the area and reduce irritation.
- Avoid Mixing with Smoking
- Combining alcohol with smoking further increases irritation and the risk of complications.
- Use a Straw
- Drinking with a straw can help minimize contact between the alcohol and your piercing.
What Happens If You Drink Alcohol Too Soon?
Drinking alcohol shortly after getting a snake eyes piercing can lead to:
- Severe Irritation: Alcohol may sting and cause the piercing site to feel more painful.
- Prolonged Swelling: Alcohol increases blood flow, leading to excess swelling and discomfort.
- Risk of Infection: Alcohol weakens the immune system and creates a favorable environment for bacteria.
- Delayed Healing: The dehydration caused by alcohol slows the body’s natural healing processes.
If you notice unusual symptoms like excessive swelling, redness, or discharge after consuming alcohol, consult your piercer or a healthcare professional immediately.
Can You Drink Alcohol-Free Beverages?
Yes! Alcohol-free drinks, like mocktails or non-alcoholic beers, are a safe alternative during the healing phase. These beverages won’t irritate the piercing or slow healing, allowing you to enjoy social occasions without risking complications.