avoiding irritation from frequent removal? (lip)
I got my vertical labret pierced in 2020. However, I only recently downsized it last summer. It was downsized after the initial healing period, but the ball wasn't tightened properly and I lost it, and never got a new one.
I have an upcoming job where I will not be able to wear it, but in the past I've noticed that leaving it out for more than a day, I face friction and minimal pain when putting it back in.
Do I just need to remove it more often to stretch out the piercing? I just worry because I know wounds around the mouth heal quickly. Nine times out of ten I was my hands before putting it back. The discomfort is still there, but of course the one time I didn't wash my hands there was slight discharge and pain for a couple days - nothing serious. But, I worry about long term.
Any tips to help avoid irritation (other than washing my hands lol, that was one time)
notes to please the bot:
it is a labret that is internally threaded
titanium piercing
no unfortunate events
6 year old piercing
offically downsized at 5 years old lol