BASIC PIERCING AFTERCARE
The only thing that we suggest for cleaning your
piercing is a sterile saline solution . You can purchase pre-mixed medical grade wound care
solutions such as Neilmed Wound Wash Piercing Aftercare (which we always keep in stock) or an alternate store brand of Sterile Wound Wash Saline. DO NOT USE EYE CARE SALINE BECAUSE IT CONTAINS PERSERVATIVES AND ADDITIVES THAT MIGHT IRRITATE YOUR PIERCING. Use the saline by spraying your piercing 2-3 times a day. Hold approximatley 2-4 inches away from the piercing. Use 2 to 3 decently good sprays and your are done! Don’t spin or rotate your jewelry while cleaning.
THINGS YOU SHOULD NOT USE
Neosporin, Bacitracin, or any other ointments.
Any petroleum based product will block oxygen flow to the piercing. These products are NOT designed to be used on puncture wounds, and your piercing is exactly that, a puncture wound. Read the directions on the box.
Alcohol, Peroxide, Bactine, Iodine, and Betadine are too harsh for a healing piercing and will result in your piercing being
irritated, will dry out the wound, and delay the healing.
Antibacterial Soaps such as Dial, Lever, and Softssoap all use a product called Triclosan.
Triclosan has been overused to the point that many germs and bacteria are resistant to it. This means that soap doesn’t work like it used to on germs.
They are also harsh and contain fragrances and colors.
Even soaps such as Provon & Satin can be a bit harsh.
WHAT’S NORMAL DURING HEALING
Some bleeding, localized swelling, tenderness and bruising may occur. During healing you may see discoloration, itching, secretion of a white/yellowish fluid (not pus or an infection) will form some crust on
the jewelry. The tissue may get tight around the jewelry as it heals.
DO NOT PICK THIS OFF, USE YOUR SALINE RINSE. If the jewelry does
not move don’t force it. If you don’t clean your piercing regularly you
may also smell these secretions. Piercings heal from the outside in, so your piercing may look healed very quickly. Be patient and follow your
aftercare for the entire healing time. Even a healed piercing can shrink or close in minutes after having it for years. So if you love your
piercing, keep jewelry in it.
HELPFUL HINTS FOR HEALING
DO NOT touch your piercing or let anyone else touch it. Hands are dirty no matter how clean they look.
Avoid bodily fluid contact. Other people’s bodily fluid such as semen and saliva have germs & bacteria that could harm your piercing.
Wear clean clothing. Clothes can accumulate bacteria so make sure you keep your clothing clean.
Wash your bed linens at least once a week. Pillow cases and sheets can
accumulate bacteria just like your clothes can so keep them clean.
IF you sleep with your pets. Change pillow cases and all bedding regularly and be cautious. Animals have body fluids and love to lick fresh wounds.
your piercings while you sleep. Pet dander and hair will also irritate your
piercing.
Keep yourself healthy. This is the best method you can use to heal a
piercing. Eat right, take your vitamins, and get enough sleep.
Getting more than a few piercings at a time can delay healing .
DO NOT SWIM WITH A FRESH PIERCING. NO LAKES , POOLS, RIVERS, CREEKS, OCEANS, OR BATHTUBS! PRETTY MUCH ANYTHING OTHER THAN YOUR SHOWER IS DIRTY.
ORAL PIERCINGS
Oral care is similar to body piercing care, with an extra step for the inside of your mouth. Use alcohol free mouthwash such as Tech2000, Biotene or Crest Pro Health can be used to rinse the inside of your mouth. Any time you eat, drink, or smoke anything other than water you should rinse your mouth with bottled water. Use the mouthwash no more than 2-3 times a day.
GENITAL PIERCINGS
Genital piercings should be cared for the same way as body piercings. You should use condoms and avoid oral sex for the full healing time. Even if you are in a relationship this is very important in order to avoid infection. The germs and bacteria in other people’s body will not play well with your piercing.