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 saline by spraying your piercing 2 times a day.
Hold approximately 2-4 inches away from the piercing. Use 2 to 3 decently good
sprays, pat dry with clean gauze and you
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 Softsoap 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. Pillowcases and sheets can
accumulate bacteria just like your clothes can so keep them clean.
IF you sleep with your pets. Change pillowcases 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, HOT TUBS, OR BATHTUBS! PRETTY MUCH ANYTHING OTHER THAN YOUR SHOWER
IS DIRTY.
ORAL PIERCINGS
Oral care is like 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.