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Body Piercing Aftercare Instructions
Aftercare for Body Piercings
Recommended Cleaning Solutions
We recommend that you purchase a sterile saline solution (such as NeilMed Wound Wash), preferably one without any other additives.
If you cannot find a sterile saline solution, a sea salt mixture can be a good alternative. Dissolve 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon sea salt into one cup (8 oz) of warm distilled or bottled water. Stronger is not better; a saline that is too strong can irritate the piercing.
Cleaning Instructions for Body Piercings
WASH your hands prior to cleaning or touching your piercing for any reason. We recommend using a spray such as NeilMed Wound Wash. If your piercer suggests using soap, gently lather around the piercing and rinse as needed. Avoid using harsh soaps, or soaps with dyes, fragrances, or triclosan.
RINSE thoroughly to remove all traces of the soap from the piercing. It is not necessary to rotate the jewelry through the piercing.
AIR DRY, Cloth towels can harbor bacteria and snag on jewelry.
What is Normal?
Initially: some bruising around the area and swelling. Some bleeding as well.
During the healing process: itching, secretion of a whitish-yellow fluid (not pus) that will form some crust on the jewelry. The skin may tighten around the jewelry as it heals.
Once your piercing is healed: the jewelry may not move freely in the piercing; do not force it. If you fail to include cleaning your piercing as part of your daily hygiene routine, normal but smelly bodily discharge may accumulate.
Your piercing may seem like it’s healed before it actually is. This is because skin heals from the outside in, and although it feels fine, the interior remains fragile. Be patient, and keep cleaning throughout the entire healing period.
Long after your piercing is healed it can shrink or close in seconds or minutes, even after having been there for years. This varies from person to person; if you like your piercing, keep jewelry in—do not leave your jewelry out for an extended period of time.
What To Do
DO always make sure your hands are clean before touching your piercing. It is not necessary to rotate your jewelry, doing so is harmful.
DO clean bedding, and wear clean non-restrictive clothing. This is essential to limit the bacterial buildup and to keep your piercing from getting snagged.
DO take showers, they tend to be safer than taking baths, as bathtubs can harbor bacteria. If you bathe in a tub, clean it well before each use and rinse off your piercing when you get out.
What To Avoid***
Avoid moving jewelry in an unhealed piercing, or picking away dried discharge with your fingers.
Avoid cleaning with Betadine®, Hibiciens®, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or soaps containing triclosan, as these can damage cells. Also avoid ointments as they prevent necessary air circulation.
Avoid Bactine®, pierced ear care solutions and other products containing Benzalkonium Chloride (BZK). These can be irritating and are not intended for long term wound care.
Avoid over-cleaning. This can delay your healing and irritate your piercing.
Avoid undue trauma such as friction from clothing, excessive motion of the area, playing with the jewelry, and vigorous cleaning. These activities can cause the formation of unsightly and uncomfortable scar tissue, migration, prolonged healing, and other complications.
Avoid all oral contact, rough play, and contact with others' bodily fluids on or near your piercing during healing.
Avoid stress and recreational drug use, including excessive caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.
Avoid submerging the piercing in unhygienic bodies of water such as lakes, pools, hot tubs, etc. Or, protect your piercing using a waterproof wound-sealant bandage (such as 3M™ Nexcare™ Clean Seals). These are available at most drugstores.
Avoid all beauty and personal care products on or around the piercing including cosmetics, lotions, and sprays, etc.
Avoid hanging any charms or objects from your jewelry.
HINTS AND TIPS - Jewelry
Do not remove your piercing, unless there is a problem with the size, style, or material of the initial jewelry. Leave it in the place for the entire healing process. See your piercer to perform any jewelry change that becomes necessary during healing.
If you require a medical procedure,contact your piercer if your jewelry must be removed. There are non-metallic jewelry alternatives available.
Leave jewelry in at all times. Even old or healed piercings can shrink or close in minutes even after having been there for years. If removed, re-insertion can be difficult or impossible.
With clean hands or paper towel, regularly check threaded ends (aka Balls) on your jewelry for tightness. ("Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey.")
If you decide you no longer want your piercing, simply remove the jewelry (or have a professional piercer remove it) and continue cleaning the piercing until the hole closes. In most cases only a tiny mark will remain.
If you suspect your piercing is infected, your jewelry should be left in place to allow for drainage of the infection. If the jewelry is removed, the surface cells can close up, which can seal the infection inside the piercing channel and result in an abscess. Do not remove jewelry unless instructed to by a medical professional.
Cleaning your new piercing is a simple matter, and if you follow our recommended
instructions, you should experience a quick, and relatively painless healing process.
instructions, you should experience a quick, and relatively painless healing process.
Instructions For specific Areas
Each body is unique and healing times vary considerably.
If you have any questions, please contact your piercer.
If you have any questions, please contact your piercer.
Navel Piercings
To protect the area from restrictive clothing, excess irritation, and impact during physical activities such as contact sports a hard, vented eye patch can be applied under tight clothing or secured using a length of Ace bandage around the body.
Ear, Ear Cartilage, and Facial Piercings
Dress your pillow in a large, clean t-shirt and turn it nightly; one clean t-shirt provides four clean surfaces for sleeping.
Make sure telephones, headphones, eyeglasses, helmets, hats, and anything that contacts the pierced area are thoroughly cleaned. Those items harbor bacteria, and can cause your piercing to get infected.
Use caution when styling your hair and inform your stylist of any new or healing piercings.
Make sure telephones, headphones, eyeglasses, helmets, hats, and anything that contacts the pierced area are thoroughly cleaned. Those items harbor bacteria, and can cause your piercing to get infected.
Use caution when styling your hair and inform your stylist of any new or healing piercings.
Genital Piercings
Genital Piercings—especially Prince Alberts, Ampallangs, and Apadravyas—can bleed freely for the first few days. Be prepared. A panty liner is recommended to absorb any blood.
Your urine is sterile to you. Urinate after using soap to clean any piercing that is near the urethra.
Always wash your hands before touching a healing piercing.
In most cases you can engage in sexual activity as soon as you feel ready, unless instructed otherwise by your piercer.You must maintain hygiene and avoid trauma while doing so. All sexual activities should be gentle during the healing period.
Use barriers such as condoms, dental dams, and waterproof bandages, etc. to avoid contact with your partners' body fluids, even in monogamous relationships.
Cover sex toys with clean, disposable barriers.
Use a new container of water-based lubricant; do not use saliva.
After sex, A saline soak or clean water rinse is suggested.
Each body is unique and healing times vary considerably. If you have any questions, please contact your piercer.
Your urine is sterile to you. Urinate after using soap to clean any piercing that is near the urethra.
Always wash your hands before touching a healing piercing.
In most cases you can engage in sexual activity as soon as you feel ready, unless instructed otherwise by your piercer.You must maintain hygiene and avoid trauma while doing so. All sexual activities should be gentle during the healing period.
Use barriers such as condoms, dental dams, and waterproof bandages, etc. to avoid contact with your partners' body fluids, even in monogamous relationships.
Cover sex toys with clean, disposable barriers.
Use a new container of water-based lubricant; do not use saliva.
After sex, A saline soak or clean water rinse is suggested.
Each body is unique and healing times vary considerably. If you have any questions, please contact your piercer.
Oral Piercings
Precautions for Oral Piercings Aftercare
The following solutions are recommended for oral piercings: antibacterial alcohol-free mouth rinse. sterile saline solution with no additives or non-iodized sea salt mixture: Dissolve 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt into one cup (8 oz) of warm distilled or bottled water. Stronger is not better. Saline solution that is too strong can irritate your piercing. (If you have high blood pressure or a heart condition, please check with your doctor before using a saline product as your primary cleaning solution.)Cleaning Instructions for Inside the Mouth
Rinse your mouth with a cleaning solution for 30 seconds after meals and at bedtime (4-5 times daily) during the entire healing process. Cleaning too often or with too strong a rinse can cause discoloration and irritation of your mouth and piercing.Cleaning Instructions for the Exterior of Labret Piercings
Soak in saline solution and/or wash in mild, fragrance-free liquid soap-preferably anti-microbial or germicidal. Wash your hands thoroughly before cleaning or touching your piercing for any reason. Saline soak at least two to three times daily. Simply soak directly in a cup of warm saline solution for five to ten minutes. For certain piercing placements it may be easier to apply using a spray saline solution such as NeilMed Wound wash. Soap no more than once or twice a day. While showering, lather up a drop of the soap to clean the jewelry and the piercing. Leave the cleanser on the piercing no more than thirty seconds. Rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of the soap from the piercing. Do not rotate the jewelry through the piercing. Let air dry. Cloth towels can harbor bacteria and snag on jewelry, causing injury.What Is Normal?
For the first three to five days: swelling, light bleeding, bruising, and tenderness. After that: Some swelling, light secretion of a whitish yellow fluid (not pus). A piercing may seem healed before the healing process is complete. This is because they heal from the outside in, and although it feels fine, the tissue remains fragile on the inside. Be patient, and keep cleaning throughout the entire healing period. Do not rotate or move your jewelry. Even healed piercings can shrink or close in minutes after having been there for years! This varies from person to person; if you like your piercing, keep jewelry in-do not leave the hole empty.What To Do To Help Reduce Swelling
Allow small pieces of ice to dissolve in the mouth. Don't speak or move your jewelry more than necessary. Sleep with your head elevated above your heart during the first few nights, this will help with swelling.To Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Use a new soft-bristled toothbrush and store it in a clean area away from other toothbrushes. Brush your teeth and use your chosen rinse (saline or mouthwash) after every meal. During healing floss daily, and VERY GENTLY brush your teeth, tongue and jewelry. Once healed, brush the jewelry more thoroughly to avoid plaque build up.To Stay Healthy
The healthier your lifestyle, the easier it will be for your piercing to heal. Get enough sleep and eat well. To help healing and bolster your ability to fight infection, take nutritional supplements daily, including iron, B vitamins, 1,000-5,000 mg of vitamin C (divided into a few equal doses throughout the day), and 30 mg of inc for women (50 mg for men).Oral Piercing Hints and Tips
- Jewelry
Once the swelling has subsided, it is vital to replace the original, longer jewelry with a shorter post to avoid oral damage. Consult your piercer for their downsize policy. Because this necessary jewelry change often occurs during healing, it should be done by a qualified piercer. With clean hands or paper product, be sure to regularly check threaded ends on your jewelry for tightness ("Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey.") Contact your piercer for a non-metallic jewelry alternative if your metal jewelry must be temporarily removed. Should you decide you no longer want the piercing, simply remove the jewelry (or have a professional piercer remove it) and continue cleaning the piercing until the hole closes. In most cases only a small mark will remain. In the event an infection is suspected, quality jewelry or an inert alternative should be left in place to allow for drainage or the infection. Should the jewelry be removed, the surface cells can close up sealing the infection inside the piercing channel, resulting in an abcess. Until an infection is cleared up, keep the jewelry in.- Eating
Eat small bites of food slowly, placing them directly onto teeth will aid in not using your tongue to position it. Avoid eating spicy, salty, acidic, or hot temperature foods or beverages for a few days. Cold foods and beverages are soothing and help reduce swelling. Foods like oatmeal are hard to eat because they stick to your mouth and jewelry. For tongue piercing, try to keep your tongue level in your mouth as you eat because the jewelry can get between your teeth when your tongue turns. Be careful not to bite your jewelry, as it might cause tooth damage. For labret piercings: be cautious about opening your mouth too wide as this can result in the jewelry catching on your teeth. Each body is unique and healing times vary considerably. If you have any questions, please contact your piercer.What To Avoid
Do not play with your jewelry. Long term effects include permanent damage to teeth, gums, and other oral structures. Avoid undue trauma; excessive talking or playing with the jewelry during healing can cause the formation of unsightly and uncomfortable scar tissue, migration, and other complications. Avoid using mouthwash containing alcohol. It can irritate the piercing and delay healing. Avoid oral sexual contact including French kissing or oral sex during healing (even with a long-term partner). Avoid chewing on tobacco, gum, fingernails, and other foreign objects that could harbor bacteria. Avoid sharing plates, cups, and eating utensils. Avoid smoking! It increases risks and lengthens healing time. Avoid stress and all recreational drug use. Avoid aspirin, alcohol, and large amounts of caffeine as long as you are experiencing bleeding or swelling. Avoid submerging healing piercings in bodies of water such as lakes, pools, etc. Each body is unique and healing times vary considerably. If you have any questions, please contact your piercer.Micro Dermal Anchors
We suggest wearing a round circle band aid on the dermal anchor at night time for the first two weeks. This will allow time for the dermal anchor to get locked in tighter to your skin. The band-aid will help protect your dermal anchor.
Take one sterile cotton ball, rinse dermal anchor with warm water and lather it with one pump of the Dial anti bacterial soap. Hold the cotton ball lightly over the dermal anchor for about 2 minutes. This will loosen up any dried blood or crustiness. After 2 minutes remove the cotton ball, rinse dermal anchor with water and use a sterile paper towel to dry your dermal. anchor. As a routine you must use a sea salt solution 3 times daily for 2 weeks.
DO NOT: please don’t use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, ointments, gels, or creams on your piercing. Don’t submerge piercing in any body of water, no swimming 4-6 weeks. Keep as dry as possible even in the shower.Good to know: your anchor may appear to be healed in days when in fact it will be 2-3 months to heal. The first couple of weeks your anchor will not be on tight, be very careful.
Each time body piercing is performed the client (and if applicable, the parent, managing conservator, or guardian) shall receive oral and written instructions of the care of the area pierced. The client shall consult a health care practitioner at the first sign of infection or an allergic reaction, or adverse reaction resulting from the body piercing to the artist and to the Texas Department of Health, Drugs, and Medical Devices Division, at 1-888-839-6676. You were pierced at Platinum Ink Tattoo and body piercing studio 5128 Burnet rd,& 1515 ih 35 #100. Phone 737-234-5444
Take one sterile cotton ball, rinse dermal anchor with warm water and lather it with one pump of the Dial anti bacterial soap. Hold the cotton ball lightly over the dermal anchor for about 2 minutes. This will loosen up any dried blood or crustiness. After 2 minutes remove the cotton ball, rinse dermal anchor with water and use a sterile paper towel to dry your dermal. anchor. As a routine you must use a sea salt solution 3 times daily for 2 weeks.
DO NOT: please don’t use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, ointments, gels, or creams on your piercing. Don’t submerge piercing in any body of water, no swimming 4-6 weeks. Keep as dry as possible even in the shower.Good to know: your anchor may appear to be healed in days when in fact it will be 2-3 months to heal. The first couple of weeks your anchor will not be on tight, be very careful.
Each time body piercing is performed the client (and if applicable, the parent, managing conservator, or guardian) shall receive oral and written instructions of the care of the area pierced. The client shall consult a health care practitioner at the first sign of infection or an allergic reaction, or adverse reaction resulting from the body piercing to the artist and to the Texas Department of Health, Drugs, and Medical Devices Division, at 1-888-839-6676. You were pierced at Platinum Ink Tattoo and body piercing studio 5128 Burnet rd,& 1515 ih 35 #100. Phone 737-234-5444
Maximizing Healing: Essential Aftercare Tips for Your New Piercing
Emphasizing the importance of a stringent aftercare routine is paramount for the swift healing of your new piercing. Abstain from applying body creams or soap bars directly onto the piercing site, as these products can cause irritation. Instead, embrace the simplicity and efficacy of a salt solution for cleansing, and always use paper towels for drying to minimize the risk of infection.
It’s crucial to adhere to the piercing instructions, especially the part about using sterilization equipment for any tools or jewelry that come into contact with your piercing. A sparing application of diluted tea tree oil can be beneficial due to its natural antiseptic qualities, but caution is advised to prevent irritation. Vigilance in aftercare is not only about maintaining hygiene but also about preventing the piercing from closing, ensuring the longevity and health of your piercing.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Instructions to Prevent Infections
Proper cleaning is critical to prevent infections, especially with surface and cartilage piercings which are prone to complications. Follow the piercing type-specific advice from your body piercer, as aftercare can vary significantly between different piercings. For piercing aftercare caring, always use recommended solutions and apply them gently to the area. Surface piercings require careful attention to avoid snagging and should be cleaned around the entry and exit points. Cartilage piercings need a delicate touch to not disturb the healing tissue. Trust your body piercer’s guidance for the best results.
Key Piercing Aftercare Precautions: Do's and Don'ts for a Smooth Recovery
For a smooth recovery, pay attention to your body’s signals; if it ‘screams’ with symptoms like swelling or discomfort, it’s time to adjust your care routine. Instead of saline, gently clean the area with mild, fragrance-free liquid soap, and pat dry with paper towels. Remember, the right aftercare tips are your best defense against complications. Use tea tree oil sparingly; its antiseptic qualities are beneficial, but only when diluted. Avoid soap bars; their residue can irritate and impede the healing process.
Optimizing the Healing Environment: Best Practices for Different Piercing Types and Oral Piercings
Optimizing the healing environment for different piercing types, including ear and nostril piercings, requires specific aftercare tips. Avoid using body creams near the piercing site, as they can clog the area and lead to healing concerns. After cleaning, gently pat the area with paper towels to prevent bacterial transfer.
Ear piercings, particularly earlobe piercings, can close quickly if jewelry is removed too soon, so keep them in place as advised. For nostril piercings, be attentive to any signs of infection. Adhering to these guidelines helps ensure a healthy healing process, reducing the risk of piercing closing and complications.
Addressing Healing Concerns: What to Expect and When to Seek Help
Addressing healing concerns effectively means closely following piercing cleaning instructions. Utilize specific piercing aftercare body protocols to foster a healing piercing environment. Adherence to piercing aftercare precautions is crucial; avoid soap bars and body creams on the area, as they can impede the process and cause irritation.
Monitor the site for signs of piercing closing; if the pierced area changes unexpectedly, revisit your piercing instructions. If symptoms or doubts persist, it’s imperative to seek professional help to ensure a safe and healthy recovery.
Each time body piercing is performed, the client (and if applicable, the parent, managing conservator, or guardian) shall receive oral and written instructions of the care of the area pierced. The client shall consult a health care practitioner at the first sign of infection or an allergic reaction, or adverse reaction resulting from the body piercing to the artist and to the Texas Department of Health, Drugs, and Medical Devices Division, at 1-888-839-6676. You were pierced at Platinum Ink Tattoo and body piercing studio 5128 Burnet rd, & 1515 IH 35 #100. Phone (512) 806-1095