Healing Time & Care Guidelines

Each person heals at their own pace, but on average, piercings take the following time to heal when cleaned three times daily:

• Lip, Labret, Nostril: 6-8 weeks

• Earlobe, Tongue: 4-6 weeks

• Ear Cartilage, Septum, Tragus, Rook, Industrial: 8-12 weeks

• Eyebrow: 8 weeks

• Navel, Nipple: 6-8 weeks

Even after the initial healing period, your piercing may take up to a year to fully heal. Be gentle and consistent with care.

Signs of Infection

While some redness and sensitivity are normal, watch for the following signs of infection:

• Redness and swelling

• A sensation of heat at the piercing site

• Pain (especially throbbing or spreading pain)

• Unusual discharge (yellow, green, or gray)

If you notice any of these, it’s always okay to contact a doctor, but a visit to your piercer may be more beneficial. Do not remove the jewelry, as this can trap infection inside. Instead, apply an antiseptic spray and rotate the jewelry. Ointments should only be used for the first two days, then return to using a cleaning spray.

Allergic Reactions & Irritation Bumps

• Allergic Reaction: Itchiness at the piercing site may indicate a reaction to the jewelry material.

• Irritation Bumps: These may appear as small pimples or blisters caused by excessive movement or playing with the jewelry. Do not squeeze them. Chamomile tea compresses can help—soak a tea bag in warm water and apply it to the piercing for 5-10 minutes twice a day.

Changing & Removing Jewelry

It’s best to wait until your piercing is fully healed before changing jewelry. Removing jewelry too soon can cause irritation, prolonged healing, or even closure of the piercing.

Disclaimer

These guidelines are based on professional experience and research but are not a substitute for medical advice. If you suspect a severe infection, seek medical attention. Keep in mind that many doctors may not have specialized training in piercing care.

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your piercer for guidance!

Recommended Cleaning Solutions

You can use one or both of the following options:

• Piercing Cleaning Spray – Available for purchase, this solution is designed to promote healing. Spray directly on the piercing 2-3 times a day (front and back if applicable).

• Sea Salt Solution – Dissolve 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized (iodine-free) sea salt into one cup (8 oz) of warm distilled or bottled water. A stronger mixture is not better—excess salt can irritate the piercing and cause dryness.

Avoid:

• Alcohol or Hydrogen Peroxide – These can dry out the skin and slow healing by overproducing skin cells.

Cleaning Instructions for Body Piercings

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching or cleaning your piercing.

2. Clean no more than 3-4 times a day. Over-cleaning can damage delicate skin, while under-cleaning increases the risk of infection.

3. Pat the area dry with a clean paper towel. Avoid cloth towels as they can snag on jewelry.

4. Keep the piercing dry and clean at all times. Immediately cleanse the area after exposure to:

   • Shampoo, hair products, and makeup

   • Cologne or perfume

   • Swimming pools, hot tubs, or excessive sweating from exercise

5. Keep hair away from the piercing whenever possible, especially during the healing process.

By following these steps, you’ll help ensure a safe and comfortable healing experience. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your piercer!

What’s Normal?

Initially: Some bleeding, swelling, tenderness, or bruising. During healing: You may notice discoloration, itching, and a whitish-yellow fluid that forms crust on the jewelry (this is not pus). The skin may tighten around the jewelry. Once healed: Jewelry may not move freely. Do not force it—this is normal. Failing to clean the piercing regularly can lead to normal but smelly secretions.

⚠️ Important:

• A piercing may feel healed before it actually is. Healing occurs from the outside in, so even if it seems fine, the inner tissue is still fragile.

• Leave jewelry in place at all times. Even fully healed piercings can shrink or close within hours if jewelry is removed.

Common Issues & How to Avoid Them

🔴 Infections can be caused by:

• Touching the piercing with unwashed hands.

• Oral contact, rough play, or exposure to bodily fluids.

• Using beauty or personal care products near the piercing (makeup, lotions, sprays).

• Submerging the piercing in pools, lakes, or hot tubs during the first week.

• Friction from tight clothing or excessive movement.

• Over-cleaning or using harsh cleansers (this can mimic infection symptoms).

• Stress, poor diet, illness, or excessive caffeine, nicotine, or alcohol use.

Jewelry Guidelines

• Do not hang charms or additional objects from jewelry until fully healed.

• Unless necessary, do not change jewelry during the healing period.

• If jewelry must be removed for a medical procedure, contact your piercer for alternatives.

• Regularly check threaded jewelry for tightness (“righty-tighty, lefty-loosey”).

• If you no longer want the piercing, have it professionally removed and continue cleaning until the hole closes.

• Always wear appropriate jewelry, even after healing.

Piercing-Specific Care

Navel Piercing

• Remove the piercing if you become pregnant.

• Hot soaks and compresses (with 1 tsp sea salt per cup of clean water) are recommended.

• Avoid belts, tight clothing, and lacey fabrics that could snag the jewelry.

• If you suspect migration or rejection, consult your piercer.

Facial & Ear Piercings (Nose, Septum, Eyebrow, etc.)

• Keep items like phones, headphones, glasses, hats, and helmets clean.

• Avoid makeup and hair products around the piercing.

• Be cautious when removing clothing over the head or styling hair.

• Take extra care during sports or rough activities.

Oral Piercings (Tongue, Labret, etc.)

• Rinse your mouth with diluted antibacterial mouthwash (50-75%) after eating, smoking, or drinking.

• Clean the inside after eating/drinking/smoking every time and clean the outside 2-3 times a day.

• Speak slowly during the initial healing period.

• Avoid irritants like alcohol, spicy foods, and smoking to reduce swelling.

• Use ice if needed for swelling.

Final Reminder

Be patient with the healing process. If you experience unusual pain, excessive swelling, or signs of infection, contact your piercer or a medical professional. Proper aftercare is the key to a healthy, long-lasting piercing!