AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS

 

 

The following are indications of infection:

• Redness and swelling

• A sensation of heat at the piercing site

• Pain, especially throbbing or spreading pain

• Unusual discharge. It may be yellowish, greenish, or grayish

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While it is never inappropriate to contact the doctor, a visit to the piercer may be more beneficial.

Do not remove the jewelry as this may aggravate the problem by closing off the drainage for the discharge. Apply antiseptic spray and rotate jewelry. Note that the use of ointments should be limited to the first two days after infection then go back to cleaning spray use. 

 

Indications of an allergic reaction to jewelry itchiness at the piercing site
Irritation bumps can occur from too much movement or play with the jewelry. It can look like a small blister or pimple beside the piercing. Do not squeeze it. Chamomile tea compresses can help speed up the healing process. Soak in warm water and leave on the piercing for 5-10 minutes twice a day.

Changing and Removing:

Everyone heals at a different pace. The average healing time for piercing provided they are cleaned 3x daily and treated like new healing tissue is shown below. It is important to remember that even after the initial healing period; the piercing will still need one full year or longer to completely heal. Always treat the piercing with care and gentleness.

Lip, Labret, Nostril: 6-8 weeks
Earlobe, Tongue: 4-6 weeks
Ear Cartilage, Septum, Tragus, Rook, Industrial: 8-12weeks
Eyebrow: 8 weeks
Naval, Nipple 6-8 weeks

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Disclaimer: These guidelines are based on a combination of vast professional experience, common sense, research, and extensive clinical practice. This is not to be considered a substitute for medical advice from a doctor. If you suspect an infection, seek medical attention. Keep in mind that the removal of jewelry can lead to further complications. Be aware that many doctors have not received specific training regarding piercing.

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Cleaning Solutions:

Use either one or both of the following solutions for body piercing:

• ​Our cleaning spray is available to purchase for piercing and speed healing. Spray directly on the spot 2-3 times a day front and back.

• Dissolve 1/8 - 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! Saline solution that is too strong can irritate the piercing and dry out the skin. Too strong of a concentration may produce shiny or flaky skin.

• No Alcohol or Hydrogen Peroxide. Causes dryness and overproduces skin cells.

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Cleaning Instructions for Body Piercings:

WASH your hands thoroughly prior to cleaning, or touching on or near your piercing for any reason. Clean no more than three or four times a day. Cleaning more frequently may damage the delicate skin cells and cleaning less frequently may invite infection. When cleaning is not in progress the piercing should be left alone. Pat to dry piercing, towels can snag and pull on jewelry. Keep the pierced area dry and clean. Immediately cleanse after using shampoo or other hair & makeup products, spraying cologne and after swimming or exercise. Keep hair away from the area whenever possible during the healing process.

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What Is Normal?

Initially: some bleeding, localized swelling, tenderness, or bruising. During healing: some discoloration, itching, secretion of a whitish-yellow fluid (not pus) that will form some crust on the jewelry. The tissue may tighten around the jewelry as it heals. Once healed: the jewelry may not move freely in the piercing; DO NOT force it. The skin may tighten around the jewelry as it heals, making turning somewhat difficult. If you fail to include cleaning your piercing as a part of your daily hygiene routine, normal but smelly bodily secretions may accumulate. A piercing may seem healed before healing is complete. This is because piercings heal from the outside in, and although it feels healed the tissue remains fragile on the inside. BE PATIENT, and Keep cleaning throughout the entire healing period This varies from person to person; if you like your piercing, leave the jewelry in place. Leave jewelry in at all times. Even old, well-healed piercings can shrink or close in hours after having been there for years! If removed re-insertion can be difficult.

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Common problems that can be avoided:

Infections are caused by contact with bacteria, fungi, or other living pathogens. Piercing infections can usually be traced to one of the following activities:

• ​Touching the piercing with unwashed hands.

• Avoid all oral contact, including your saliva, rough play, and contact with others' bodily fluids on or near your piercing during healing.

• Avoid all beauty and personal care products on or around the piercing including cosmetics, lotions, and sprays, etc.

• Avoid submerging the piercing in bodies of water such as lakes, pools, Jacuzzis, etc. during the first week while the piercing is still fresh. Clean well after exposure.

• Friction caused by tight or heavy clothing or excessive movement of the area can cause dark redness, a hard growth of skin over the scar (keloids), discharge, and rejection/migration. Over- cleaning, vigorous cleaning, or using a cleanser that is too strong can produce symptoms very similar to an infection. The skin may be very tender and appear shiny, and there may be a clear discharge.

• Avoid stress and recreational drug use including excessive caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol. Stress, poor diet, or illness can cause longer healing times or migration of the piercing.

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Jewelry:

• Don't hang charms or any object from your jewelry until the piercing is fully healed.

• Unless there is a problem with the size, style, or material of the initial jewelry, leave it in place for the entire healing period. A qualified piercer should perform any necessary jewelry change that occurs during healing.

• Contact your piercer if your jewelry must be temporarily removed (such as for a medical procedure). There are non-metallic jewelry alternatives.

• With clean hands, be sure to regularly check threaded ends on your jewelry for tightness. ("Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey")

• Should you decide you no longer want the piercing, seek professional help in the removal of the jewelry and continue cleaning the piercing until the hole closes. In most cases only a small indentation will remain.

• Jewelry should not be changed during the initial healing period (often at least 8 weeks). Be advised to always wear the appropriate jewelry in the piercings, even when fully healed.

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Navel:

Remove piercing if you become pregnant.

Hot soaks and compresses, with the optional addition of a teaspoon of sea salt per cup of clean water, are strongly suggested for navel piercing. 

Avoid wearing belts, tight trousers, or restrictive clothing for the first month or two.

Be careful of lacey shirts or anything that can snag or hit right at the navel area. 

You may want to schedule an appointment with your piercer to help with a recommendation if your piercing is rejecting or migrating

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Facial - Ear/Nose/Septum/Eyebrow:

Maintain cleanliness of telephones, headphones, eyeglasses, helmets, hats, and anything that contacts the pierced area. 

Use caution when styling your hair and doing your make-up, try and avoid any product contact with the piercing to maintain cleanliness and prevent infection. 

Take extra care when removing clothing over the head or brushing hair, so the jewelry doesn't get caught.

 Exercise care when participating in sports or rough play.

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Oral - Tongue/Labret:

After eating, smoking, or putting anything in the mouth, rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash at a dilution of 50% - 75% to avoid damaging new skin cells. 

Clean internal after eating, drinking, and smoking (EVERY TIME)

External cleaning 2-3 times a day speak slowly.

 Avoid irritants such as alcohol, spicy foods, and the majority of the bruising/swelling should go down after the first week.

Ice if needed