PIERCING AFTERCARE

AFTERCARE

• Wash your hands thoroughly prior to cleaning.

• Saline rinse your piercing 1–2 times daily as needed during healing.

• Dry by gently patting with clean, disposable paper products because cloth towels can harbor bacteria and snag on jewelry, causing injury.

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.

• A piercing may seem healed before the healing process is complete. Tissue heals from the outside in, and although it feels fine, the interior remains fragile. Be patient & keep cleaning throughout the entire healing period.

• During healing, it is not necessary to rotate your jewelry.

• Stay healthy; the healthier your lifestyle, the easier it will be for your piercing to heal. Exercise during healing is fine; listen to your body.

• Make sure your bedding is washed and changed regularly. Wear clean, comfortable, breathable clothing that protects your piercing while sleeping.

• Showers tend to be safer than taking baths.

WHAT TO AVOID

• Avoid cleaning with Betadine®, Hibiciens®, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Dial® or other soaps containing triclosan, as these can damage cells.

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

• Avoid stress & drug use, including excessive caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.

• Avoid submerging the piercing in water such as lakes, pools, hot tubs, etc. 

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

FURTHER INFORMATION

Extensive aftercare information can be found at SafePiercing.org.