EXTERNAL BODY PIERCING AFTER CARE
CLEANING SOLUTIONS
1) Piercing Aftercare™ Solution.
If the Piercing Aftercare™ Solution proves to be too harsh one of the following can be substituted:
-A mixture of non-iodized sea salt and water (about ¼ tsp of salt into one cup of water).
NEVER USE ALCOHOL OR PEROXIDE ON YOUR PIERCINGS!
WHAT TO DO
1) Wash your hands before cleaning or touching your piercing!
2) Saturate one end of a cleaning swab with the Piercing Aftercare™ Solution.
3) Remove all secretion build up around the piercing holes and on jewelry.
4) Rotate jewelry (either up and down or in a circular motion depending on type of piercing) to clean the inside of the piercing. DO NOT REMOVE JEWELRY TO CLEAN PIERCING.
5) Pat dry with a disposable paper tissue.
6) Repeat this process between three or four times a day for the first four weeks of the healing process. After four weeks cleaning can be reduced to twice daily until the piercing is entirely healed.
**Keep in mind healing time varies for each individual**
GENITAL PIERCINGS
- Follow the above external body piercing after care instructions.
- Use a condom until piercing is completely healed!
- Make sure to thoroughly clean piercing before and after intercourse or contact with bodily fluids.
- Be gentle- if it is hurting, pinching or stinging it’s time to stop.
ORAL PIERCING AFTER CARE
CLEANING SOLUTIONS
1) Antiseptic, alcohol-free mouthwash such as Tech 2000. The Tech 2000 sold in all locations of Painless Steel is designed to be diluted with water (3 capfuls per one cup of water).
WHAT TO DO
1) Mouthwash rinses should last at least 30 seconds and should be done after every meal, periodically between meals as well as after drinking, smoking, or chewing tobacco.
2) Rinse after any major encounter with foreign body fluids such as kissing.
3) Rinsing should last until the piercing is entirely healed.
DON’T FORGET
- Most oral piercings will swell and remain inflamed for 7- 10 days.
- When the swelling has receded it is best to switch to proper sized jewelry. Doing so will decrease the chances of jewelry migration, snagging and biting of the jewelry.
- Return to your piercer for assistance with changing jewelry.
- Healing time varies for each individual.
WHAT IS NORMAL?
- In the beginning: swelling, tenderness, bruising and some minor bleeding.
- Throughout the healing process: discoloration, itching and secretion that forms crust around piercing and on jewelry.
- Remember that although a piercing may appear to be completely healed, the tissue is still very delicate on the inside. KEEP CLEANING the piercing throughout the entire healing period!
- The rate at which piercings will completely close varies from piercing to piercing and from person to person, so your best option is to KEEP YOUR JEWELRY IN PLACE!
**** If signs of infection occur (prolonged soreness, pain, extensive redness and/or discolored secretion) CONTACT A PHYSICIAN OR YOUR PIERCER to discuss your best options. DO NOT REMOVE JEWELRY until instructed to do so.
*HELPFUL HINTS
-Use caution when swimming during the healing process, poor water quality and high bacteria levels can infect your piercing. Make sure you clean thoroughly after this type of event.
-A well balanced diet and taking a vitamin and/or zinc supplement can speed up the healing process.
-Using a warm chamomile tea bag as a compress can often relieve tenderness and redness.
-Tea tree oil mixed 70-1 with water can also be used in addition to your oral rinse.
-Make sure to go around your piercing when using beauty or personal care products.
-Wearing tight fitting shirts or a sports bra will provide protection for nipple piercings.
SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY RECURRING PROBLEMS, CONTACT YOUR PIERCER IMMEDIATELY!
Disclaimer: These after care instructions are based on a combination of vast professional experience and common sense. this is not to be considered a substitute for medical advice from a doctor.