BODY PIERCING AFTERCARE
Ear, Dermal, Lip, Smiley, Nose, Septum, Belly Button, Nipple, Genital.
General Piercing Aftercare Instructions
(applies to all types)
- The most crucial practice in piercing aftercare is to clean the area 2 times a day. Use specialized piercing aftercare spray or a mix of 9% non-iodized sea salt and 91% distilled water. Most importantly, always wash your hands with antimicrobial soap and water before touching your piercing. Failure to do so, germs will be transferred to the pierced area and cause an infection.
- Avoid baths, lakes, hot tubs, and pools. Bacteria tend to develop in static or public water (a waterproof bandage may help check the instructions before use). Whilst in the shower, gently use the showerhead to clear debris.
- Apart from cleaning, do not touch, turn, fidget or play with your jewelry. We strongly do not recommend applying anything on your skin or hair that could get inside the pierced area. For instance beauty/hair products, essential oils, chemicals, perfume, etc.
- It’s crucial not to replace the jewelry that has been inserted into your skin during the healing period. During the piercing procedure, the highest medical grade/hypoallergenic metals are used that help the area heal properly. Consequently, preventing the growth of bacteria.
- When you sleep, do not apply pressure on the pierced area.
- Under no circumstances do not remove the jewelry at night.
- Apply clean sheets and bedding. Use the hottest setting on your washing machine when washing them. Most importantly do not allow pets on your bed.
- If you see any crusting, use piercing aftercare spray or distilled water and sea salt to soften the crust. Subsequently, wipe it away with a paper towel or clean/soft fabric. Scabs or crusts are a result of new skin that is developing over pierced skin. Under no circumstances do not pick, scratch, or move the jewelry around in order to remove the crusting.
Symptoms
Do not panic if you experience: bleeding, swelling, bruising, discoloration, itching, or crusting. The Association of Professional Piercers notes that these symptoms are absolutely normal. After the first part of the healing process (a couple of weeks), most likely you won’t experience any of the aforementioned symptoms. However, you need to continue with the daily hygiene routine and piercing aftercare instructions as the interior takes much longer to fully heal.
Ear Piercing Aftercare (Lobes, Tash Rook, Forward Helix, Daith, Conch, Tragus, Antitragus, Industrial, Orbital)
- Healing period: 6-8 weeks.
- Avoid anything that applies pressure to the piercing. For instance headphones, winter hats, accessories.
- Travel pillows can help you avoid sleeping on your ear.
- Dry your hair before going to sleep.
- Your cellphone must be frequently cleaned with antiseptic gel/spray. A study by the University of Arizona has shown that mobile phones are 10 times more contaminated with bacteria/germs than toilet seats. As a result, using your (contaminated) phone can cause nosocomial infections. It is possibly the dirtiest object we constantly come in contact with on a daily basis.
Dermal / Surface
- Healing period: 8-12 weeks.
- Keep it fully covered and air-tight with a bandage for 1 week. The first bandage will be applied by the piercer. If it gets dirty or removed, replace it with another one.
- Strictly no moisturizers, body creams, or perfumes anywhere near the dermal.
- Avoid contact with other bodily fluids.
- Do not wear accessories that might get in contact with your dermal jewelry.
Lip / Oral
- Healing period: 3-4 weeks.
- Avoid makeup and crayons.
- Avoid oral contact and contact with other people’s body fluids (incl. kissing)
- Do not drink thick beverages (such as milkshakes) and definitely do not share straws.
- Avoid hot, crunchy, spicy food, dairy products, and excessive consumption of alcohol, aspirin, caffeine, and smoking. Smokers must rinse their mouth with mouthwash (such as Listerine) or at least bottled water after smoking.
- Avoid chewing on gum, fingernails, and anything else that isn’t food.
- Avoid playing with the jewelry. This can cause irreversible damage to teeth and gum.
SMILEY
- Healing period: 4-12 weeks.
- The smiley jewelry goes through the frenulum (the small piece of skin connecting the upper lip to the upper gum). As there is not a lot of skin in that area, very often our body rejects the jewelry. This can happen even after some months. Pulling, twisting, and playing with the hoop will certainly increase the chances of rejection.
- Rinse your mouth regularly with saltwater and/or alcohol-free mouthwash (i.e. Listerine).
- Be extra careful when brushing your teeth.
- Avoid spicy and acidic food. Also, avoid food that’s not extremely easy to chew on.
- Read and follow Oral Aftercare instructions.
Nostril (nose)
- Healing period: 3-4 weeks.
- Avoid any harsh face wash.
- Avoid makeup, creams, and serums directly on the pierced area.
- If you have a cold or allergies, be gentle when blowing your nose.
Septum
- Healing period: 6-8 weeks.
- Avoid any nasal sprays that aren’t saline.
- Be careful when getting dressed.
- You must be gentle while blowing your nose, or doing anything that could result in catching or pulling the jewelry.
- Avoid smoking, and if you do, never blow the smoke out of your nose.
Navel (belly button)
- Healing period: 9-12 months.
- Avoid tight clothing/waistbands,
- No high-waisted pants/jeans or belts. Always wear clean clothes.
Nipple
- Healing period: 12-14 weeks.
- Wear loose, soft, and clean clothing. Avoid woven fabrics and lace bras for women.
- Be careful when you’re getting dressed. Fabric fibers can easily get caught on the jewelry. For instance, this may result in skin damage.
- During the first few weeks do not take aspirin, drink alcohol, or consume excessive caffeine (or do it responsively). These are blood thinners and your body will not be able to form clots that ultimately prevent bleeding.
Genital
- Healing period: 2-12 weeks.
- Do not use any creams in the genital area. Very importantly, no lubricants.
- No sexual contact for the first days. Also, no heavy play for the first weeks.
