AFTER CARE GUIDELINES FOR BODY PIERCINGS

 YOUR HANDS MUST BE CLEAN whenever you touch your piercing

EXCESS CLEANING AND TOUCHING DISTURBS and slows down the healing

CLEAN IN THE SHOWER- it’s the best time to remove any dry build up and gently move the jewellery. Avoid soaps at the site (if you do be sure to rinse thoroughly)

DRY AFTER SHOWERING- dab with a clean tissue

APPLY AFTER CARE PRODUCT- onto the jewellery at the entry and exit sites ensuring that it penetrates INTO the piercing wound and not onto the surrounding skin (avoid sprays)

MOVE THE JEWELLERY gently up and down, or rotate the ring

REMOVE EXCESS product and dry site well

CLEAN TWICE A DAY ONLY as excess cleaning will hinder the healing process . If your piercing is slow healing try a different antiseptic lotion. Mild Saline (salt) is our recommendation.

DO NOT MIX PRODUCTS use one only.

WATER SOLUBLE PRODUCTS ARE BEST, AVOID CREAMS as they clog the site and hinder the body from its own natural cleaning process.

AVOID DRYING PRODUCTS such as metho and peroxide

MOUTHWASH PRODUCTS ARE FOR ORAL piercings only and may hinder the healing of other sites on the body.

AVOID TONGUE OR SEXUAL CONTACT at the site for at least 2 weeks.

 NOTE:

• Leave the piercing alone except when cleaning

• Stay healthy; the healthier your lifestyle, the easier it will be for your piercing to heal. Get enough sleep and eat a nutritious diet. 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 you are sleeping.

• Showers tend to be safer than taking baths, as bathtubs can harbor bacteria

WHAT TO POSSIBLY EXPECT FOR A NEW PIERCING?

• Initially: some bleeding, localized swelling, tenderness, or bruising.

• During healing: some discoloration, secretion of a whitish-yellow fluid (not pus) that will form some crust on the jewelry (this is the body cleaning itself). The tissue may tighten around the jewelry as it heals.

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

• Even healed piercings can shrink or close in minutes after having been there for years! This varies from person to person; if you like your piercing, keep jewelry in—do not leave it empty.

WHAT TO AVOID WITH A NEW PIERCING

• Avoid cleaning with Betadine, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, teatree oil or other harsh soaps, as these can damage cells. Also avoid ointments as they prevent necessary air circulation

• Avoid pierced ear care solutions and other products that work as sprays

• Avoid over-cleaning. This can delay your healing and irritate your piercing.

• Avoid undue trauma such as friction from clothing, excessive motion of the area, playing with the jewelry, and vigorous cleaning. These activities can cause the formation of unsightly and uncomfortable scar tissue, migration, prolonged healing, and other complications.

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

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

• Avoid submerging the piercing in unhygenic bodies of water such as lakes, pools, hot tubs, etc. Or, protect your piercing using a waterproof wound-sealant bandage.

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

SITE SPECIFIC ADVICE FOR AFTERCARE

EARLOBE & EAR CARTLIAGE PIRECINGS

Ear Lobes generally heals well, Ear Cartilage piercing can often be difficult and uncomfortable until settled in.

Cartilage is structured differently to other body tissue and not as well nourished by our fluid systems.

If infection sets in, it can become trapped and become a serious problem if left unattended.

NOSE PIERCINGS

Follow general instructions carefully.

Apply a padded Band- Aid carefully each night for the first week to hold the jewellery secure until the site firms up.

Hold the stud at the top and move the inside tail if visible or annoying.

Don’t change the stud for at least 6 weeks.

Take care when brushing hair, after showering; removing clothing, face washing etc as the stud is easily dislodged.

NIPPLE, NAVEL & EYEBROW PIERCINGS

Nipple, Navel and Eyebrow piercing are all challenging sites for healing. Follow General Instructions carefully.

Apply a cover if desired for the first few days.

Do not touch or let others touch your piercing.

Tongue play or oral contact around your new piercing should be avoided for 4 weeks.

Be aware of knocks when playing sports and wearing tight clothing, belts or sunglasses.

Keep a check on hair which touches or may become drawn into the site

ORAL PIERCINGS- LABRET, LIP, BEAUTY SPOT, CHEEKS

Rinse with an antiseptic mouth wash twice a day.

Dilute the mouthwash to half strength after the second day

Do not touch excessively with fingers or tongue as this slow down the healing time

Piercings in the mouth area move naturally.

New piercing in a moist zone are vulnerable to cross- contamination of high risk diseases.

Be aware of health issues during sexual contact.

Ask your pharmacist to recommend an anti-inflammatory tablet to reduce the potential of swelling if needed.

Ensure that the Jewellery is the correct length and not embedded in the soft tissue if too short or rubbing on teeth or gums if too long.

Tighten barbell/labret balls daily by turning clockwise.

TONGUE PIERCINGS

In the first 24 hours, keep your mouth cold by sucking on ice, sipping cold drinks and eating soft, cool, non-spicy foods.

This will help reduce the risk of potential swelling.

Rinse mouth 6 times daily with an antiseptic mouthwash every day for the first week.

DILUTE THE MOUTHWASH TO HALF STRENGTH AFTER SECOND DAY TO AVOID THRUSH!

You have a longer bar than needed to allow for the potential of swelling.

Return to your piercer and change down the bar size to a smaller length 10-14 days after the piercing.

Tighten balls daily by turning clockwise.

A new toothbrush is recommended immediately for teeth and gently cleaning the tongue.

Avoid moving the barbell excessively as this will stress the tongue and potentially chip teeth.

Ask you pharmacist for anti- inflammatory tablets to reduce the potential for swelling.

To protect yourself, avoid alcohol, smoking and tongue play with another person for the first week.

Contact your piercer immediately if the swelling creates pressure.

GENERAL RISKS

Infection may set in if your hygiene is poor.

Do not remove jewellery if infection occurs as this can trap infection inside

If you are too thin or too overweight your piercing may not be successful due to pressure and stress

If the area around your piercing is hot and itchy you may have a metal reaction. Please see your piercer.

If bleeding occurs apply pressure or see a doctor.

Nerve damage or irritation at the site is possible

Piercing under pressure may migrate out through the surface of the skin

Small pressure “growths/lumps” may emerge

Watch that hair doesn’t wind around jewellery

If jewellery is too tight it may become embedded and have to be surgically removed.

Oral piercing can rub on gums or teeth. Teeth can be chipped if the jewellery is incorrectly placed or the incorrect length or if you bite down or ‘play’ with the bar.

Sites may enlarge and distort, or shrink if they are constantly toughed or played with by the wearer.

Ear cartilage is one of the most difficult for healing

Stud guns should be used on ear LOBE piercings only and not any other area due to potential damage.

GENERAL ADVICE

Avoid public pools, baths and spas during healing

Swimming in the ocean is good

Your healing time will depend on your own body’s ability to heal. It can take anything between 6 weeks to six months to heal.

Your piercing may appear to be healed on the surface but deeper healing takes many weeks and is essential for a strong flexible site.

Good diet, multivitamins and or zinc tables may aid your healing.

Don’t change your jewellery for at least 6-8 weeks

PLEASE CONSIDER BEFORE GETTING A PIERCING-

have you any medical conditions which may affect the piercing or healing?

Is this clinic registered with the local council?

Does the clinic look clean and tidy?

Is there a Autoclave sterilizer in the clinic?

Does the piercer use sterilized equipment and single-use disposables for each client?

Is the piercer fully trained and certified?

Does your state require you to be 18 years or have parental consent for this piercing?

Professional piercers may reserve the right to refuse service if  they believe the piercing being requested is inappropriate, illegal or unsafe.

 * 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. Be aware that many doctors have not received specific training regarding piercing. Your local piercer may be able to refer you to a piercing-friendly medical professional.

Body Piercing Association Australia - BPAA Copyright 2015