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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