• To avoid irritation, do not clean the piercing area more than the recommended 1 to 3 times a day.
• Avoid cleaning your piercing with products such as Hibiclens, Betadine, ointments, lotions, alcohol, peroxide, or any other harsh cleaning materials, or soaps with fragrances.
• Consult your piercer if you have decided that you no longer want your piercing.
• If you are suspicious of infection, leave the jewelry in and consult your piercer.
• With any facial or ear piercing, sleep with your head elevated above your heart for the first few days to help reduce swelling; you can also try an over-the-counter, anti-steroidal, anti-inflammatory.
• Be sure to take into account any allergies to medications or jewelry materials, before taking anything to reduce swelling or changing your jewelry.
• Avoid the use of recreational drugs, nicotine, alcohol and cosmetics while your piercing is healing.
• Be gentle with towels after drying your hair, face, or body after you have received any piercing.
• Avoid submerging your piercing in water. If you must submerge your piercing in water, such as a requirement for a job, use a product like Tegaderm™ Eye Patch, or Waterproof Bandage to help keep out dirt and water. Remember that this does not guarantee protection from bacteria, as the dressing may come loose.
• Remember to change out any dressing you use regularly to avoid possible infection from a build-up of bacteria.
• Rinse any excess solution or soap off of the area in which the piercing is located. Gently pat the area with a clean disposable paper product.

SALINE SOLUTION

Clean your piercing 1-3 times a day with saline wound wash.  We carry wound wash in our studios; saline wound wash is also sold in most convenience stores.  Spray saline on a Q-tip or non-woven gauze, gently wipe clean your piercing.

ORAL SOLUTIONS

You may use the saline wound wash, listed previously, in order to rinse the inside as well as outside of the mouth. You may also use alcohol-free mouthwash for the inside of your mouth and a saline wound wash for the outside. Rinse the inside of the mouth with alcohol-free mouthwash, or the saline wound wash for thirty seconds after each meal and before bed.

Some initial bleeding, swelling, bruising and tenderness. As the piercing heals, you will experience some discoloration, itchiness, and a white/yellow fluid that will secrete from the piercing. The fluid that you see is not pus, rather a liquid called Lymph, which picks up bacteria and delivers it to the lymph node in the area to be destroyed. To help clean the residue that is left behind, use a Q-tip with the Sea Salt Solution listed previously. The tissue around your piercing will also tighten, causing the jewelry to not move freely. Do not try to force the piercing to move, as it will cause further irritation and possible rejection. If you notice any bleeding with green discharge coming from the piercing location, contact your piercer or physician for further inspection.

For oral piercings, avoid playing with your jewelry as it can cause damage to your teeth, gums and other parts of your mouth. Also avoid any contact with chewing tobacco, gum and other foreign objects as they too can harbor bacteria which will then possibly lead to problems during the healing process.

After an oral piercing, avoid eating spicy, salty, acidic, or hot temperature foods for a few days. Cold foods and icy beverages are your best friends! The cold temperatures will help subside any oral swelling that you may endure. You can also allow small pieces of ice to melt in your mouth.

Once the swelling has subsided, it is important to replace the jewelry with a smaller post.

You may experience some discomfort while sleeping if your piercing is located in an area that is normally touched by bedding. If you are having trouble sleeping while an ear piercing is healing, you may try using a travel pillow and resting your ear in the hole. If you have recently received a naval piercing, you may try lying on your side with a pillow on either side of you to prevent rolling over and onto your belly. Avoid using knit blankets in order to prevent snagging the jewelry and causing irritation.

Avoid handling your piercing with unwashed hands. Allow your surface anchor some time to heal before fiddling with it in any way. Before leaving the shop, your piercer may have placed a bandage over your new piercing. You will want to leave the bandage there until you get home and proceed to re-bandage the area before bed. Remove the bandage during the day to allow for proper healing.  You should also avoid wearing tight clothing that could snag on your jewelry. Remember to periodically clean your piercing, even far into the future after your piercing has healed.

1. Remember to wash your hands and tighten your beads. You may consider the idea of carrying an extra bead on you when leaving the house, in case you may lose a bead while outside and away from home.
2. You may use non-flavored floss to clear away build up after your piercing has healed. Gently slide the strand of floss under the top to clear away residue and to prevent lifting.
3. Take the time with your child to go over proper cleaning habits to ensure that the healing process remains safe and enjoyable.
4. Hair can sometimes be a nuisance to piercings so make sure you are keeping the area clean and free of loose hairs.

Recommendations by Body Jewel and their staff should not be conceived as medical advice. Seek medical attention if you have any concerns about your health and safety. These guidelines and tips are based off of the experience of professionals, research and common household and clinical health practices. Remember that your body is unique, which means healing times will vary. If you have any concerns, please speak with your piercer and they will be able to provide the assistance and direction you need.