Frequently Asked Questions
- 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.
Non-Oral Piercing Aftercare
Clean your piercing 1-3 times a day with saline wound wash. We carry Neilmed 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 Piercing Aftercare
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.
Threadless jewelry is a great style of jewelry that can offer the ability to change out your tops and ends quickly. A small bend is created in the pin that provides enough tension to keep the end securely in place. Check out this page for more information.