Piercing Aftercare

• Cleaning Solutions: There are two things needed to properly care for a new piercing. One is an anti-microbial liquid soap such as Dial in order to wash the piercing. The second is a bottle of sterile saline solution with no additives, which is commonly used for eye contacts. An alternative to this is a non-iodized sea salt mixture. This can be made by mixing 1/8-1/4 teaspoon of iodine free sea salt into one 8 ounce cup. A solution that is too strong can irritate the piercing, so less is more. H2Ocean aftercare is also highly recommended.

• Cleaning Instructions: Wash your piercing two to three times a day with anti-microbial soap and water. Take care to use clean hands when touching your new piercing. Soak the piercing three to four times daily with the saline or sea salt solution using a sterile gauze pad, cotton ball, or q-tip. Sterile gauze pads are more highly recommended, because fibers from cotton balls or q-tips can get caught on the piercing. Dry with disposable paper towels or dry gauze pads, as cloth towels can harbor bacteria and catch on piercings easily. Do this for the first three to four weeks.

 

• What is Normal? Initially, some bleeding, swelling, tenderness, itching, and bruising can occur. During healing, secretion of a whitish-yellow fluid (not pus) will form some crust on the jewelry. This is completely normal. Do not pick the crust off or squeeze the piercing. Be patient and continue regular cleaning throughout the healing process.