HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR PIERCING
The first rule of body piercing is: you do not touch your piercing. The second rule of body piercing is: you do not touch your piercing. This is something we can never stress enough! Touching your piercing during healing can cause an array of issues so avoid it at all costs.
CLEANING THE PIERCING
At the end of your shower, if there is crust or build up present on the jewelry, spray it off with the saline spray. If it does not come off, gently remove the build up with a q-tip or gauze. (do not use a paper towel...these leave fibers behind that get stuck on your jewelry which can cause irritation). If you do not see any build up, you do not need to use a qtip on the piercing. Essentially, all you're doing removing any debris from the area so the piercing can breathe and heal on its own. If you do not see anything, do not do anything. It truly is that easy.
We suggest cleaning no more than once a day. On average, most piercings will need to be cleaned over the next 3-4 months (unless otherwise stated by your piercer). It is vital that you do not over-clean the piercing.
If it has been longer than four months, do not clean the piercing anymore. Even if there is still crusting or signs of healing, you can remove any debris at the end of the shower. Excessive and prolonged cleaning and moisture can cause complications.
WHAT TO EXPECT
First and foremost, what most people think is an infection is not. If you're unsure about what is going on with your piercing, please come in and see your piercer. Do not look up things on the internet.
Your piercing may experience redness, soreness and swelling. These are are typical "symptoms" of a fresh piercing, and they can come and go over the next few weeks to the first few months depending on the piercing and the placement. This is an absolutely normal process of a new piercing and does not necessarily mean there is something wrong with it. It is also normal to experience a whitish to yellowish secretion coming from the piercing. This is called sebum, which is just your body's natural secretion and what creates crust on the jewelry. It can come an go throughout the entire healing time.
A FEW OTHER THINGS DURING HEALING
--Always wash your hands before touching your piercing, but if you can help it, do not touch it (please refer to the first two rules of piercing).
--Never spin the jewelry, move it back and forth, or move it while you're cleaning it. The jewelry may feel tight or like it's not moving around and that is OK. It will move around on it's own.
--In your shower, avoid any shampoo, conditioner or soap on the piercing. If it's in the water running down over it, that is OK.
--Avoid make-up, lotion, or any other products on the piercing during healing. We suggest a dime-sized diameter all of the way around and away from the piercing at all times.
--Do not sleep on your piercing while it is healing.
--Come in for your downsize. If your piercing requires it, then it's important to do it to avoid any complications with your healing. Your piercer should have already discussed downsizing with you if you received a piercing that will need it. Lip and tongue piercings are usually 10-14 days. Everything else, around 4-8 weeks. If you're unsure about downsizing, call or come in. Do not change the jewelry yourself until fully healed.
--Swimming should be avoided while healing, four month minimum. This includes all bodies of water, even the ocean. Keep in mind that the sea salt in the ocean is different than the sea salt spray you clean your piercing with, and that the ocean is teaming with bacteria.
--NEVER use products like alcohol, peroxide, bactine, hibiclens, neosporin, vaseline, etc. These products are not meant for piercings and even says on these bottles "not meant for puncture wounds."
--Do not remove your jewelry until it's healed, six months. (unless otherwise stated by your piercer).
--For genital/nipple piercings (and some lip piercings), avoid any oral contact with the piercing. We are not accustomed to other peoples bodily fluids so getting a mouth on the piercing should be avoided. Sex (including oral) may need to be avoided during initial healing and always use barrier protection.
Average Healing Times For Body Piercings
-Earlobe, Septum, Eyebrow: 3-4 Months
-All Cartilage (Helix, Flat, Rook, Tragus, Daith, Conch, Industrial): 6-9 Months
-Nostril, Navel, Nipples: 6-9 Months
-Lips, Tongue: 3-4 Months
-Genital Piercings: 3-6 Months
