Piercing Aftercare

This advice is given as your reminder of the advised aftercare for your new piercing. The piercing procedure involves breaking the skin’s surface, so there is always a potential risk for infection to occur afterwards. Your piercing should be treated as a wound initially, and it is important that this advice is followed to minimize the risk of infection. If you have any problems at all with your piercing or if you would like assistance with a jewelry change, then please notify us. Don’t be afraid to come back, we want you to be 100% happy with your piercing!

MINIMIZING INFECTION RISK

• Avoid touching the new piercing unnecessarily so that exposure to germs is reduced.
• Always thoroughly wash and dry your hands before touching your new piercing, or wear latex/nitrile gloves when cleaning it.
• If a dressing has been applied to your new piercing, leave it on for about one hour after the piercing was received, and then you can remove the dressing and care for your piercing as advised below.
• Avoid drinking any alcohol for the first 4-5 days after receiving your piercing, as it can promote bleeding and increase swelling. The use of any recreational drugs should also be avoided, as it may slow the healing process.
• For oral piercings, smoking may delay the healing process. If at all possible, you should avoid smoking until your piercing is fully healed.
• Keloids can appear on new piercings; this is due to accidentally knocking the piercing site or pressure on the site. To avoid this happening, please keep your piercing clear of any obstacles. If a keloid occurs, it can be reduced by making a paste out of aspirin: mix 1 crushed aspirin with a few drops of water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the affected area for one hour each day (overnight is recomended). This should reduce the size of the polyp within 2-3 weeks. Alternatively, resume soaking with saltwater solution until keloid is gone.
• CLEANING: Clean your piercing using a saltwater solution 3-4 times a day for 4-6 weeks with a cotton wool pad. (Saltwater solution = 1/4 teaspoon of table salt in 1 cup of warm water). DO NOT use surgical spirits, alcohol, or TCP.