Aftercare for Body Piercing

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Aftercare for Body Piercing
April 29, 2010
Angela Grogan-Henehan
Suite 101

After a qualified piercer is located and the placement and purpose decisions have been made, it is important to continue to care for the exciting new piercing. After the healing is complete the accessory possibilities and jewelry selection will be endless, and it is well worth patience and loving care.

Be aware that laws, rules and regulations that set the standards for piercing conditions and piercer qualifications vary from state to state and country to country. A piercer should politely refuse to perform a piercing that could be dangerous, or for which they are not trained. The following are examples for which a second opinion, or piercing-friendly physician, may be needed before proceeding:

An individual who has severe diabetes, hemophilia, auto-immune disorder, or a medical condition that may negatively influence the piercing procedure or the healing process.
There is an obvious skin or tissue abnormality that may include but is not limited to rashes, lumps, bumps, scars, lesions, moles, freckles, and/or abrasions.
The client requests a piercing of irregular or surgically-altered tissue.
It is also advisable to refrain from piercing during pregnancy to allow the body to focus on the important, complex task it is already handling.
Cleaning Solutions for Piercings
Use one or all of the following solutions to support healing:

sterile saline solution with no additives.
frangrance-free soap-preferably, anti-microbial or germicidal.
Normal reactions initially include some light bleeding, tenderness or swelling.

During the healing: some itching may occur. A secretion of a light fluid will form a “crust” on the jewelry. The tissue may tighten around the jewelry as it heals.
Once healed the jewelry may not move freely in the piercing; do not force it.
A piercing may seem healed before the healing process is complete. This is because they heal from the outside in. although it feels fine; the tissue remains fragile on the inside. Be patient and keep cleaning throughout the entire healing time suggested.
What to Do
Wash your hands prior to touching the piercing; leave it alone except when cleaning. During healing, it is not necessary to rotate your jewelry.
Apply a cool compress for comfort.
Make sure bedding is washed and changed.
Showerscan be be safer than taking baths, as bathtubs can harbor bacteria. If you bathe in a tub, clean it before each use and rinse off the piercing with clear water afterwards.
What to Avoid
Avoid ointments as they prevent necessary air circulation.
Avoid ear care solutions and other products containing. These can be irritating and are not intended for long term wound care.
Avoid over cleaning. This can delay your healing and irritate your piercing.
Avoid tramat from clothing, excessive motion of the area or playing with the jewelry as migration, slow healing, and other complications could occur.
Avoid contact with others’ bodily fluids on or near the new piercing during healing.
Avoid bodies of water such as lakes, pools, hot tubs, etc.
Avoid personal care products on or around the piercing including cosmetics, lotions, and sprays, etc.
Don't hang charms or any object from your jewelry until the piercing is fully healed.