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0 0 <br /> *Suggested Aftercare Guidelines for Body Piercings <br /> *CLEANING SOLUTIONS <br /> Use either one or both of the following solutions for body piercing: <br /> Packaged sterile saline solution*with NO additives(read label!)or non-iodized sea salt mixture: Dissolve 1/8 to'/< <br /> teaspoon of non-iodized(iodine-free)sea salt into one cup(8 oz.)of warm,distilled or bottled water.A stronger mixture is <br /> NOT better!Saline solution that is too strong can irritate the piercing. <br /> Liquid anti-microbial or germicidal soap. <br /> •CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS FOR BODY PIERCINGS <br /> 1-WASH your hands thoroughly before cleaning or toughing on or near your piercing for any reason. <br /> 2-SALINE soak at least 2—3 times a day.Simply invert a cup of warm saline solution over the area to form a vacuum for <br /> a few minutes.The longer you soak,the better.For certain placements it may be easier to apply using fresh gauze or a <br /> cotton ball saturated with saline solution.A brief rinse will remove any residue. <br /> 3-SOAP no more than once or twice a day.While showering,lather up a pearl size drop of the soap to clean the jewelry <br /> and piercing. Leave the cleanser on the piercing no more than thirty seconds,then rinse thoroughly to remove all traces <br /> of the soap from the piercing. <br /> 4-DRY with disposable paper products such as gauze or tissues,because cloth towels can harbor bacteria and catch on <br /> new piercings causing injury.Pat gently to avoid trauma. <br /> WHAT IS NORMAL? <br /> Initially:some bleeding, localized swelling,tenderness,or bruising. <br /> During healing:some discoloration, itching,secretion of a whitish-yellow fluid(not pus)that will form some crust on the <br /> jewelry.The tissue may tighten around the jewelry as it heals. <br /> Once healed:the jewelry may not move freely in the piercing;DO NOT force it. If you fail to include cleaning your piercing <br /> as a part of your daily hygiene routine, normal but smelly bodily secretions may accumulate. <br /> A piercing may seem healed before healing is complete.This is because piercings heal from the outside in,and although <br /> it feels healed the tissue remains fragile on the inside. BE PATIENT,and keep cleaning throughout the entire healing <br /> period. <br /> Even healed piercings can shrink or close in minutes after having been there for years!This varies from person to <br /> person,if you like your piercing,leave the jewelry in place. <br /> WHAT TO DO <br /> *Wash your hands prior to touching the piercing leave it alone except when cleaning. It is not necessary to rotate the <br /> jewelry while healing except possibly during cleaning. <br /> *Stay healthy.Get enough sleep,eat a nutritious diet.The healthier your lifestyle,the easier ti will be for your piercing to <br /> heal.Exercise during healing is just fine,just"listen"to your body. <br /> .Make sure your bedding is kept clean and changed regularly.Wear clean,comfortable,breathable clothing that protects <br /> your piercing while sleeping. <br /> *Showering is safer than taking a bath,because bathtubs tend to harbor bacteria. If you would like to take a bath,clean <br /> the tub well before each use. <br /> ®WHAT TO AVOID <br /> *Avoid undue trauma such as friction from clothing,excessive motion of the area,playing with the jewelry and vigorous <br /> cleaning.These activities can cause the formation of unsightly and uncomfortable scar tissue,migration,prolonged <br /> healing,and other complications. <br /> *Avoid the use of alcohol, hydrogen peroxide,Betadine,Hibiclens,or ointment. <br /> •Avoid over cleaning.This can delay your healing and irritate your piercing. <br /> *Avoid all oral contact,rough plan,and contact with others'bodily fluids on or near your piercing during healing. <br /> *Avoid stress and recreational drug use including excessive caffeine,nicotine,and alcohol. <br /> *Avoid submerging the piercing in bodies of water such as lakes,pools Jacuzzis,etc.Or protect your piercing using a <br /> special waterproof bandage*such as Tegaderm,which is available at drugstores. <br /> *Avoid ALL beauty and personal care products on or around the piercing including cosmetics,lotions,and sprays,etc. <br /> *Don't hang charms or any object from your jewelry until the piercing is fully healed. <br /> •HINTS AND TIPS <br /> Jewelry <br /> Unless there is a problem with the size,style,or material of the initial jewelry, leave it in place for the entire <br /> healing period.A qualified piercer should perform any necessary jewelry change that occurs during healing. <br /> Contact your piercer if your jewelry must be temporarily removed(such as for a medical procedure).There are <br /> non-metallic jewelry alternatives. <br /> Leave jewelry in at all times. Even old,well-healed piercings can shrink or close in minutes after having been there for <br /> years. If removed re-insertion can be difficult or impossible. <br /> With clean hands or paper product, be sure to regularly check threaded ends on your jewelry for tighness.("Righty- <br /> tighty","Lefty-loosey"). <br /> Carry a clean,spare ball in case of loss or breakage. <br /> Should you decide you no longer want the piercing,seek professional help in the removal of the jewelry and continue <br /> cleaning the piercing until the hole closes. IN most cases only a small indentation will remain. <br />