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Cleaning Solutions
<br /> Use one or both of the following solutions for healing piercings:
<br /> • Packaged sterile saline(with no additives, read the label)is a gentle choice for piercing aftercare. Saline for contact
<br /> lenses should not be used as piercing aftercare.Wound wash saline is available as a spray at pharmacies throughout
<br /> North America.
<br /> • Sea salt mixture: Dissolve 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon(.75 to 1.42 grams)of non-iodized(iodine-free)sea salt into one cup
<br /> (8 oz/250 ml)of warm distilled or bottled water.A stronger mixture is not better;a saline solution that is too strong
<br /> can irritate the piercing.
<br /> Cleaning Instructions for Body Piercings
<br /> •WASH your hands thoroughly prior to cleaning or touching your piercing for any reason.
<br /> • SALINE soak for five to ten minutes once or more per day. Invert a cup of warm saline solution over the area to
<br /> form a vacuum.For certain piercings it may be easier to apply using clean gauze or paper towels saturated with
<br /> saline solution.
<br /> •If your piercer suggests using soap,gently lather around the piercing and rinse as needed.Avoid using harsh soaps,
<br /> or soaps with dyes, fragrances, or triclosan. • RINSE thoroughly to remove all traces of the soap from the piercing. It
<br /> is not necessary to rotate the jewelry through the piercing.
<br /> •DRY by gently patting with clean,disposable paper products.Cloth towels can harbor bacteria and snag on
<br /> jewelry,causing injury.
<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
<br /> on the 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
<br /> piercing as part of your daily hygiene routine,normal but smelly bodily secretions may accumulate.
<br /> •A piercing may seem healed before the healing process is complete.This is because tissue heals from the outside
<br /> in,and although it feels fine,the interior remains fragile. 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,keep jewelry in—do not leave it empty.
<br /> What To Do
<br /> •Wash your hands prior to touching the piercing; leave it alone except when cleaning.During healing, it is not
<br /> necessary to rotate your jewelry.
<br /> • Stay healthy;the healthier your lifestyle,the easier it will be for your piercing to heal. Get enough sleep and eat a
<br /> nutritious diet. Exercise during healing is fine; listen to your body.
<br /> • Make sure your bedding is washed and changed regularly. Wear clean,comfortable,breathable clothing that
<br /> protects your piercing while you are sleeping.
<br /> • Showers tend to be safer than taking baths,as bathtubs can harbor bacteria. If you bathe in a tub,clean it well
<br /> before each use and rinse off your piercing when you get out.
<br /> What To Avoid
<br /> •Avoid moving jewelry in an unhealed piercing,or picking away dried discharge with your fingers.
<br /> •Avoid cleaning with Betadine®, Hibiciens®,alcohol,hydrogen peroxide, Dial©or other soaps containing
<br /> triclosan, as these can damage cells.Also avoid ointments as they prevent necessary air circulation.
<br /> •Avoid Bactine®,pierced ear care solutions and other products containing Benzalkonium Chloride(BZK).These
<br /> can be irritating and are not intended for long term wound care.
<br /> •Avoid over-cleaning.This can delay your healing and irritate your piercing.
<br /> •Avoid undue trauma such as friction from clothing,excessive motion of the area,playing with the jewelry,and
<br /> vigorous cleaning. These activities can cause the formation of unsightly and uncomfortable scar tissue,migration,
<br /> prolonged healing, and other complications.
<br /> •Avoid all oral contact, rough play,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 unhygenic bodies of water such as lakes,pools,hot tubs,etc.Or,protect your
<br /> piercing using a waterproof wound-sealant bandage(such as 3MTM NexcareTM Clean Seals).These are available at
<br /> most drugstores.
<br /> •Avoid all beauty and personal care products on or around the piercing including cosmetics, lotions,and sprays, etc.
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