Professional Body Piercing Aftercare

Body Piercing Preparation:
IMPORTANT: Any and all jewelry that is NOT contained within a PRE-STERILIZED pouch (marked with sterilization indicator on back) MUST be DISINFECTED/SANITIZED before insertion by utilizing one of the following methods;

1. BLEACH TREATMENT – if you do not have an Autoclave, soak initial surgical implant grade jewelry (included in all of our kits) in a solution of 1 part Bleach per 20 parts water for several minutes, completely submersed with ball ends off of jewelry so that all threads, holes and parts are completely submerged for several minutes. You may choose to immerse the jewelry in boiling water prior to using the bleach treated. (Allow jewelry to cool before handling.)
    
2. SUBMERSION IN BOILING WATER – if the jewelry is steel (without any electrical features), you can boil the piece(s) in boiling water for at least 90 seconds before use (best if used prior to Bleach treatment as described above).
    
3. USE AN AUTOCLAVE! If you do not have one, refer to one of the methods above or use BOTH methods (boiling first, then bleach treatment). Caution: DO NOT USE ALCOHOL or any other combination of cleaning chemicals as adverse reactions can occur that will discolor or dissolve the jewelry or may cause irritation to the skin.

IT'S THE LAW!!! Used Needles MUST be disposed of in a Sharps Container immediately after use and disposed of according to Health Department, City and State Regulations – consult your local Health Department for their regulations and rules BEFORE conducting any piercing!

USE OF THE PAIN SUPPRESSION PADS:
These pads are to be used AFTER the area to be pierced has been properly sanitized with the Benzalkonium Chloride pads or similar anti-bacterial soap or agent. Apply pad to area to be pierced immediately before piercing in a rubbing motion so that the alcohol solution saturates the area. Wait approximately 45 seconds before piercing (or until alcohol evaporates completely). As advised, use of these pads will NOT eliminate pain during piercing, but will lessen it.

INSTRUCTIONAL PIERCING VIDEOS
These are videos presented by 'EXPERT VILLAGE' and they cover all types of piercings, handling needles, what to expect, and aftercare – including what to do if you develop an infection or have any irregular developments during healing. Most all types of piercings and scenarios are covered at this site (except genital piercing). Please augment the use of these written instructions with the videos on-line. Once again, we do not recommend nor endorse doing these piercings yourself. Please pierce responsibly and always go to a professionally licensed piercer for any body piercing.


Cleaning Solutions
Use one or both of the following solutions for healing piercings:

• Packaged sterile saline solution with no additives (read the label), or a non-iodized sea salt mixture: Dissolve 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized (iodine-free) sea salt into one cup (8oz) of warm distilled or bottled water. A stronger mixture is not better; a saline solution that is too strong can irritate the piercing.
• A mild, fragrance-free liquid soap-preferably anti-microbial or germicidal.

Cleaning Instructions for New Body Piercings

• WASH your hands thoroughly prior to cleaning or touching your piercing for any reason.
• SALINE soak for five to ten minutes once or more per day. Invert a cup of warm saline solution over the area to form a vacuum. For certain piercings it may be easier to apply using clean gauze or paper towels saturated with saline solution. A brief rinse afterward will remove any residue.
• SOAP no more than once or twice a day. While showering, lather up a pearl size drop of the soap to clean the jewelry and the piercing. Leave the cleanser on the piercing no more than thirty seconds, then rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of the soap from the piercing. It is not necessary to rotate the jewelry through the piercing.
• DRY by gently patting with clean, disposable paper products. Cloth towels can harbor bacteria and snag on jewelry, causing injury.

What is Normal?

• Initially: some bleeding, localized swelling, tenderness, or bruising.
• During healing: some discoloration, itching, secretion of a whitish-yellow fluid (not pus) that will form some 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. If you fail to include cleaning your piercing as part of your daily hygiene routine, normal but smelly bodily secretions may accumulate.
• A piercing may seem healed before the healing process is complete. This is because they heal from the outside in, and although it feels fine, the tissue remains fragile on the inside. Be patient, and keep cleaning throughout the entire healing period.
• Even healed piercings can shrink or close in minutes after having been there for years! This varies from person to person; if you like your piercing, keep jewelry in-do not leave it empty.

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.
• Stay healthy; the healthier your lifestyle, the easier it will be for your piercing to heal. Get enough sleep and eat a nutritious diet. Exercise during healing is fine; listen to your body.
• Make sure your bedding is washed and changed regularly. Wear clean, comfortable, breathable clothing that protects your piercing while you are sleeping.
• Showers tend to be safer than taking baths, as bathtubs can harbor bacteria. If you bathe in a tub, clean it well before each use and rinse off your piercing when you get out.

What to Avoid

• Avoid cleaning with Betadine®, Hibiciens®, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Dial® or other harsh soaps, as these can damage cells. Also avoid ointments as they prevent necessary air circulation.
• Avoid Bactine®, pierced ear care solutions and other products containing Benzalkonium Chloride (BZK) and Benzethonium Chloride (BZT). 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 undue trauma such as friction from clothing, excessive motion of the area, playing with the jewelry, and vigorous cleaning. These activities can cause the formation of unsightly and uncomfortable scar tissue, migration, prolonged healing, and other complications.
• Avoid all oral contact, rough play, and contact with others’ bodily fluids on or near your piercing during healing.
• Avoid stress and recreational drug use, including excessive caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.
• Avoid submerging the piercing in unhygienic bodies of water such as lakes, pools, hot tubs, etc. Or, protects your piercing using a waterproof wound-sealant bandage (such as TegadermTM). These are available at most drugstores.
• Avoid all beauty and 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.

Hints and Tips on JEWELRY:

• Unless there is a problem with the size, style, or material of the initial jewelry, leave it in the place for the entire healing period. See a qualified piercer to perform any jewelry change that becomes necessary during healing. See the APP website to locate an APP member, or to request a copy of our Picking Your Piercer brochure.)
• Contact your piercer if your jewelry must be removed (such as for a medical procedure). There are non-metallic jewelry alternatives available.
• Leave jewelry in at all times. Even old or well-healed piercing can shrink or close in minutes even after having been there for years. If removed, re-insertion can be difficult or impossible.
• With clean hands or paper product, be sure to regularly check threaded ends on your jewelry for tightness. (”Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey.”)
• Carry a clean spare ball in case of loss or breakage.
• Should you decide you no longer want the piercing, simply remove the jewelry (or have a professional piercer remove it) and continue cleaning the piercing until the hole closes. In most cases only a small mark will remain.
• In the even an infection is suspected, quality jewelry or an inert alternative should be left in place to allow for drainage or the infection. If the jewelry is removed, the surface cells can close up, which can seal the infection inside the piercing channel and result in an abscess. Do not remove jewelry unless instructed to by a medical professional.

ORAL PIERCING (tongue, lip, cheek):

• Use an antibacterial, alcohol-free mouth rinse for 30 to 60 seconds after meals and at bedtime while your piercing heals. Brush your teeth with new, soft-bristled toothbrush to avoid introducing bacteria into your mouth.
• Oral piercings, especially in the tongue, can cause substantial swelling. Depending upon the amount of swelling, you may need a prescription anti-inflammatory medication from your doctor. Melting ice chips in your mouth may help any pain and swelling.
• Leave jewelry in at all times. Even old or well-healed piercing can shrink or close in minutes even after having been there for years. If removed, re-insertion can be difficult or impossible.
• With clean hands or paper product, be sure to regularly check threaded ends on your jewelry for tightness. (”Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey.”)
• Carry a clean spare ball in case of loss or breakage.
• Should you decide you no longer want the piercing, simply remove the jewelry (or have a professional piercer remove it) and continue cleaning the piercing until the hole closes. In most cases only a small mark will remain.
• HEALING TIME: (TONGUE) APPROXIMATELY 4 WEEKS, (LIP) Approximately 2 to 3 MONTHS

FACIAL PIERCINGS (navel, septum, eyebrow, nostril):

• Rinse the site with warm water and use a cotton swab to gently remove any crusting. Then apply a dab of liquid medicated cleanser to the area. Gently turn the jewelry back and forth to work the cleanser around the opening. Avoid alcohol and peroxide, which can dry the skin. Also avoid ointments, which keep oxygen from reaching the piercing and can leave a sticky residue.
• Most septum piercings take six to eight weeks to heal, but sometimes may take several months or a year to heal. During this time, you must leave jewelry in place to prevent the hold from closing. Once scar tissue has created a “tunnel”, you can change the jewelry or remove the jewelry for a short time.
• A hard, vented eye patch (sold at pharmacies) can be applied under tight clothing (such as nylon stockings) or secured using a length of Ace® bandage around the body (to avoid irritation from adhesive). This can protect the area from restrictive clothing, excess irritation, and impact during physical activities such as contact sports.
• HEALING: (NAVEL) 4 MONTHS TO 1 YEAR, (EYEBROW) 6 - 8 WEEKS, (NOSTRIL) 2 - 4 MONTHS, (SEPTUM) 6 TO 8 MONTHS.

EAR PIERCINGS (ears, ear cartilage):

• Use the t-shirt trick: Dress your pillow in a large, clean t-shirt and turn it nightly; one clean t-shirt provides four clean surfaces for sleeping.
• Maintain cleanliness of telephones, headphones, eyeglasses, helmets, hats, and anything that contacts the pierced area.
• Use caution when styling your hair and advise your stylist of a new or healing piercing.
• HEALING TIME: (EAR) 6 - 8 WEEKS, (CARTILAGE) 4 MONTHS TO 1 YEAR,

NIPPLES:

• The support of a tight cotton shirt or sports bra may provide protection and feel comfortable, especially for sleeping.

GENITALS:

• Genital Piercings-especially Prince Alberts, Ampallangs, and Apadravyas-can bleed freely for the first few days. Be prepared.
• Urinate after using soap to clean any piercing that is near the urethra.
• Wash your hands before touching on (or near) a healing piercing.
• In most cases you can engage in sexual activity as soon as you feel ready, but maintaining hygiene and avoiding trauma are vital; all sexual activities should be gentle during the healing period.
• Use barriers such as condoms, dental dams, and waterproof bandages, etc. to avoid contact with your partners’ body fluids, even in monogamous relationships.
• Use clean, disposable barriers on sex toys.
• Use a new container of water-based lubricant; do not use saliva.
• After sex, an additional saline soak or clean water rinse is suggested.
• HEALING TIMES: (MALE) 4 TO 6 WEEKS - (FEMALE) 4 TO 10 WEEKS.

Each body is unique and healing times vary considerably. If you have any questions, please contact your piercer.

DISCLAIMER: These guidelines are based on a combination of vast professional experience, common sense, research and extensive clinical practice. This is not to be considered a substitute for medical advice from a doctor. If you suspect an infection, seek medical attention. Be aware that many doctors have not received specific training regarding piercing. Your local piercer may be able to refer you to a piercing-friendly medical professional. By purchasing this kit from HottieBodyJewelry, you are stating that you are 18 years of age or older and that you will not hold HottieBodyJewelry or any associated parties liable or responsible for any damages or complications that may arise through the use of this kit in any way. HottieBodyJewelry does NOT endorse piercing activity of any kind conducted by non-professionals. This kit is intended to be used by professionally licensed and certified body piercing professionals ONLY! We strongly encourage you to go to a certified professional body piercer!