PIERCING AFTERCARE
Caring for a new piercing
To reduce the risk of your piercing becoming infected, good hygiene is important.
Always wash your hands and dry them thoroughly with a clean towel or kitchen roll before touching the area around the piercing.
Avoid fiddling with the area and don't turn the piercing. If a crust develops over the piercing, don't remove it – it's the body's way of protecting the piercing.
The piercing may bleed when you first have it done, and it may bleed for short periods over the next few days. It may also be tender, itchy and bruised for a few weeks.
CLEANING YOUR PIERCING
Keep the piercing clean by gently cleaning the area around it with a saline (salt water) solution twice a day, preferably after washing or bathing.
To do this, submerge the area in a bowl of saline solution
(1/4 teaspoon of sea salt per egg cup of warm water) for a few minutes at a time.
Alternatively, you can wet a clean cloth or gauze in the solution and apply it as a warm compress.
Washing the piercing can help soften any discharge and allow you to clean the entry and exit points with a cotton bud or clean gauze.
Once the discharge is removed or softened, the jewellery can be gently moved to work a little warm water through the piercing.
When you've finished, carefully dry the area with a fresh piece of kitchen roll.
Never use a shared towel.
HEALING TIMES
Healing times for piercings can vary depending on the type of piercing, aftercare, and individual healing rates.
Here are some general estimates for the healing times of common piercings:
Earlobe Piercing: 6-8 weeks
Cartilage Piercing (e.g., Helix, Tragus): 3-12 months
Eyebrow Piercing: 6-8 weeks
Nostril Piercing: 2-4 months
Septum Piercing: 6-8 weeks
Bridge Piercing: 8-12 weeks
Lip Piercings (e.g., Labret, Monroe, Medusa): 6-8 weeks
Tongue Piercing: 4-6 weeks
Cheek/Dimple Piercing: 3-6 months
Dermal Piercings (various facial locations): 1-3 months
These times can vary significantly based on factors such as:
-Aftercare practices
-Personal health and healing capabilities
-Proper jewellery and piercing techniques
-Avoiding irritants and trauma to the piercing area
-For optimal healing, it's essential to follow the aftercare instructions provided
and consult us if any issues arise during the healing process.
PIERCING INFECTION
Signs of Piercing Infection
Swelling and Redness: Persistent or increasing swelling and redness.
Pain and Tenderness: Increased pain or sensitivity around the piercing.
Discharge: Yellow or green pus, possibly with an unpleasant odor.
Warmth: The area feels warm to the touch.
Fever: Development of a fever.
Actions to Take
Consult a Professional: Visit your piercer or a healthcare provider.
Clean the Area: Use saline solution to gently clean the piercing.
Avoid Irritation: Don’t touch, twist, or remove the jewelry unnecessarily.
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on symptoms; seek medical help if they worsen.
Medication: Use prescribed antibiotics if recommended by a healthcare provider.
ALLERGIC REACTION
Signs of Allergic Reaction to Piercing
Itching and Rash: Persistent itching or a rash around the piercing.
Redness and Swelling: Unusual redness and swelling.
Blisters: Formation of blisters or hives.
Pain and Discomfort: Increased pain or discomfort.
Discharge: Clear fluid discharge.
Actions to Take
Consult a Professional: Visit your piercer or a healthcare provider.
Replace Jewelry: Switch to hypoallergenic jewelry (e.g., titanium or surgical steel).
Avoid Irritation: Don’t touch or twist the jewelry unnecessarily.
Clean the Area: Use a saline solution to gently clean the piercing.
Monitor Symptoms: Watch for any changes; seek medical help if symptoms persist.
PIERCING REJECTION
Signs of Piercing Rejection
Jewellery Movement: Jewellery appears to be moving closer to the surface.
Thinning Skin: Skin over the jewellery becomes thinner.
Redness and Irritation: Persistent redness and irritation.
Discharge and Crust Formation: Unusual or excessive discharge, crusts.
Enlarged Piercing Holes: Holes appear larger or merging.
Pain and Sensitivity: Persistent pain or tenderness.
Unusual Shape or Angle: Change in shape or angle of the piercing.
Actions to Take
Consult a Professional: Visit your piercer for advice.
Avoid Irritation: Keep the area clean, avoid touching or rotating jewellery.
Proper Aftercare: Continue saline soaks and recommended care.
Monitor the Piercing: Watch for changes, take photos if necessary.
Consider Removal: Remove jewellery if rejection is severe to prevent complications.