When caring for a body piercing, it is recommended to use packaged sterile saline solution

for cleaning instead of mixing sea salt solution. Proper hand hygiene should be observed

prior to cleaning or touching the piercing. Saline rinse should be applied as needed during

the healing process, and the site should be rinsed as required to remove any cleaning solution

residue. Dry the area by gently patting with clean, disposable paper products.

At the beginning of the healing process, some bleeding, swelling, tenderness, or bruising may

occur, along with discoloration, itching, secretion of whitish-yellow fluid, and crust on the

jewelry. As the tissue heals around the jewelry, it may tighten. Throughout the entire healing

period, the piercing must be regularly cleaned.

To prevent damage to cells, avoid using alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, antibacterial soaps,

iodine, or harsh products, as well as ointments that prevent air circulation. Benzalkonium

Chloride (BZK) should not be used, as products containing this ingredient can be irritating

and are not intended for long-term wound care. Over-cleaning, trauma, friction from

clothing, or excessive motion can delay healing and cause unsightly scarring. Oral contact,

rough play, and contact with others' bodily fluids should be avoided during the healing

process. Stress, recreational drug use, and submerging the piercing in unhygienic bodies of

water should also be avoided. Beauty and personal care products and hanging charms or

objects from the jewelry need to be avoided until the piercing has fully healed.

Lastly, sleeping directly on a healing cartilage piercing can cause irritation and should be

avoided. It is important to follow these guidelines and continue proper care throughout the

entire healing process.

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JEWELRY TIPS:

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To ensure proper healing, it is recommended to leave the initial jewelry in place

for the entire healing period, unless there is a problem with the size, style, or material. Any

necessary jewelry changes should be performed by a qualified piercer. It is advised to check

threaded and threadless ends regularly for tightness. In the event that metal jewelry needs to

be removed temporarily (such as for a medical procedure), contact your piercer for a

non-metallic alternative. It is crucial to leave jewelry in at all times, even for healed piercings.

If the jewelry is removed, reinsertion may be difficult or impossible. Removal of the jewelry

indicates the end of the healing process, and cleaning should continue until the hole closes.

If an infection is suspected, quality jewelry or an inert alternative may be left in

place to allow for drainage of the infection, if approved by your physician. In rare cases, when

the jewelry is removed, surface cells can close up, sealing the infection inside the piercing

channel, leading to an abscess. In such cases, discuss with your physician whether quality

jewelry or an appropriate substitute should be left in place until the infection clears up.

 

BODY AREA SPECIFIC TIPS:

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NAVEL:

To protect the area from restrictive clothing, excess irritation, and impact during

physical activities such as contact sports, a hard, vented eye patch (sold at pharmacies) can

be applied under tight clothing (such as nylon stockings) or secured using a length of

elastic bandage around the body.

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EAR/EAR CARTILAGE AND FACIAL:

To maintain cleanliness, it is important to dress your pillow in a large, clean

t-shirt, and turn it nightly. Advising your hair stylist of a new or healing piercing is also

recommended. Cleanliness of telephones, headphones, eyeglasses, helmets, hats, and

anything that contacts the pierced area should be maintained.

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NIPPLES:

To provide protection and comfort, a tight cotton shirt or sports bra may be

worn, especially while sleeping.

GENITAL:

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For genital piercings, particularly Triangles, Prince Alberts, Ampallangs, and

Apadravyas, bleeding may occur for the first few days. Using barriers such as condoms,

dental dams, and waterproof bandages, etc., is crucial to avoid contact with your partner's

body fluids, even in long-term monogamous relationships. All sexual activities should be

gentle during the healing period. Washing hands before touching on (or near) a healing

piercing is recommended.

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SURFACE ANCHORS:

These piercings require continuous maintenance during their lifetime due to

matter building up underneath the threaded top, causing irritation. Saline and/or shower

rinses may help with removing the matter from underneath the threaded top. Putting

makeup on these piercings, even after healing, should be avoided. Even with proper care,

surface anchors may be less permanent than other body piercings.