- Sucking on ice-cubes, popsicles, and Freezies (basically anything cold) will provide a temporary relief.
- You can take a regular strength Aspirin (Tylenol will not help with the swelling) to slightly reduce swelling. This has a longer effect than ice-cubes.
- For a more sore tongue you can take regular strength Midol (this contains aspirin plus a muscle relaxant -- the extra-strength contains Tylenol).
- It is good to leave a jug of water in the fridge so that in the morning when you wake up you can have a large drink of cold water to soothe your tongue (since when you are lying down the blood pressure increases to your tongue). Slowly drink the water, allowing it to bathe your tongue.
(Mild Antiseptics)
(Antibacterial Soaps)
(Ointments & Creams)
(Mouth-Related Cleaning)
(Contents)
Boils: A boil looks a pimple. It is a localised strep
(streptococci, a very common bacteria) infection. When it
first appears, break its surface and apply an antibiotic cream
(not an ointment, which does not penetrate). Apply a hot cloth,
as this will help speed up the absorption and reaction of the
cream. If the boils are recurring, see your doctor for a
prescription strength antibiotic.
(Contents)
Salt Water Soak - Salt water soaks are good for loosening
up crusty formations, and are also good for drawing out
infections. Sea salt is best, but table salt will do.
Bactine - Bactine is an appropriate cleaning agent for
facial piercings -- Since it contains a small amount of lidocaine,
it is good for ears that are slept on and need a little extra
care. Bactine is also appropriate for infected piercings.
Neutrogena Antiseptic Cleanser is a good alternative to Bactine
for those people with sensitive skin or an allergy to
lidocaine.
Jergens Antibacterial Soap (gentle on the skin), Antibacterial
Dial Liquid or White Bar (Not for sensitive skin), Neutrogena Bar
Soap, Lever 2000 Antibacterial Soap, for sensitive skin use
Spectro-Jel 2000 -- This is the best type of cleaning agent to
start with. For most piercings, it is enough to keep it clean and
bacteria-free, and allow the body to do it's healing
unassisted.
Baciguent (petroleum jelly based), Mecca (a natural
alternative to Baciguent) - Use of these ointments should
generally be limited to the first two weeks. Baciguent is an
antibiotic so it's use must be limited to 10-14 days and no
longer. Because it is greasy it must be used sparingly as it can
plug pores, follicles, and ducts (and therefore should not be
used on nipple piercings). Be sure clean it off thoroughly after
use. Mecca is a very good all-around antiseptic that can be used
on all piercings. It is water soluble so your body can easily
break it down. Because it is not an antibiotic its use does not
have to be restricted to a certain time-frame. Mecca is readily
available through Shopper's Drugmart, but may not be available in
all pharmacies.
Vitamin E Cream - Can be used in the case of dry skin --
some people are allergic, so look out for undue redness or
irritation, and don't use in the first three weeks.
Mouthwash - There are many suitable brands of mouthwash,
but it is important to choose an antibacterial one, and alcohol-free
is also good (because the swelling will come down slightly
sooner). For some people, too much use of mouthwash can kill the
mouth's own bacteria (if this happens, you'll notice bad breath
and an off-colour tongue). This is nothing to worry about, but
you should switch to salt water rinses instead of mouthwash.
Anbesol - Anbesol is appropriate for tongues and the
insides of lips. Although it stings a bit when you put it on, it
also numbs the area and is good if the piercing is particularly
sore. Anbesol may also help reduce keloiding.
Keloids: A keloid looks like a small reddish bump on the
piercing. A keloid forms when a piercing is exposed to stress
(either internal or external). Internal stress is related to the
piercing specifically (clothing may be pushing on the piercing,
sleeping on the jewellery, a slight rip in the edge of the
piercing from over-stretching). External stress is when an
outside source affects the piercing -- for example, body products,
laundry detergents, and germs. The most important thing during
the treatment of a keloid is to remove the stress causing the
keloid. To aid the body in breaking down the keloid there are a
few things you can do:
It will take a few days to see any results occur.
