Body Piercings by Jennifer...

Healing can be divided into two stages:
During the first stage, your body produces a tunnel of tissue around the piercing and the jewelry. It is during this stage that the piercing is in fact an open wound and more prone to infection and growing shut. This information will cover the steps that need to be followed to reduce this. Due to the fact that everyone heals at different paces, the healing time could be shorter or longer then the minimum healing times listed. So if the piercing seems healed but you are unsure, stop by the shop and we’ll take a look at it.

The second stage is called the seasoning or toughening period. During this stage your body adds layer upon layer of tissue to the tunnel to make the piercing permanent. This stage can take from 1 year to 3 years to complete. Removing the jewelry for long periods of time can result in the loss or closing of the piercing. A good rule of thumb is if you like the piercing, leave something in it.

Genital piercings often bleed between 12 and 24 hours, depending on the depth and complexity of the piercing. Triangle piercings may bleed intermittently for several days. If you experience heavy bleeding that does not appear to be clotting, please contact me or your docter. Unscented pantyliners may be worn in case of bleeding. During the healing period do not wear pantyhose, which restrict air circulation and are often uncomfortable. Use the most lint-free toilet tissue available.

NORMAL REACTIONS:
Everyone’s body reacts differently but common reactions are:

1.) Slight bleeding off and on for the first few days.

2.) Tenderness, itchiness, slight bruising/redness for the first week or two on or around the piercing.

3.) A secretion of a yellowish/whitish fluid that hardens on the ring throughout the healing time.

4.) A tightening around the jewelry throughout the healing time.

WASH YOUR HANDS BEFORE TOUCHING YOUR PIERCING OR THE JEWELRY

Remove the Lymph discharge by spraying water onto the piercing and the jewelry. Remove any discharge from the jewelry using a cotton swab and warm water before rotating the jewelry; do not use your fingernails. This is best done under running water in the shower. Lymph discharge is your body’s way of removing waste from the piercing. The discharge/ crust is hard and sharp and will form around the piercing holes and onto the jewelry. If you notice discomfort when trying to move the jewelry, repeat removal until the jewelry moves freely. Never force the jewelry to move because this may draw waste back into the piercing or dislodge the piercing tunnel.

Once the jewelry and piercing holes are free of discharge/crust on both sides, gently apply a small amount of liquid antibacterial soap to the piercing area. Then gently work the soap into a lather on and around the piercing and jewelry. The antibacterial soap needs to have an active ingredient of Triclosan such as Dial Liquid Antibacterial, Lever 2000 Antibacterial, Soft Soap Antibacterial, or Almay Hypocare Antibacterial.

DO NOT USE A WASHCLOTH OR SPONGE TO CLEAN YOUR PIERCING.
CLOTHS AND SPONGES TRAP AND COLLECT BACTERIA AND MILDEW.

Rotate the jewelry through the piercing 6-10 times to work the antiseptic cleaner into the piercing. Always handle the jewelry by the bead or ball. Allow the soap to stay in contact with the piercing for 2 to 3 minutes.

Dry the piercing using a tissue or cotton swabs. Bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments.

The antiseptic should be applied to both entrances while rotating the jewelry through the piercing 6-10 times to work the antiseptic cleaner into the piercing. Always handle the jewelry by the bead or ball.

Rinsing the piercing under running water is suggested to remove bacteria and antiseptic residue.

Make sure to clean the piercing at the same time, twice daily until the minimum healing time has expired or the piercing has stopped discharging and the piercing holes appear to have an indented or concave look to them. Whenever in doubt ask your piercer if it is healed or not.

Warm salt water soaks help remove dried discharge and lymph secretions and relieve itching. Use 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt of water. There is no need to clean your piercing after soaking in salt water; however, soaking should not replace cleaning. A disposable cup is suggested. I f you feel a stinging sensation or your piercing bleeds while soaking discontinue soaking until the piercing has begun to heal (usually 1-2 weeks).

DO NOT use Betadine (providone-iodine solution), isopropyl rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or Hibiclens to clean your piercing. DO NOT use antibiotic ointments. Antibiotic products are contraindicated for use in puncture wounds and for the extended period of time required for healing a piercing. These products do not clean the piercing.

The most frequent cause of infection is touching the piercing or jewelry with unwashed hands or contact with unclean items such as clothing, bedding, and hair.

DO NOT allow your piercing to come in contact with another person’s bodily fluid during the healing process. T his includes saliva (of others and your own) as well as semen. Your own urine is non-pathogenic as long as you do not have a bladder or urinary tract infection. There is no need to clean the piercing after urinating, although it may burn during the first 24 to 48 hours. While a new or healing genital piercing does not prevent sexual activity after the piercing has healed (condom, dental dam)--you should not feel pain during sexual activity after the piercing has healed.

Do not use laundry detergent containing stain-removing enzymes.

After the healing process is complete you should continue to clean your piercing once a day as part of your bathing or showering routine to prevent a build-up of dirt and dead skin cells.

IF YOU HAVE ANY CONCERNS OR QUESTIONS,
PLEASE CALL US AT (301) 392-0416,
OR STOP BY THE SHOP AND LET US CHECK IT OUT.