Aftercare
Piercing Care Details
Body Piercing
- Body piercings need to be cleaned once daily, every day, during the initial healing process. However, do not clean more often as this can irritate your piercing, and possibly delay the healing.
- Before cleaning your new piercing, it is essential to wash your hands thoroughly with liquid antibacterial soap and hot water. You may wear disposable latex or vinyl gloves and/or use a hand sanitizing gel, but avoid over-the-counter products such as alcohol, peroxide, bactine, etc.
- Prepare the area for the cleansing by rinsing or soaking with warm water. Be sure to remove any stubborn crust using a cotton swab. Do not remove it with fingernails as it may cause infection.
- Apply a small handful of cleaning solution to the area. Do not rotate your jewellery while cleaning. Allow the solution to cleanse there for a minute.
- Rinse the area thoroughly under running water to completely remove the cleanser from the piercing.
- Gently pat dry with disposable paper, gauze or tissues. Avoid using cloth towels as they can harbour bacteria.
- Remember, over-cleaning your piercing can cause more harm than good. Minimal care is best.
Did You Know?
Sea salt soaks are strongly suggested at least once a day to accelerate healing and increase your comfort?
Saltwater soaks help to stimulate air and blood circulation, which facilitates healing. You can do a brief salt water soak before your daily cleaning(s) as well as several additional times a day.
Remember
- Bleeding, bruising, discoloration and/or swelling are common. These are not indications of any complication. Reduce intake of aspirin, alcohol, and caffeine. For above-the-neck piercings try sleeping with your head elevated above your heart (prop up on some pillows) to limit overnight swelling. Studies show that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory products such as Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.) can help minimize swelling.
- Some tenderness or discomfort in the area of a new piercing is not unusual. You may feel stinging, burning, or aching off and on for several days or longer. During healing, there may be some itching as well.
- Secretion of a fluid which contains blood plasma, lymph and dead cells is perfectly normal. It is fairly liquid, whitish-yellow in color and forms a crust on the jewellery at the openings of the piercing. Once healed your piercing may secrete a semi-solid white malodorous substance from the oil glands called sebum. This is not pus but indicates a healed piercing.
- Piercings may have a tendency to have a series of “ups and downs” during healing by seeming healed and then regressing. Try to be patient, and do keep cleaning during the entire initial healing time, even if the piercing seems healed sooner.
Important Note!
In case of swelling, allow small pieces of ice to dissolve in the mouth, eat cold foods and drink cold beverages. Brushing teeth and using mouthwash after meals also help.
Oral Piercing
- Oral piercings can be cleaned 2-3 times a day during the initial healing process. However, do not clean more than 3 times as it can irritate your piercing, and possibly delay the healing.
- Before cleaning your new piercing, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly with liquid antibacterial soap and hot water. You may wear disposable latex or vinyl gloves and/or use a hand sanitizing gel, but avoid over-the-counter products such as alcohol, peroxide, bactine, etc.
- Use a alcohol-free mouth wash, such as Biotene or Tom’s of Maine, and dilute it with water. Rinse for 60 seconds with the diluted mouthwash after each meal.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and store in a clean area. Brush teeth and use mouthwash after every meal.
- Floss daily and gently brush teeth, tongue, and jewellery.
- Remember, over-cleaning your piercing can cause more harm than good. Minimal care is best.
Remember
- Using mouthwash containing alcohol. It can irritate the piercing and delay healing.
- Avoid aspirin, alcohol, and large amounts of caffeine as long as you experiencing bleeding and swelling
- Chewing on tobacco, gum, fingernails, pencils, sunglasses, or any foreign objects that harbour bacteria
- Avoid smoking, kissing or playing with jewellery as it prolongs the healing time
Tattoo Care Details
- Remove bandage after 2-3 hours.
- With clean hands wash the tattoo gently with unscented DIAL liquid anti-bacterial soap.
- Rinse the soap off and pat dry gently with a clean towel. Let it air dry for 5-10 minutes.
- Apply a very thin layer of the A&D ointment on the tattoo, for 2 days, 2 times a day – Morning and Night.
- After the 2nd day, switch to “Curel Lotion”. Apply lotion 3-6 times a day or whenever the tattoo is dry. Continue for 3-4 weeks or until the tattoo has healed.
- Avoid swimming pools, lakes, rivers, beaches for a minimum of 2 weeks to allow healing. No long term submerging in tubs or showers. Stay out of direct sunlight and tanning while the tattoo is healing. Do not scratch, pick or rub tattoo.
Remember!
- It is crucial to take care of your tattoo until it heals completely. This care during the initial days will determine how your tattoo will look forever
- Every tattoo takes different time to heal. The healing time depends on how well you heal and the size of the design. This time period can range anywhere from around a week to several months.
- As the tattoo heals, it may scab or flake slightly. This is completely normal and will clear up eventually. Avoid picking at it or scratching.
