Aftercare
Body Aftercare
It's crucial to follow proper aftercare instructions for piercings to ensure they heal correctly and minimize the risk of infection. Here’s a summary of the key points for piercing aftercare based on your guidelines:
1. Hand Hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing or jewelry.
2. Avoid Touching: Do not touch or rotate the piercing or jewelry during the healing process, except when cleaning it.
3. Cleaning Routine: Clean the piercing 1-2 times a day for the first 30 days using a saline solution. Use a saline-dipped Q-tip to gently clean, and if you notice any crustiness, carefully wipe it away.
4. Avoid Harsh Products: Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide as they can damage healthy cells and cause scar tissue. Also, avoid hand soap or ointments, as they can trap bacteria and leave an unhealthy residue.
5. Avoid Water Exposure: Refrain from swimming or soaking in bathtubs, pools, jacuzzis, lakes, or oceans for the first 30 days to prevent infections.
6. Limit Physical Contact: No oral or sexual contact for at least two weeks to reduce the risk of infection and transmission of STIs.
7. Post-Healing Check: After 30 days, if the piercing appears irritated or changes position, consider a saline soak with H2Ocean or follow alternative cleaning methods if H2Ocean is unavailable.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can help ensure a healthy healing process for your piercing. Always consult with a professional piercer if you have any concerns or questions during the healing phase.
Oral Aftercare
1. Hand Hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing or jewelry to prevent infection.
2. Avoid Touching: Do not touch or rotate the piercing or jewelry during the healing process unless you are cleaning it.
3. Cleaning Routine: Clean the piercing 3-6 times a day for the first 30 days using an alcohol-free mouthwash (such as Crest, Listerine, or Biotin). This helps maintain cleanliness and reduces the risk of infection.
4. Manage Swelling: To minimize swelling, apply ice or a cold compress to the area. You may also take an anti-inflammatory medication (such as Ibuprofen, Aleve, or Motrin) as directed on the bottle for the first few days. Avoid Aspirin, as it is not recommended.
5. Avoid Alcohol and Pain Pills: Refrain from consuming alcohol or prescription pain pills for at least 48 hours, as these can increase swelling and lead to pain or infection.
6. Avoid Harsh Products: Do not use hand soap or any ointment, as these can trap bacteria and leave a residue that is unhealthy for a new piercing.
7. Limit Physical Contact: No oral or sexual contact for at least two weeks to reduce the risk of infection and transmission of STI’s.
Extra Credit!!!!
LITHA…… Embrace the LITHA (Leave It The Hell Alone) approach to your piercing care. Remember that your piercing is an open wound. Avoid fiddling with or touching it unnecessarily. Trust your body’s natural healing process and allow it to heal without interference.
Key Reminders:
- Patience is Key: Healing takes time, and your body knows how to heal itself.
- Avoid Unnecessary Manipulation: Touching or playing with the piercing can introduce bacteria and lead to infection or complications.
- Listen to Your Body: If you notice any signs of infection (such as increased redness, swelling, or pus), contact a professional piercer or healthcare provider for advice.
By following these additional guidelines and maintaining a hands-off approach, you can support your body’s healing process and help ensure a successful outcome for your new piercing.