Piercing Aftercare | How to Care for Piercings | MARIA TASH

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Now that you have your dream piercing, learn the best ways to take care of it. The proper aftercare routine will ensure that your piercing heals rapidly and easily.

Cleaning Instructions

Clean your piercing until it is fully healed, which can take several months depending on the placement and your body.
Use a presoaked saline wipe (available here for purchase) or sterile saline spray on non-woven sterile gauze as a gentle compress for five minutes, morning and evening. Do this no more than twice a day.
Moisture can lead to bacteria. Dry the area well with sterile non-woven gauze or using the cold setting on a hairdryer.

Aftercare

Aftercare Tips

Wash your hands thoroughly before cleaning your piercing. A piercing is an open wound and dirty hands or fingernails can transfer bacteria.
Do not remove your jewelry during the healing process as it will begin to close immediately.
Do not clean your piercing with chemicals such as alcohol, Neosporin, or Bactine as these products could cause irritation.
Do not turn or rotate your jewelry.
Refrain from putting body creams, makeup, moisturizers, and perfumes directly on the piercing.
In the shower, try to keep soaps or shampoos away from the area and rinse thoroughly after.
Do not pull or pick the dried matter because it is attached to the healing tissue.
Be careful not to aggravate your new piercing. Be cautious while washing and styling your hair, when putting on or removing clothing, and refrain from sleeping on a fresh piercing.
Try to avoid sleeping on your piercing.
Use a travel pillow and suspend your ear in the center opening while you sleep.

Piercing Aftercare Precautions

Be careful not to aggravate your new piercing. Be cautious while washing and styling your hair, when putting on or removing clothing, and refrain from sleeping on a fresh piercing.
In the shower, try to keep soaps or shampoos away from the area and rinse thoroughly after.
Be careful about performing any strenuous exercise while healing a fresh body piercing. We also recommend that you avoid wearing tight clothing.
Do not remove your jewelry during the healing process as it will begin to close immediately.
We suggest you avoid swimming in chlorinated pool water or freshwater lakes as your piercing heals.

The Stages of Healing

A brief overview of what to expect during the healing process.

2-4 Months

4-6 Months

6-12 Months

9-12 Months

Just Pierced

At first, your piercing will feel tender and may appear swollen. You may experience occasional discomfort, which is normal. Be extra cautious during this stage as your piercing is very fresh.

Healing

Once the initial discomfort has settled, your piercing will begin the full phase of healing. Piercings heal from the inside out which is why the process takes some time and requires extra patience.

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Aftercare Tips By Piercing Location

Lobes and Helix

Avoid makeup and hair products.
Use a travel pillow to suspend ear in the middle of the hole while you sleep.
Use gentle pressure from showerhead to help clear debris.

Navel

Avoid wearing tight clothing and prevent waistbands from resting on the piercing.
Showering is preferable to bathing for the first few weeks.
Refrain from putting body creams, moisturizers, and perfumes directly on the piercing.
Ensure clothing does not rub the piercing, for example, high-waisted pants or jeans.

Advanced Ear Piercings

Refrain from using headphones if they put any pressure on the piercing.
Avoid makeup and hair products that could interact with the piercing.
Sleep with a travel pillow.
Use gentle pressure from your showerhead to help clear debris.

Nipple

Refrain from using moisturizers or body creams directly on the piercing.
Avoid exposure to other bodily fluids.
Make sure only clean clothing comes in contact with the piercing.
Avoid tight clothing, lace bras, and woven fabrics.

Nostril

Refrain from using any harsh face wash.
Avoid putting makeup, creams, and serums directly on the piercing.
If you have a cold or allergies, be gentle when blowing your nose.

Lip/Oral

Be mindful of spicy foods, acidic fruits, and alcohol.
Avoid putting makeup and creams directly on the piercing.

Septum

Avoid any nasal sprays that are not saline.
Do not rotate the jewelry.
Use warm water on a clean paper towel to remove buildup.

Dermal/Surface

Refrain from using moisturizers, body creams, or perfumes on the piercing.
Avoid exposure to other bodily fluids.
Be mindful of straps and handles on bags.
Do not wear jewelry that sits on top of the piercing.

Genital

Refrain from using creams or lubricants.
No heavy play.