Piercing Aftercare
Ensuring proper aftercare for your piercing is crucial throughout the first year to prevent infections and complications. We recommend saline solution and sterilized compresses/gauze for cleaning. Refrain from using
q-tips or cotton swabs, as they can introduce undesired debris. Our aftercare package, in conjunction with medical saline soaks and baths, will set you up with the best tools and conditions for optimal healing of your new piercing.
Gentle Cleaning: If there's no debris or crusties to remove you should leave your piercing alone. Excessive or rough cleaning or handling of your piercing can lead to irritation, increased swelling, and discomfort. Prevent the snowball effect by avoiding excessive force, and seek assistance if needed.
Jewelry Care:
Ensure your jewelry is free from dirt, hair, and secretion daily.
Supplement Support: Boost healing by considering extras zinc and vitamin C supplements for the initial 4 - 8 weeks after getting a piercing.
DAILY CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE USING SALINE SOLUTIONS IN A SPRAY/CAN FORM
How often and when do I clean?
Clean or check your piercings after sleeping, before sleeping and once inbetween morning/evening the first few months.
Applying saline spray:
Apply a brief half-second spray of saline solution directly onto the entry and exit points of the piercing, ensuring proper saturation.
Waiting:
Allow the piercing to soak and absorb the saline for 60 seconds to soften up any accumulated secretions, crusties, and debris.
Apply saline AGAIN:
Spray the entry and exit points once more, applying enough to rehydrate the piercing and skin after the saline has been absorbed.
Cleaning and drying: Using the corner or edge of a sterile compress, gently pat or dry the piercing, allowing it to absorb any debris and secretions.
BE GENTLE:
Refrain from excessive cleaning when there is no debris or crusties to remove. Over-cleaning can cause irritation, swelling, and complications. This is a common mistake many people make. Remember, less is more. Maintain and clean your jewelry and address superficial crusties and debris buildup. If there's no visible buildup, simply pat it gently dry and leave it undisturbed.
Stubborn Debris or crusties:
If some debris remains, re-apply saline solution, re-hydrate the piercing and try again, GENTLY.
SALINE SOLUTION SOAKING : (if needed)
How do I soak my piercing?
Use a small ceramic cup or glass (not paper or plastic) to have enough saline solution and space for a complete submersion of your piercing. Immerse your piercing in the saline for 2-5 minutes. (If you have a nostril piercing, submerge your whole nose into the cup of saline etc.)
When and how often?
Perform this soak 1-3 times daily as needed. Either until the buildup of crusties stop, or the swelling / irritation goes down.
After this, follow the same recommendations above regarding being careful and using clean and proper supplies and techniques.
This is the most effective and gentle way you can clean your piercing and minimizes the main cause of irritation or complications: not being gentle enough!
PREVENTING PROBLEMS:
*don´t touch or sleep on your piercings*
Avoid Overhandling:
Refrain from excessive touching, cleaning, or rough treatment of the piercing. This can can damage internal scabs, scar tissue, and help the introduction of unwanted bacteria.
Oral and dirty contact:
Infections can occur from oral contact, or wearing old/dirty jewelry. For most ear piercings you should avoid using earplugs, headphones, or other clothing items that come in contact with your piercing (hats sunglasses etc.) This can lead to wear and tear, irritation, bumps and potential infections. After showering, inspect your piercing to prevent irritation from soap residue and wet hair. as this can cause irritation and infections.
"I think I have an infection or other complications": If issues arise, don't attempt self-removal of fresh or new piercings. Contact your piercer for guidance. Avoid sleeping on or applying pressure to new piercings. This will almost always lead to irritation, uneven healing, crookedness, and swelling. You will experience this mostly in the mornings or after napping on the couch.
NO SWIMMING IN LARGE BODIES OF WATER THE FIRST TWO MONTHS AFTER GETTING PIERCED
Changing your jewelry:
- Most ear piercings should normally be changed to a suitable size of jewelry after 4-8 weeks. (this can vary alot, consult your piercer!)
- Tragus and nipple piercings should be changed to a suitable size of jewelry after 4-8 months. (this can vary alot, consult your piercer!)
- Tongue piercings should be changed to a suitable size after 4-6 weeks. (this can vary alittle, consult your piercer!)
Especially regarding nipple and navel/belly piercings:
Avoid laying on your stomach or wearing high-waist pants, belts or similar clothing that puts pressure on or irritates the piercing for the first few months. This significantly increases the chances of the body "migrating" or rejecting the piercing.If you follow this approach and have follow up with your piercer, you have the best possible starting point for a successful piercing.
Shopping List:
- Sterilized Saline Solution Spray (from Dermal Decor)
- Bigger bottles of Saline Solution (from a pharmacy)
- Sterilized 2"x 2"Gauze/Compresses ( Pharmacy)
If you have any questions or problems with your piercing, it´s always best to seek out your piercer to get professional help or advise no matter what!
You can reach us by email: dermaldecor@gmail.com
Follow and check us out on Instagram: @dermaldecorpiercing
Texting and calling also works!: +1 (385) 229-7048
We are located at this adress:
10627 S Redwood Rd, South Jordan, UT 84095, USA
(second door from the left)
Best of luck to you and your new piercing! We can´t wait to see you at the shop!