Piercing aftercare

What's normal

For the first few days, some bleeding, swelling, tenderness or bruising is expected. During healing you may see discoloration, itching, and a whitish-yellow fluid that dries into crust on the jewelry. The tissue may tighten around the jewelry as it heals.

Heals from the outside in

A piercing can look and feel healed before it really is. The inside stays fragile, so keep up your care for the whole healing period. Keep jewelry in: even long-healed piercings can shrink or close quickly, and getting jewelry back in can be difficult or impossible.

Daily care

• Wash your hands before touching the piercing, and otherwise leave it alone.
• Don't rotate the jewelry while it heals.
• Keep bedding clean and wear clean, breathable clothing.
• Showers are better than baths.

What to avoid

• Harsh antiseptics such as Betadine, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide and triclosan soaps.
• Ointments, Bactine and other benzalkonium chloride products.
• Over-cleaning, friction and moving the jewelry.
• Oral contact and unhygienic water such as lakes, pools and hot tubs.
• Cosmetics and lotions near the piercing, and hanging charms until fully healed.

Jewelry

Check threaded ends gently for tightness with clean hands. If you suspect an infection, leave the jewelry in unless a medical professional tells you otherwise, and see a qualified piercer for any jewelry change.