©2004-8 Mandy Tonks
All rights reserved
Piercing

Piercing Aftercare

As with getting a tattoo, the most important part of the process is aftercare. If you don't look after your piercing correctly, you could be in all sorts of trouble.

Even before you get pierced, the studio should have discussed aftercare with you. After the event, they should give you written instructions about tending to your piercing. Take good note of what they say and follow the instructions carefully.

Just as tattoo aftercare is a hotly debated topic, piercing aftercare advice can vary. The following is a basic guide to piercing aftercare that should give some idea what the studio will tell you.

The whole point of aftercare is to keep your piercing clean. Always wash your hands before and after touching the piercing. Don't let anyone else touch the area.

Soak some cotton wool in warm water and gentle wipe the area. Dispose of the cotton wool immediately.

Use some antibacterial soap to clean the area. You don't need to turn the jewellery unless it's beginning to stick to your skin. Rinse thoroughly to remove all the soap.

Alternatively, you can use a pinch of sea salt (no other sort) in a cup of hot water and soak the area thoroughly. Rinse well.

Dry the whole area with a clean paper towel. Dispose of it immediately after use.

At no point during or after the healing process should you feel extremes of pain or numbness. If you do, something's wrong and you should seek medical advice. If the area becomes infected or you think that the healing process is impared, you should see a doctor immediately.