Piercing Aftercare

The aftercare matters as much as the piercing itself.

The first days

• After the piercing is done, it must not be moved at all until it moves by itself.
• Do not touch it without disinfecting your hands; protect it from knocks and friction, and do not lie on it.
• Keep it out of water for the first 2 days. After 2 days, for 1 week, coat the entry and exit of the holes in a thick layer of petroleum jelly before every contact with water.
• After water contact, clean off the petroleum jelly carefully with a clean cotton bud, then spray saline, physiological serum, sea water or piercing solution onto the entry and exit of the hole 3–4 times.

The saline protocol

Saline or piercing solution should be applied from the day of the procedure, at least 5 times a day for 10 days, as a spray of 3–4 squirts each time.

Homemade saline: Put a level dessert spoon of salt into 1 glass of bottled water and boil it. Once it has cooled, pour it into a clean spray bottle to use.

Using ointments

Ointments are not recommended, because they keep the wound moist and slow healing. For those who cannot stop playing with the piercing, or who touch it without meaning to, petroleum jelly or terramycin ointment can be used 3 times a day for 5 days from the day of the piercing.

We do not recommend antibiotic ointment unless there is an allergic reaction or infection. In that case the ointments that can be used include fucidin, furacin, terramycin and baktroben. If you run into any problem, your first step should be to consult your piercer.

Jewellery and time

• The metal used for a first piercing should be titanium or 316L surgical steel. Because steel has a higher nickel content, an allergic reaction on an open wound is more likely, so we always recommend titanium for a first piercing (see piercing materials).
• A new piercing must not be moved or taken out for the first 2 months. A piercing that is moved a lot or slept on is very likely to develop a bump or keloid.
• The hole should not be left empty for at least 6 months to 1 year. If left empty, it can close within a few hours; cartilage areas and mucous tissue (inside the mouth and nose) repair themselves very quickly.

Notes for specific areas

• Navel: After the piercing, avoid high-waisted clothes and anything that could cause friction for at least 2 months.
• Genital area: It is an area with high blood pressure, so some bleeding may be seen for 2–3 days. Use a pad and keep the area clean.
• Inside the mouth: Gargle with an antiseptic mouthwash or solution 3 times a day for 1 week; alternatively, saline can be used 5 times a day.
• Tongue: For the first week do not eat or drink fermented foods and drinks; take liquids and, as far as possible, cold food for a week, and suck on ice 2–3 times a day to bring the swelling down.
• Nipple: A clean, ironed bra worn daily holds the nipple steady and takes the sting out of friction.
• Piercings under clothing: We strongly recommend clothes that are clean and ironed daily.