HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA
AFTERCARE
have Questions? Need help?
Check out our guide below
or give us a call.
HOW TO CLEAN
PRODUCTS NOT TO USE
Hydrogen Peroxide:
Hydrogen peroxide kills bacteria, but it also kills the white blood cells attempting to heal your piercing. It can cause irritation and lengthen overall healing time.
Rubbing Alcohol:
Alcohol may dry the skin and irritate the raw piercing.
GlyoxidE:
This is a product that contains hydrogen peroxide, and it might hinder healing rather than aiding it.
Ear Care Solution:
Solutions that are provided by jewelry boutiques and department store piercers usually contain alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and other harmful chemicals that might aggravate a new piercing.
Changing Jewelry too soon
Changing the jewelry too soon after the piercing can irritate the area and prolong the healing process. It can also introduce bacteria into the piercing and potentially lead to infection.
IGNORING SIGNS OF INFECTION
Ignoring signs of infection can lead to complications and prolonged healing time. In severe cases, it may lead to scarring or more severe infections.
HAIR PRODUCTS
We don’t expect you to stop using hair products during your healing period, but we DO recommend protecting your new piercing from exposure to hair spray and other styling products, including shampoo and conditioner. Clean your piercing immediately after showering or styling to avoid irritation and product build up on your starter piercing earrings.
The suggested cleansing agents for your piercing are sterile saline wound wash and warm, running water.
ONE
Clean your piercings no more than 1-2x daily, whether this is with warm shower water or sterile saline.
-
If using saline, spray a small amount onto your piercing, let sit for a few minutes to soften up build up, and pat dry with gauze or a paper towel, taking care to gently remove any softened up build up under or around the jewelry.
-
If using warm water, allow shower water to run over your piercing to soften up build up. After bathing, pat dry with gauze or a paper towel, taking care to gently remove any softened up build up under or around the jewelry.
TWO
Take the time to thoroughly dry your piercings after using saline or bathing. A blow dryer used on the “cool” or “low” setting can be very effective in removing moisture under larger jewelry or in small, hard to reach areas.
-
Moisture is a common irritant, after cleaning or bathing make sure that you do not skip this step!
-
If you’re air drying your hair after bathing, keep wet hair up and away from your piercings
For Septum Piercings
-
Rinse only with lukewarm water 1-2x daily
-
For harder build up, a saturated Q-tip can be used occasionally to wipe away. Be gentle, avoid scrubbing vigorously!
For Oral Piercings
-
For the exterior (ie, the outside of the piercing), repeat steps 1 & 2 above
-
After any eating, drinking, or smoking swish with bottled or filtered water for roughly 30 seconds
-
Use a new toothbrush, and avoid any dental products that contain whitening agents (ie, whitening toothpaste, Crest strips, etc.)
-
Avoid harsh products containing alcohol such as Listerine, this can kill off the resident bacteria in our mouths that are needed for healing
For Genital Piercings
-
Rinse only with cool to lukewarm water 1-2x daily
-
Maintain normal hygiene routine, taking care to avoid any harsh soaps or fragrances that can irritate the area
HOW TO CLEAN
The suggested cleansing agents for your piercing are sterile saline wound wash and warm, running water.
ONE
Clean your piercings no more than 1-2x daily, whether this is with warm shower water or sterile saline.
-
If using saline, spray a small amount onto your piercing, let sit for a few minutes to soften up build up, and pat dry with gauze or a paper towel, taking care to gently remove any softened up build up under or around the jewelry.
-
If using warm water, allow shower water to run over your piercing to soften up build up. After bathing, pat dry with gauze or a paper towel, taking care to gently remove any softened up build up under or around the jewelry.
TWO
Take the time to thoroughly dry your piercings after using saline or bathing. A blow dryer used on the “cool” or “low” setting can be very effective in removing moisture under larger jewelry or in small, hard to reach areas.
-
Moisture is a common irritant, after cleaning or bathing make sure that you do not skip this step!
-
If you’re air drying your hair after bathing, keep wet hair up and away from your piercings
For Septum Piercings
-
Rinse only with lukewarm water 1-2x daily
-
For harder build up, a saturated Q-tip can be used occasionally to wipe away. Be gentle, avoid scrubbing vigorously!
For Oral Piercings
-
For the exterior (ie, the outside of the piercing), repeat steps 1 & 2 above
-
After any eating, drinking, or smoking swish with bottled or filtered water for roughly 30 seconds
-
Use a new toothbrush, and avoid any dental products that contain whitening agents (ie, whitening toothpaste, Crest strips, etc.)
-
Avoid harsh products containing alcohol such as Listerine, this can kill off the resident bacteria in our mouths that are needed for healing
For Genital Piercings
-
Rinse only with cool to lukewarm water 1-2x daily
-
Maintain normal hygiene routine, taking care to avoid any harsh soaps or fragrances that can irritate the area
what to avoid
Side Effects of Not Cleaning Your Piercing
Not cleaning the area around a piercing can increase risk of irritation, infection, granuloma formation and scarring.
If your piercing does get infected, most physicians will request the piercing be removed for your own safety and healing. Occasionally, the piercing may be left in, and topical or oral antibiotics will be prescribed for several days.
Most of the time you will be able to tell if your piercing is infected based on how it looks and feels– if it’s super red, swollen, or painful for an extended amount of time, those are pretty clear indications that something might not be right. If you have any concerns regarding the healing of your piercing, make sure to contact your physician immediately. The earlier you treat, the better you will heal.
Changing Jewelry too soon
Changing the jewelry too soon after the piercing can irritate the area and prolong the healing process. It can also introduce bacteria into the piercing and potentially lead to infection.
IGNORING SIGNS OF INFECTION
Ignoring signs of infection can lead to complications and prolonged healing time. In severe cases, it may lead to scarring or more severe infections.
HAIR PRODUCTS
We don’t expect you to stop using hair products during your healing period, but we DO recommend protecting your new piercing from exposure to hair spray and other styling products, including shampoo and conditioner. Clean your piercing immediately after showering or styling to avoid irritation and product build up on your starter piercing earrings.
PRODUCTS NOT TO USE
Hydrogen Peroxide:
Hydrogen peroxide kills bacteria, but it also kills the white blood cells attempting to heal your piercing. It can cause irritation and lengthen overall healing time.
Rubbing Alcohol:
Alcohol may dry the skin and irritate the raw piercing.
GlyoxidE:
This is a product that contains hydrogen peroxide, and it might hinder healing rather than aiding it.
Ear Care Solution:
Solutions that are provided by jewelry boutiques and department store piercers usually contain alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and other harmful chemicals that might aggravate a new piercing.
HOW TO CLEAN
The suggested cleansing agents for your piercing are sterile saline wound wash and warm, running water.
ONE
Clean your piercings no more than 1-2x daily, whether this is with warm shower water or sterile saline.
-
If using saline, spray a small amount onto your piercing, let sit for a few minutes to soften up build up, and pat dry with gauze or a paper towel, taking care to gently remove any softened up build up under or around the jewelry.
-
If using warm water, allow shower water to run over your piercing to soften up build up. After bathing, pat dry with gauze or a paper towel, taking care to gently remove any softened up build up under or around the jewelry.
TWO
Take the time to thoroughly dry your piercings after using saline or bathing. A blow dryer used on the “cool” or “low” setting can be very effective in removing moisture under larger jewelry or in small, hard to reach areas.
-
Moisture is a common irritant, after cleaning or bathing make sure that you do not skip this step!
-
If you’re air drying your hair after bathing, keep wet hair up and away from your piercings
For Septum Piercings
-
Rinse only with lukewarm water 1-2x daily
-
For harder build up, a saturated Q-tip can be used occasionally to wipe away. Be gentle, avoid scrubbing vigorously!
For Oral Piercings
-
For the exterior (ie, the outside of the piercing), repeat steps 1 & 2 above
-
After any eating, drinking, or smoking swish with bottled or filtered water for roughly 30 seconds
-
Use a new toothbrush, and avoid any dental products that contain whitening agents (ie, whitening toothpaste, Crest strips, etc.)
-
Avoid harsh products containing alcohol such as Listerine, this can kill off the resident bacteria in our mouths that are needed for healing
For Genital Piercings
-
Rinse only with cool to lukewarm water 1-2x daily
-
Maintain normal hygiene routine, taking care to avoid any harsh soaps or fragrances that can irritate the area
HOW TO CLEAN
Side Effects of Not Cleaning Your Piercing
Not cleaning the area around a piercing can increase risk of irritation, infection, granuloma formation and scarring.
If your piercing does get infected, most physicians will request the piercing be removed for your own safety and healing. Occasionally, the piercing may be left in, and topical or oral antibiotics will be prescribed for several days.
Most of the time you will be able to tell if your piercing is infected based on how it looks and feels– if it’s super red, swollen, or painful for an extended amount of time, those are pretty clear indications that something might not be right. If you have any concerns regarding the healing of your piercing, make sure to contact your physician immediately. The earlier you treat, the better you will heal.
PRODUCTS NOT TO USE
Hydrogen Peroxide:
Hydrogen peroxide kills bacteria, but it also kills the white blood cells attempting to heal your piercing. It can cause irritation and lengthen overall healing time.
Rubbing Alcohol:
Alcohol may dry the skin and irritate the raw piercing.
GlyoxidE:
This is a product that contains hydrogen peroxide, and it might hinder healing rather than aiding it.
Ear Care Solution:
Solutions that are provided by jewelry boutiques and department store piercers usually contain alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and other harmful chemicals that might aggravate a new piercing.
Changing Jewelry too soon
Changing the jewelry too soon after the piercing can irritate the area and prolong the healing process. It can also introduce bacteria into the piercing and potentially lead to infection.
IGNORING SIGNS OF INFECTION
Ignoring signs of infection can lead to complications and prolonged healing time. In severe cases, it may lead to scarring or more severe infections.
HAIR PRODUCTS
We don’t expect you to stop using hair products during your healing period, but we DO recommend protecting your new piercing from exposure to hair spray and other styling products, including shampoo and conditioner. Clean your piercing immediately after showering or styling to avoid irritation and product build up on your starter piercing earrings.
PRODUCTS NOT TO USE
Hydrogen Peroxide:
Hydrogen peroxide kills bacteria, but it also kills the white blood cells attempting to heal your piercing. It can cause irritation and lengthen overall healing time.
Rubbing Alcohol:
Alcohol may dry the skin and irritate the raw piercing.
GlyoxidE:
This is a product that contains hydrogen peroxide, and it might hinder healing rather than aiding it.
Ear Care Solution:
Solutions that are provided by jewelry boutiques and department store piercers usually contain alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and other harmful chemicals that might aggravate a new piercing.
Changing Jewelry too soon
Changing the jewelry too soon after the piercing can irritate the area and prolong the healing process. It can also introduce bacteria into the piercing and potentially lead to infection.
IGNORING SIGNS OF INFECTION
Ignoring signs of infection can lead to complications and prolonged healing time. In severe cases, it may lead to scarring or more severe infections.
HAIR PRODUCTS
We don’t expect you to stop using hair products during your healing period, but we DO recommend protecting your new piercing from exposure to hair spray and other styling products, including shampoo and conditioner. Clean your piercing immediately after showering or styling to avoid irritation and product build up on your starter piercing earrings.
WHAT TO AVOID
You can wash your piercing with either a saline solution or with soap and water.
Whichever you choose, you will first want to wash your hands thoroughly. It’s important not to introduce any bacteria to the piercing because it’s an open wound that is vulnerable to infection.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CLEAN MY PIERCING?
Piercings need to be cleaned regularly 2-3 times per day while healing
SALINE SOLUTION
Wet a gauze pad with saline solution and hold it on the piercing site for 10-15 minutes. It’s recommend to opt for a sterile saline solution (like what is used for contact lenses), says
Don’t squeeze the piercing too tight while you’re holding the gauze to it, and make sure to be gentle so that the gauze doesn’t get wrapped around the jewelry.
After allowing the saline to sit for the recommended time, you should apply an ointment like Vaseline Original Healing Petroleum Jelly. This helps to seal the healing wound and prevents it from drying out.
SOAP & WATER
First, saturate a cotton ball with warm water, and gently wipe away any “crusties” that have gathered around the piercing site. If you have a scab, do not pick at it. Then throw the cotton ball away.
Next, apply a generous amount of unscented liquid soap to your fingertip, and apply it to the piercing site and jewelry. Make sure you get the soap everywhere, but rotating your jewelry is not necessary as long as you work the soap around the piercing and jewelry completely. If you do rotate the piercing, this could introduce bacteria from the jewelry into the wound, causing irritation or even infection. It’s incredibly important to avoid manipulating the area and the jewelry which can cause microtears in the skin and prevent adequate healing. In other words, it’s best to just clean the piercing and jewelry thoroughly without actually moving it.
Rinse the piercing and jewelry several times with warm water, ensuring that all soap has been removed. Dry your piercing with a clean paper towel.
Acceptable Healing Aids and Products
If you want to take your cleaning routine further than just soap and water, these products can help keep your piercing nice and clean.
Emu Oil:
This oil is full of fatty acids meant to help reduce inflammation and pain. It’s relied on by piercers as a universal healing product for new piercings.
H2Ocean:
This sea salt saline solution is often used by piercers to help clean the piercing area.
Saline Solution:
Less expensive and more readily available than most other products, saline solution is often recommended in soothing and healing a new piercing. It’s also an acceptable substitute for sea salt soaks which is when you submerge your piercing into salt water to help clean it.
Ointments:
Ointments are usually the number one most-recommended therapy post-injury and piercing to stimulate wound healing. Just avoid antibacterial products, which are typically unnecessary unless the piercing is infected.
have Questions? Need help?
Check out our guide below
or give us a call.
QUESTIONS? - Email us - BeMinePiercing@gmail.com
EXTRA HEALING TIPS
- Do not twist, turn, or rotate your jewelry during healing. A hands off approach is generally best, but if you need to gently adjust your jewelry for any reason or remove your jewelry in the event of an emergency, please wash hands well beforehand, this is an open wound!
- Avoid contact with other people’s bodily fluids
- Avoid swimming for a minimum of 8 weeks
- While sleeping it is best to avoid pressure on certain piercings. This can cause trauma to the area and may cause things to shift or heal incorrectly.
-
For ear cartilage piercings, consider using a travel pillow or donut shaped pillow, allowing you to comfortably sleep on your side without putting pressure on your piercing
-
For navel or nipple piercings, avoid sleeping on your stomach and be mindful of your clothing choices during healing (ie, tight compression bras may be irritating to healing nipple piercings, and high waisted pants, shorts, etc. can be irritating to navel piercings and may cause them to shift!)
- Keep bedding and pillow cases clean, consider washing/changing them about 1-2x weekly for a hygienic sleep environment
- Avoid any irritants such as makeup, skincare products, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic ointments, or “pierced ear care solutions”
DOWNSIZING YOUR JEWELRY
Almost every piercing requires extra space to allot for initial swelling. Once swelling has gone down, downsizing (ie, having appropriately fitted jewelry installed) your piercing is a crucial part of healing. By not downsizing you may risk experiencing excessive swelling/soreness, having the piercing shift, and/or irritation bumps. Downsizes are recommended anywhere from 4-8 weeks, depending on the piercing and at the discretion of your piercer.
HEALING TIMES
- Lobes, Lips, and Septums:
4-6 months
- Nostrils and Ear Cartilage:
9-12+ months
- Navels, Nipples, and Surface:
12+ months
What is normal vs not normal
A NORMAL PIERCING MAY:
- Be swollen, tender, and have some redness
- Secrete a yellow-ish or white-ish discharge that dries and forms into a crust
- Have some mild bruising and light bleeding
AN ABNORMAL PIERCING MAY:
- Have excessive redness, tenderness, or swelling out of what is considered the “typical” range
- Uncomfortable heat, an unnatural odor or dark discharge (grey-green or an ochre tint), excessive pain, streaks in the surrounding tissue, an accompanying fever and general feeling of malaise. These symptoms are NOT normal and should be addressed as soon as possible. (Note: some slight warmth may occur in the first few hours-days, that IS normal)
** If you experience any sort of issue or have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us so we can take a look in person! Infection in piercings is uncommon, and more often than not piercings are irritated rather than infected- we are here to help! **
HEALING TIPS
HEALING TIPS
HEALING TIPS
EXTRA HEALING TIPS
- Do not twist, turn, or rotate your jewelry during healing. A hands off approach is generally best, but if you need to gently adjust your jewelry for any reason or remove your jewelry in the event of an emergency, please wash hands well beforehand, this is an open wound!
- Avoid contact with other people’s bodily fluids
- Avoid swimming for a minimum of 8 weeks
- While sleeping it is best to avoid pressure on certain piercings. This can cause trauma to the area and may cause things to shift or heal incorrectly.
-
For ear cartilage piercings, consider using a travel pillow or donut shaped pillow, allowing you to comfortably sleep on your side without putting pressure on your piercing
-
For navel or nipple piercings, avoid sleeping on your stomach and be mindful of your clothing choices during healing (ie, tight compression bras may be irritating to healing nipple piercings, and high waisted pants, shorts, etc. can be irritating to navel piercings and may cause them to shift!)
- Keep bedding and pillow cases clean, consider washing/changing them about 1-2x weekly for a hygienic sleep environment
- Avoid any irritants such as makeup, skincare products, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic ointments, or “pierced ear care solutions”
What is normal vs not normal
A NORMAL PIERCING MAY:
- Be swollen, tender, and have some redness
- Secrete a yellow-ish or white-ish discharge that dries and forms into a crust
- Have some mild bruising and light bleeding
AN ABNORMAL PIERCING MAY:
- Have excessive redness, tenderness, or swelling out of what is considered the “typical” range
- Uncomfortable heat, an unnatural odor or dark discharge (grey-green or an ochre tint), excessive pain, streaks in the surrounding tissue, an accompanying fever and general feeling of malaise. These symptoms are NOT normal and should be addressed as soon as possible. (Note: some slight warmth may occur in the first few hours-days, that IS normal)
** If you experience any sort of issue or have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us so we can take a look in person! Infection in piercings is uncommon, and more often than not piercings are irritated rather than infected- we are here to help! **
DOWNSIZING YOUR JEWELRY
Almost every piercing requires extra space to allot for initial swelling. Once swelling has gone down, downsizing (ie, having appropriately fitted jewelry installed) your piercing is a crucial part of healing. By not downsizing you may risk experiencing excessive swelling/soreness, having the piercing shift, and/or irritation bumps. Downsizes are recommended anywhere from 4-8 weeks, depending on the piercing and at the discretion of your piercer.
HEALING TIMES
- Lobes, Lips, and Septums:
4-6 months
- Nostrils and Ear Cartilage:
9-12+ months
- Navels, Nipples, and Surface:
12+ months