Cleaning Solutions - 

Use one or both of the following solutions for healing piercings:

* H2O Piercing Aftercare Spray is the most effective way to cleanse new body piercings. Their patented formula, enhanced with natural enzymes, has over 82 trace elements and minerals essential for living cells. Use 2x a day to help remove dried discharge and secretions safely.

* Non-Iodized Sea Salt mixture can be a viable alternative. Dissolve 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized (iodine-free) sea salt into one cup (8 oz) of warm distilled or bottled water. Mixing it in a sterile spray bottle is advised. A stronger mixture is not better; too strong can irritate the piercing.

* Using the wrong cleaning products and/or not cleaning the piercing properly may cause major problems during the healing process.

Cleaning Instructions-

★ Wash your hands thoroughly prior to cleaning or touching your  piercing for any reason   

★ Clean 2-3 times per day with aftercare recommended by your artist.  Use a Lint Free Q-tip to clean the entrance and exit wounds of new  piercing to remove buildup around piercing. 

★ Dry the area by gently patting with clean, disposable paper products.  Cloth towels can harbor bacteria and snag on jewelry, causing injury.  

★ Use clean bed linens, bath towels, and clothes during healing process 

What is Normal?

* Initially: some bleeding, localized swelling, tenderness, or bruising may occur.

* During healing: some discoloration, itching, secretion of a whitish-yellow fluid (not pus) that will form some crust on the jewelry. The tissue may tighten around the jewelry as it heals.

* Once healed: the jewelry may not move freely in the piercing; do not force it. If you fail to include cleaning your piercing as part of your daily hygiene routine, normal but smelly bodily secretions may accumulate. *A piercing may seem healed before the healing process is complete. This is because tissue heals from the outside in, and although it feels fine, the interior remains fragile. Be patient and keep cleaning throughout the entire healing period. 

*Even healed piercings can shrink or close in minutes after having been there for years! This varies from person to person; if you like your piercing, keep jewelry in — do not leave it empty.

What to Do:

* Wash your hands prior to touching the piercing; leave it alone except when cleaning. During healing, do NOT rotate your jewelry.

* Stay healthy; the healthier your lifestyle, the easier it will be for your piercing to heal. Get enough sleep and eat a nutritious diet. Exercise during healing is fine; listen to your body.

* Clean and Comfortable Make sure your bedding is washed and changed regularly. Wear clean, comfortable, breathable clothing that protects your piercing while you are sleeping. Showers tend to be safer than taking baths, as bathtubs can harbor bacteria. If you bathe in a tub, clean it well before each use and rinse off your piercing when you get out.

 What to AVOID:

★ Direct sunlight, tanning beds, oils, beauty products, and lotions.  

★ Hot tubs, pools, lakes, etc.  

- Submerging in unhygienic bodies of water for at least 2-4 weeks, after initial piercing. If you MUST cover the wound using a waterproof wound-sealant bandage (such as 3M™ Nexcare™ Clean Seals). These are available at most drugstores.

★ Alcohol, smoking, chewing tobacco, and aspirin during the healing process  (for oral piercings).  

★ Tight fitting clothes that will irritate a new piercing.

★ Practice good hygiene (it will help the healing process).  

★ Changing and removing jewelry.  

★ Sleeping on your piercings before getting shorter bars as this can cause your  piercings to migrate. 

★Hanging charms or any object from your jewelry until the piercing is fully healed. ★ Clean more than 2-3 times a day. Cleaning too often can actually be worse  than not cleaning it at all.  ★ Take it out. Body piercings may take many months to completely heal and can  close quickly.  ★ Let the body piercing come in contact with another person’s bodily fluid.  ★ Use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or hand soaps to clean your body piercings.  It may damage healthy cells and cause scar tissue.