Piercing FAQs

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The procedure of piercing involves breaking the skin’s surface so there is always a potential risk for infection to occur afterwards. Your piercing should be initially treated as a wound, and it is imperative that this advice is followed to minimize any risks associated with infection. If you have any questions or concerns with your piercing, please contact your piercer immediately. The following are intended to help you care for your new piercing. 

• Avoid touching your new piercing unnecessarily so that exposure to harmful germs and bacteria is reduced. 
• Always wash your hands thoroughly and pat dry before cleaning or touching your new piercing. 
• Clean your piercing as advised by your piercer.
• Use a saline solution with a clean Q-tip to clean your piercing.
• Oral piercings should be rinsed with a mild alcohol-free mouthwash.
• Polyps can appear on new piercings; this is due to accidentally knocking the piercing site or placing pressure on the site. To avoid this happening please keep your piercing clear of any obstacles- be extra careful with clothing choice and combing your hair. 
• Avoid drinking any alcohol for the first 4 – 5 days after receiving your piercing, as it can promote bleeding and increase swelling. The use of any recreational drugs should also be avoided as it may slow the healing process. 

Removing your new jewelry before the timeframe specified by your piercer can cause your hole to immediately shrink. This can make it painful, or impossible, to get back in. 

• Always start with thoroughly washing your hands!
• Use STERILE wound-care saline daily as needed.
• Spray the saline directly on your piercing to "flush" it or soak a non-woven gauze pad in the saline and apply to the piercing location.
• When needed, use a Q-tip or a non-woven gauze pad to help clean the piercing site and to remove any build-up that has collected on the jewelry around the piercing.
• The saline is sterile, so it is not necessary to rinse afterwards. However, if rinsing is used make sure that it is done with clean, running water. 
• If your jewelry is threaded, make sure that it stays tight since it may become loose. Remember the old saying, "righty tighty, lefty loosey".

If your piercer suggests using a mild liquid soap when bathing, it should be used at the end of your bathing routine to remove any skin or hair products that could irritate your piercing. Do not remove your jewelry during your bathing routine. Again, WASH YOUR HANDS before touching your piercing and do NOT remove your jewelry until the time specified by your piercer. 

Steps for cleansing your piercing while bathing:

• Thoroughly wash your hands before touching your piercing. Yes, we understand you've already bathed, but you could still have bacteria on your hands from touching bathing items. 
• At the end of your bathing routine, lather your hands with the mild soap suggested by your piercer. Then lather your jewelry and the area around your piercing for 30 - 60 seconds. 
• Have a Q-tip or non-woven gauze pad nearby just in case you need help with cleaning your jewelry and the area around it to remove any build-up or debris. 
• Thoroughly rinse away all suds and soap under clean, running water. If the jewelry easily moves, you may rotate it but if not, do not force it! After cleansing and rinsing the area, pat dry with a clean paper towel.
• If your jewelry is threaded, make sure that it stays tight since it may become loose. Remember the old saying, "righty tighty, lefty loosey".

• Take a daily multivitamin that contains Vitamin C and Zinc to help with the healing process. Consult with your doctor on a recommended dose.
• Do not clean your piercing more often than necessary. This can do more harm than good and slow your healing process. 
• Stress, illness, drug abuse, and poor diets can delay your healing process or cause healing difficulties. 
• Make sure that your bedding is clean to avoid excess exposure to harmful bacteria and germs.
• If your piercing shows signs of infection, seek medical attention immediately! Some redness, swelling, tenderness, and discharge is normal. However, you should consult a medical healthcare professional if unexpected redness, swelling, or tenderness at the piercing site, rashes, unexpected drainage from the piercing, or a fever occurs within 24 hours of your body art procedure. 
• We are happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding your body art procedure to the best of our knowledge and experience. However, we are not medical healthcare professionals, and your doctor should be consulted if you experience any abnormalities from your piercing. 

• We cannot stress this enough- do not touch your piercing unless you are cleaning it!
• Avoid using any ointments or aftercare products that were not suggested by your piercer.
• Avoid contact with other people's body fluids and oral contact.
• Avoid getting makeup, lotions, and sprays around your piercing. 
• Avoid submerging your piercing in water- swimming, soaking baths, hot tubs, etc. For certain areas a waterproof bandage that is breathable, such as Tegaderm, is an option to protect your piercing when being exposed to submergible water. 

• Disinfect your phone frequently and avoid contact with unclean phones.
• With ear piercings, avoid sleeping with wet hair to prevent complications.
• Protect piercings from makeup, hair spray, styling products, and beauty products.  

• Sleep in a clean, tight fitting, shirt or sports bra to help prevent getting caught on bedding and to prevent pets from accidentally snagging your piercing.

• Avoid wearing tight fitting pants with tight waistbands to prevent them from rubbing on your piercing. Be cautious with your shirts as well. 

• Soap may not be necessary for some mucous membranes. Speak with your piercer to discuss any questions or concerns. 
• Sexual contact is not prohibited. However, gentle contact is recommended, and your piercings should be protected from other people's body fluids (including saliva) while they are still healing. Saliva can still harbor bacteria even when in a monogamous relationship. Avoid any lubricants that are not water based and use a good condom or other barrier to prevent infections.