Piercing aftercare

One would think that the healing of piercings was universal and never changing, but on the contrary there are actually quite a few different aftercare methods! Piercing aftercare has gone through changes throughout the years and decades - many people have healed their piercings with products and things that aren’t recommended today, some people like alternative healing methods that others wouldn’t like and piercers might recommend different things from one another. On top of that, sometimes the recommended aftercare products aren’t available in your country.
The aftercare recommendations below are in line with the APP (The Association of Professional Piercers).

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch or drop by if you have any questions or trouble with your piercing.

3 Important things!

  1. Clean your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing.

  2. Use saline 1-2 times a day to clean your piercing. We sell Neilmed Piercing Aftercare which is very handy, but saline ampoules are also sold at pharmacies.

    • Spray the saline on the piercing. In some cases it’s better to spray it on a gauze.

    • Gently dry the piercing with a clean gauze. You can also use a hair blower on a cool setting.

  3. Avoid trauma, e.g. twisting the piercing, snagging the piercing on clothing etc.


What to expect while healing

  1. At first: swelling, light bleeding, tenderness and bruising are all normal.

  2. While healing: Discolouration, itchiness, clear or yellow crusties (not pus) around the jewelry.

  3. Once healed: Healed piercings can smell if you don’t clean them.


Things to avoid while healing

  • …cleaning the piercing with alcohol, anti bacterial soaps, iodine, hydrogen peroxide or Bactine (or other products containing benzalkonium chloride). Also avoid putting creams, ointments and oils on the piercing.

  • …sleeping on a healing cartilage piercing. It can irritate the piercing and even shift its angle. Doughnut/airplane pillows are a solution to that!

  • …overcleaning - it irritates the piercing and prolongs the healing process.

  • …twisting the jewelry, too much movement on the pierced area and clothing rubbing on the piercing. This can cause scarring, irritation, the piercing healing crooked or growing out of the skin.

  • …getting your healing piercing in contact with other peoples body fluids.

  • …swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes etc. for the first few weeks and ideally throughout the healing process. You can put waterproof bandages on nipples, navels, dermals and surface piercings, but we don’t recommend that until a few weeks have passed in case the bandage comes off in the water.

  • …all beauty and personal care products on or around the piercing including cosmetics, lotions, and sprays, etc.

    Healing times

  • 4-8+ weeks: VCH

  • 6-8+ weeks: Lobe, labret, tongue, smiley, tongue frenulum

  • 2-3+ months: Eyebrow, bridge, medusa, monroe, septum

  • 3-4+ months: Nostril

  • 3-9+ months: Ear cartilage, nipple

  • 6- 9+ months: Navel

    Healing is an individual process and the time frame above doesn’t necessarily apply to everyone

Other

  • Be gentle and avoid trauma as it can cause irritation and prolong the healing time.

  • Don’t twist the jewelry, it doesn’t help the piercing and can make the healing period lengthier and harder. The only time you’d want to -gently- rotate your healing piercing is if soap or dirt gets inside it.

  • Generally, lifestyle affects your body’s healing abilities. Balanced diet, lots of water and getting good rest all help. 

  • Irritated piercing is not the same as an infected piercing. Usually, an irritation will clear up by taking care of your piercing with proper aftercare. If you’ve changed the jewelry too soon to a hoop or low quality jewelry, switching back to your initial jewelry may help. As mentioned above, do get in touch if you need help with your piercing.

  • If you suspect an infection, visit a doctor as soon as possible!