Frequent Asked Questions for BODY piercings
What do I use to clean my piercing?
A mild, fragrance free liquid soap-preferably anti-microbial or germicidal.
How often do I clean my piercing?
Clean your piercing TWICE daily. Clean it once in the morning and once before bed. Over cleaning the piercing is just as bad as under cleaning.
How do I clean my piercing?
Before you clean you lip/cheek piercing make sure you clean your hands with germicidal/antimicrobial soap and warm water. NEVER touch your piercing with dirty hands. After washing your hands, clean off the crust that has built up on the outside of your piercing. This is best done with warm water and a cotton swab. DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP. Apply some antimicrobial or germicidal soap to the area and the jewelry and move the jewelry back and forth. This helps work some of the soap into the piercing. After rotating the jewelry, rinse off the excess soap off under running water, while rotating the jewelry back and forth. This is best done in the shower. Pat dry the area with disposable paper such as gauze.
How long will my piercing take to heal?
Each and every person on this planet is unique. Some people heal faster than others. Please be patient. You are an individual unlike anyone else so don't compare yourself to others! Generally piercings take six to eight weeks or longer to heal.
Why is my piercing bruised/bleeding?
Any piercing can periodically bleed for a few days. Sometimes there is bleeding under the tissue surrounding the piercing which causes discoloration. This is nothing to worry about.
What is the "yellow stuff" that is coming out of my piercing?
That "yellow stuff" is a secretion that contains lymph and dead cells. This is perfectly normal. This is NOT a problem but rather an indication of a healing piercing.
When can I "play" with my piercing?
Make sure you leave the piercing alone except when you are cleaning it during the initial healing period.
How long do I have to keep my piercing in before taking it out?
If you like your piercing you do not need to take it out, ever. Some people assume that they can take out their jewelry and reinsert it with no problem. This is not the case. I have seen piercings that have been in place for years close in a matter of minutes. Some experimentation is suggested.
Is there anything I can do to speed up the healing process?
Get a good amount of sleep and eat a nutritious diet. Avoid stress. This helps with your life as well as your piercing. The better you take care of your body the better your body will take care of you.
Do I have to wear "special" clothing?
Make sure the clothing you wear is clean and comfortable. The clothes should allow the piercing room to "breathe." Avoid constrictive clothing.
Can I take baths?
Showering is much better for your piercing.If you must take a bath, make sure you thoroughly clean out the tub BEFORE you enter. Rinse the tub to remove whatever cleaning agent you used then proceed with your bath. Make sure you rinse the piercing off when you are done.
My piercing is secreting a thick, pus-like discharge. What does this mean?
If your piercing is secreting a thick pus-like discharge INSTEAD of the normal secretion, you may wish to consult a physician for treatment. If it is diagnosed as an infection, try to leave your jewelry in. By keeping the jewelry in you are keeping a pathway open for the discharge of pus. If the pathway closes, you may develop an abscess.
May I anything to clean my piercing?
DO NOT use peroxide, alcohol, Betadine, Bactine, or Hibiclens. These cleaners are very strong and actually slow down the healing process.
What kind of ointment should I use on my piercing?
DO NOT use any ointment on your piercing. Ointments prevent oxygen from getting to your piercing. Allow your piercing to "breathe."
What should I avoid doing with this piercing?
Avoid ALL oral contact during the healing period. That means no "rough play" or ANY contact with others' bodily fluids on or near your piercing. This applies to monogamous couples as well.
May I put a bandage, ie: Band-Aid, on my piercing?
DO NOT put on Band-Aid or any other latex, vinyl bandage over the piercing. These products block oxygen from getting to your piercing. The adhesive on the bandage could irritate the surrounding area of the piercing.
May I go swimming?
Avoid going into bodies of water such as pools, lakes, rivers, oceans, hot tubs, Jacuzzis, etc. These bodies of water are breeding grounds for bacteria. Adding bacteria to an open wound is NOT good. A new piercing is an open wound.
How long before I may "use" my genital piercing?
As long as you keep the piercing clean sexual activity is NOT a problem. Keeping the piercing clean means using condoms (without Nonoxynol-nine) and dental dams for all sexual contact. This applies to monogamous relationships as well. If you need a lubricant, use water based lubricants such as KY Jelly. If what you are doing is hurting the piercing, STOP! No one can tell you better than your own body. If you take care of your body, your body will take care of you.
What if I have any other questions about my piercing?
If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to contact me as soon as possible.
DISCLAIMER:These guidelines are based on a combination of vast professional experience, common sense, research, and extensive clinical practice. This is not to be considered a substitute for medical advice from a doctor. If you suspect an infection, seek medical attention. Keep in mind that the removal of jewelry can lead to further complications. Be aware that many doctors have not received specific training regarding piercing. If you are having problems with a piercing, please Contact Us and we may be able to refer you to a piercing friendly medical or dental professional.
Contact Us Should You Have Any Questions: 1026 N Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, IL 60622 ph 773.242.4444
Feel free to visit The Association of Professional Piercers website for more information regarding body piercing aftercare.
