The optimal way to care for your piercing is to clean it once to twice per day for the first two weeks (if you are physically active, try to schedule your cleaning for after you exercise) and leave it alone at all other times. The easiest and most comfortable way to clean your piercing is either during or immediately following a hot shower. The hot water and steam will help soften your skin and loosen the crust at the base of your jewelry (making it easier to remove). While in the shower, wash your hands thoroughly with anti-bacterial soap (any soaps containing fragrances can irritate your piercing or cause allergic reactions). If you are unsure about a product, always consult your piercer before using it.

Sea Salt Soaks (Saline)

I recommend using saline exclusively as a cleaner. Saline is an extremely mild solution with antibacterial properties and has a neutral ph when introduced into a wound. It is generally more cost-effective and less wasteful to make saline with a specific ratio of sea salt and water rather than buying it by the bottle. You can perform your sea salt soaks either in or out of the shower. First, fill a fresh disposable cup with approximately 1 cup (250ml) of lukewarm water and add ¼ teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt, stirring until it is dissolved. Place the cup over the piercing; forming a vacuum-type seal, or dip the piercing into the cup. If either of these techniques are not possible, pre-soak a swab or paper towel in the sea salt solution and firmly press it on your piercing. In order to promote effectiveness, the first sea salt soak should last at least 10 minutes. All additional soaks should last at least 5-10 minutes. Following the sea salt soak, gently pat your piercing and jewelry dry with a fresh disposable paper or cotton product.

*For those who are extremely sensitive, an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen (Motrin IB, Advil, etc.) can help reduce swelling and pain.

Additional Tips:

According to piercing-friendly physician Dr. Janet L. H. Keating with the Duke University Student Health Service, one of the best ways to care for and heal a piercing is to “promote healthy lifestyle habits.” Some additional tips to keep in mind include:

-Remember: a piercing is a wound. Consequently, you should expect tenderness, swelling, discoloration, and possibly bruising, bleeding and itching. Also, a natural part of the process for healing any wound includes the secretion of a white-yellow fluid (containing dead cells and plasma). This fluid will dry and form crust on your jewelry. To properly remove this crust, refer to our primary suggestions for healing your piercing.

-Never touch your piercing without first washing your hands with anti-bacterial soap. This is a great way to avoid infections even after your piercing is healed.

-Do not use petroleum-based ointments (e.g.- Neosporin, Polysporin, Bacitracin, etc.), hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, Betadine, iodine, and Hibacleanse!!! These substances can hinder and prolong the healing process.

-Check the accessories (e.g.- beads, balls, gem-ends, etc.) on your jewelry for tightness at least once a day. Make sure your hands are first cleaned with anti-bacterial soap!!! Checking your accessories is something that you should make habitual throughout the life of your piercing. Remember: tighten all threaded accessories by turning them to the right (right-tight, left-loose).

-Always wear loose and clean clothing around your new piercing.

-Do not expose your fresh piercing to oral contact or other bodily fluids. Use protective barriers such as condoms, dental dams and finger cots – even if you are in a monogamous relationship.

-Do not expose your piercing to cosmetics such as make-up, hair styling products, lotion, etc.

-Keep your piercing free of hair contact if possible.

-Eat nutrient-dense meals throughout the day and consider supplementing your diet with Vitamin C (1000mg in mineral ascorbate form, up to 3 times a day) and Zinc (120mg for males and 60mg for females). These supplements are most effective during the first 2-3 weeks of the healing process. If you are very active (e.g.- work hard, partake in regular exercise, etc.) extra nutrient-dense meals and an additional multi-vitamin supplement may help keep your immune system working efficiently.

-Drink plenty of fluids. Drinking 8-10 glasses of bottled or purified water per day is a great way to keep your body hydrated.

-Try to get 8 hours of sleep per night, or whatever amount is healthy for you. 8 hours is usually considered the optimal amount of sleep for the body. This will help your body heal as best as possible. If you are living in a high-stress environment, consider resting as much as you can in your down time.

-Try not to sleep on your new piercing. This can cause irritation and prolong the healing process.

-Replace your bedding with clean sets of sheets, blankets and pillow-cases as often as possible during the healing process.

-Do not leave the jewelry out of a piercing for prolonged periods of time! If you must remove your jewelry, either put in a retainer or replace it ASAP. For example, a tongue piercing can close up in a matter of hours.

-Avoid going into a pool, hot tub, lake, etc. These types of water can be unclean and may induce infection.