Suggested Aftercare for New Body Piercings

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Suggested Aftercare for New Body Piercings

Your new piercing may secrete a small amount of clear fluid called lymph, this is normal and healthy. As this fluid dries throughout the day, it becomes hard and somewhat sharp. It is very important not to move the jewelry until this crust is removed.

The easiest way to remove this crust is with hot water. Once the jewelry and piercing are clean on both sides, apply a moderate amount of a mild liquid soap to the area.

Gently work up a lather over and on the piercing. Slowly, move the jewelry through the piercing six to ten times. If you feel a sharp sensation, check to make sure all of the dried material is removed before proceeding.

Let the soap remain in contact with the piercing for about one minute. Then rinse with clean water for at least one minutes more. Always use a clean towel to pat dry.

Cleaning your piercing more than two times a day may weaken your body's own natural defenses. The use of anti-bacterial ointments such as Bacitracin and Neosporin is generally discouraged. Ointments may block oxygen from the piercing as well as providing a place for stronger contaminants to breed.

Alcohol is considered an ineffective cleaning agent, as is witch hazel. Hydrogen peroxide may sometimes create scar tissue with repeated use.

It is a good idea to make sure that you sleep on clean sheets or with clean sleeping clothes. For ear piercing it is wise to avoid public telephones. You should also thoroughly disinfect the phones in your home and office. Be careful with hair care products and harsh shampoos.

You should never touch your piercing with dirty hands. Avoid rough handling of a new piercing. Genital piercings should be protected from foreign body fluids until fully healed.

The importance of good nutrition must not be overlooked. A quality multi-vitamin, taken in accordance with the manufacturers directions, should be considered mandatory. A well balanced diet, stress reduction and sleep, all contribute to problem free healing. During your healing time, a little extra attention to your health and well being will be well worth the effort.

Piercings must go through two healing phases. During the first healing stage you are vulnerable to infections and other problems. Follow your piercers direction closely. The second phase is a seasoning and toughening up phase. After these two phases are complete the piercing may be considered permanent and manipulated to your liking.

YOUR Responsibility

Many people have heard horrible stories about infections occurring in fresh piercings. Sometimes the piercer is blamed. While there is no doubt that the sterility awareness in a large portion of people calling themselves piercers is less than adequate, more often than not, the blame lies with the piercee.

Please keep in mind the amount of less than-clean-surfaces your hands contact each and every day; Money, doorknobs, banisters and railings, bathroom fixtures, pets and other people's hands to name just a few. By paying very close attention to the cleanliness of your hands, one may drastically reduce the possibility of introducing a potentially harmful organism into a fresh piercing.

The only time you should touch your new piercing is when cleaning it. Make sure to use an antibacterial liquid soap to thoroughly clean your hands before cleaning your piercing.

Above all, learn to listen to your body. Cultivate an understanding with your physician. Educate yourself. Educate those around you who have genuine concerns about the safety of piercing. The more you understand the phases a piercing goes thru, the less you will panic at the initial signs of a possible problem.

Don't be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to ask. There are literary hundreds of subtle variations to individual questions. Other than the obvious areas of training and study, experience is what separates one piercer from another.

Suggested Aftercare for New Oral Piercings

Wet kissing/Oral sex must be strictly avoided.

After each meal, rinse with Listerine diluted 50% with water. Rinse briefly and gently and use warm water for a final rinse.

Don't Overuse Listerine.

Cut down on any smoking.

A product called Peroxyl may be used 2 times a day. Follow the directions on the package (available at most drug stores).

After approx. 10 days you may return for a shorter barbell.

Drink cool water to minimize swelling. Use ice.

Enjoy soft foods for as long as necessary.

Try not to talk. Relax.

The product "Biotine", if you can find it, is the preferable mouth rinse.

Using 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt in 8 ounces warm water may be something you'd like to consider.

When you sleep, your body swells (ever try to put a ring on first thing in the morning and it won't fit?), so expect some discomfort the first few mornings.

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» View Licensed Penthouse Pet Body Jewelry
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