• Always wash your hands before cleaning piercings.

• Use a sterile saline solution to clean around the piercing 1-2 x a day until healed. Make sure to get any “crusties” off.

• Rinse with water if the saline is drying on your skin, then dry with a clean paper product

• Do not move or rotate the piercing

• Make sure to come back for the downsize!

External:

• Always wash your hands before cleaning piercings.

• Use a sterile saline solution to clean around the piercing. Make sure to get any “crusties” off.

• Rinse with water if the saline is drying on your skin, then dry.

• 1-2 x a day until healed

Internal:

• Keep up with your usual oral hygiene routine (brush, floss, mouth rinse 2x a day)

• Rinse thoroughly with water any time after you eat, drink, or smoke

• Do not play with or bite the piercing.

• The piercing will “nest” in your mouth, but it should not embed. Gently use your tongue to prevent this from happening.

WHAT TO DO TO HELP REDUCE SWELLING

• Allow small pieces of ice to dissolve in the mouth.

• Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory according to package instructions.

• Don’t speak or move your jewelry unnecessarily.

• Sleep with your head elevated above your heart during the first few nights.

EATING

• Take your time eating until you are used to the piercing and the jewelry is downsized

• Avoid eating spicy, salty, acidic, or hot-temperature foods or beverages for the first two weeks (no specific foods need to be avoided).

• Cold foods and beverages can be soothing and help reduce swelling.

• For lip piercings, be cautious about opening your mouth too wide, as it can cause the jewelry to catch on your teeth.

Ear/Ear Cartilage and Facial:

• Clean bedding and pillowcases are important to prevent germs from entering the piercing, especially if you have pets sleeping with you.

• Surfaces like phones, headphones, eyeglasses, etc can be cleaned with an appropriate disinfectant. Items like hats, scarves, headbands, etc should be washed regularly. Try to avoid anything putting pressure directly on the new piercing

• Use caution when styling your hair and advise your stylist of a new or healing piercing.

• Sleeping directly on a healing cartilage piercing can cause irritation bumps and will shift the piercing’s angle.

• Avoid using face/beauty products on a healing piercing and be careful of snagging.

Navel:

• You can cover your piercing to protect it from excess irritation and physical trauma from activities like sports, or tight clothing. Do not let clothes directly rub against it and be careful of snagging.

Nipples:

• The support of a tight cotton shirt or sports bra may provide protection and feel comfortable, especially for sleeping.

Genital:

• Genital Piercings – especially Triangles, Prince Alberts, Ampallangs, and Apadravyas – can bleed freely for the first few days. Be prepared. Additional cleaning after urination is not necessary

• Wash your hands before touching (directly or near-by) a healing piercing.

• In most cases you can engage in sexual activity as soon as you feel ready, but maintaining hygiene and avoiding trauma are vital; all sexual activities should be gentle during the healing period.

• Use barriers such as condoms, dental dams, and waterproof bandages, etc. to avoid contact with your partners’ body fluids, even in long-term monogamous relationships.

• Use protection on sex toys, too.

• Use a new container of water-based lubricant; do not use saliva.

• Showering after intercourse is suggested.

Surface Anchors:

• These piercings require maintenance during their entire lifetime because matter can build up underneath the threaded top causing the piercing to become irritated. Saline and/or shower rinses may be helpful with removing matter from underneath the threaded top.

• Avoid putting makeup on these piercings even after healing.

• Even with proper care, surface anchors may be less permanent than other body piercings.