THE CLEANING AND HEALING PROCESS

What to expect after your piercing
Your piercing may be tender, itchy, slightly red or bruised for a few weeks. It may bleed a little for the first few days, and may secrete a whitish-yellow fluid [plasma] which crusts on and about the jewellery and may tighten around the jewellery as it heals making it difficult to turn or move Don't panic, this is normal in a new piercing

General Aftercare
Mild antibacterial liquid soap works well for most people. Eg. Carex or Sanex. Always wash hands well before attempting to cleanse the piercing. First rinse with warm water to help remove any crusted matter, for more stubborn crusting, use a cotton bud dipped in diluted solution, but be very gentle, then rotate a little liquid antibacterial soap into the piercing for no more than 2-3 minutes twice a day, then rinse thoroughly with fresh water while rotating the jewellery. In the case of a barbell or navel bar gently push up and down. Warm salt water is a good alternative to antibacterial washes. Dissolve 1/4 -1/2 a teaspoon of salt in a mug of boiled water, do not use more salt than this, then cleanse as above. Saline solution can also be purchased from a pharmacy or opticians. After cleaning the piercing rinse with fresh water. Clean the piercing twice a day. Remember, too frequent cleansing may damage the delicate new skin cells and infrequent cleansing will invite infection. Taking Multi Vitamins will also help the healing process. [If using Vitamin Supplements make certain to follow the manufacturers dosage instructions.]

Oral Piercings
With oral piercings, after eating rinse with antibacterial mouthwash at a dilution of 50% water. It is also necessary to disinfect the piercing twice a day with warm salt water or mouthwash. Placing ice cubes inside the mouth against the piercing will help reduce swelling and discomfort.

Healing Times
These are an average guide
Lip/Labret/Tongue 8-12 weeks
Navel/Nipple 12-24 weeks
Eyebrow/Tragus/Nose/Ear Rim 6-12 weeks