RECCOMENDED CLEANING SOLUTIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS
NeilMed Piercing Aftercare: Aim nozzle at the piercing and spray from a distance of 2 – 4 inches or as is comfortable, for 2 – 3 seconds on each side. Afterwards, make sure the area is dry. Do this by using a hair dryer on a cool setting, some kitchen roll or use a non shed gauze to pat thoroughly dry. NO COTTON PRODUCTS (cotton buds/pads/wool balls etc) and DO NOT air dry. Then check your jewellery is on tight. Do these three steps, twice a day until fully healed.
If you have chosen not to buy our NeilMed Piercing Aftercare: Rinse twice daily with fresh, bottled water the shower or cooled boiled water and dry afterwards as explained above. This of course will not be as effective as using our NeilMed Piercing Aftercare.
WASH your hands thoroughly prior to cleaning or touching your piercing for any reason. You may rinse your piercing under the warm shower but do not use any products on the piercing. Rinse your piercing for a few seconds at the end of your shower. DO NOT ROTATE your jewellery! This will cause irritation and prolong the healing process. Always keep the area dry.
FOR ORAL PIERCINGS
Rinse your mouth with bottled water after every meal. You may use an alcohol free mouthwash once or twice a day. Avoid any foods that can get stuck around the piercing until swelling has subsided. Avoid oral sexual activities until healed.
WHAT’S NORMAL
Initially some bleeding, localised swelling, tenderness or bruising. During healing: some discolouration, itching, secretion of whitish/yellow fluid (not puss) that will form some crust on the jewellery. The tissue may tighten around the jewellery as it heals. Once healed, the jewellery may not move freely in the piercing; do not force it. If you fail to include cleaning your piercing as part of your daily hygiene routine, normal but smelly bodily secretions may accumulate. A piercing may seem healed before the healing process is complete. This is because tissue heals from the outside in and although it feels fine, the interior remains fragile. Be patient and keep cleaning throughout the entire healing period. Even healed piercings can shrink or close in minutes after having been there for years! This varies from person to person; if you like your piercing, keep the jewellery in – do not leave it empty.
WHAT TO DO
WASH YOUR HANDS prior to cleaning and tightening your jewellery; leave it alone except when cleaning or making sure the jewellery is secure. During healing, it is not necessary to rotate your jewellery. Stay healthy; the healthier your lifestyle, the easier it will be for your piercing to heal. Get enough sleep and eat a nutritious diet. Exercise during healing is fine; listen to your body. Make sure your bedding is washed and changed regularly. Wear clean, comfortable, breathable clothing that protects your piercing while you are sleeping. Showers tend to be safer than taking baths, as bathtubs can harbour bacteria. If you bathe in a tub, clean it well before each use and rinse off your piercing when you get out. ALWAYS MAKE SURE YOUR JEWELLERY IS SCREWED/PUSHED ON TIGHTLY TO AVOID LOSING YOUR JEWELLERY, THIS APPLIES ONCE JEWELLERY IS FULLY HEALED AND AFTERCARE HAS STOPPED! DO NOT REMOVE YOUR JEWELLERY TO CLEAN UNLESS FULLY HEALED!
If you are advised to attend a check up, do so. This will ensure your piercing is healing okay and you may need a downsize. Downsizing your jewellery is extremely important during the healing process. Failing to downsize your jewellery can result in irritation, prolonged healing, snagging your jewellery and change in the angle of the piercing.
Travel pillows are highly recommended for fresh ear piercings whilst sleeping.
WHAT TO AVOID!
Avoid cleaning with Betadine, Hibiciens, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, oils (including TEA TREE!), Dial or other harsh soaps, as these can damage cells. Also avoid ointments as they prevent necessary air circulation. Avoid Bactine, pierced ear care solutions and other products containing Benzalkonium Chloride (BZK). These can be irritating and are not intended for long term wound care. Avoid over-cleaning. This can delay your healing and irritate your piercing. Avoid undue trauma such as friction from clothing, excessive motion in the area, playing with the jewellery and vigorous cleaning. These activities can cause the formation of unsightly and uncomfortable scar tissue, migration, prolonged healing and other complications. Avoid all oral contact, rough play and contact with others’ bodily fluids on or near your piercing during healing. Avoid stress and recreational drug use, including excessive caffeine, nicotine and alcohol. Avoid submerging the piercing in unhygienic bodies of water such as lakes, pools, hot tubs etc until healed. Or protect your piercing using a waterproof wound sealant. These are available at most drugstores. Avoid all beauty and personal care products on or around your piercing including cosmetics, lotions and sprays etc. Don’t change your piercing or hang charms or any object from your jewellery until the piercing is fully healed.