Piercing Aftercare

Sourced from safepiercing.org

Cleaning Solutions

  • The APP no longer recommends making your own sea salt solution because it often turns out too salty and strong, which can dry out the piercing and delay healing. Instead, use a sterile saline solution labeled for wound washing. The saline should have only .09% sodium chloride (sometimes with purified water). Avoid products with moisturizers, antibacterials, or anything similar like contact lens saline, nasal spray, or eye drops.

Cleaning Instructions for Body Piercings (see FAQs for full recommended cleaning steps)

  • WASH your hands well before touching or cleaning your piercing.
  • SPRAY with sterile saline wound wash during healing. Don’t move or rotate the jewelry while cleaning, as this can irritate the piercing.
  • DRY gently with clean, disposable items like gauze or cotton swabs. Avoid cloth towels as they can carry bacteria and catch on the jewelry.

What is Normal?

  • At first: Some bleeding, swelling, tenderness, or bruising is normal.
  • During healing: You might see discoloration, itching, and whitish-yellow fluid that forms crusts on the jewelry. The tissue around the jewelry may tighten as it heals. Even if a piercing looks healed, it might still be delicate on the inside. Keep cleaning it until fully healed.
  • Once healed: The jewelry might not move easily; don’t force it. Clean your piercing regularly to avoid buildup, which can smell unpleasant.

TIP: Piercings can shrink or close quickly, even after years. If you want to keep the piercing, always leave jewelry in.

What To Do

  • Wash your hands before touching the piercing; leave it alone except for cleaning.
  • Don’t twist, spin, or rotate your jewelry during healing.
  • Exercise and sweating are okay, but avoid activities that might bump or irritate the piercing. Keep the area clean, especially around gym equipment.
  • Regularly wash and change your bedding. Wear clean, breathable clothing to protect the piercing while sleeping.
  • Showers are better than baths, which can harbor bacteria. If you take a bath, clean the tub first and rinse the piercing afterward.

What To Avoid

  • Don’t use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, antibacterial soaps, iodine, or other harsh products—they can damage cells. Avoid ointments as they block air circulation.
  • Avoid Bactine®, ear care solutions, and anything with Benzalkonium Chloride (BZK) as they can irritate and aren’t meant for long-term care.
  • Don’t over-clean, as it can delay healing and irritate the piercing.
  • Avoid friction and pressure from clothing, excessive motion, playing with the jewelry, and vigorous cleaning, as these can cause scarring, migration, and other issues.
  • Avoid oral contact, rough play, and contact with others’ bodily fluids near the piercing while it heals.
  • Try to avoid excessive stress, drug use, caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol as these can slow healing.
  • Don’t submerge the piercing in lakes, pools, oceans, or hot tubs. If you must, use a waterproof bandage (found at most pharmacies) to protect the area.
  • Avoid beauty products like makeup, lotions, and sprays near the piercing.
  • Don’t hang charms or other objects from the jewelry until the piercing is fully healed.

Hints and Tips

Jewelry

  • Leave the initial jewelry in place for the entire healing process unless there’s a problem. If you need to downsize or change jewelry, see a qualified piercer. Use the APP member locator to find one near you.
  • Always keep jewelry in. Even healed piercings can close quickly if left empty. If you need to remove metal jewelry temporarily (e.g., for a medical procedure), consult your piercer for non-metallic options.
  • Regularly check that your jewelry ends are tight with clean hands or paper products.
  • If you no longer want the piercing, remove the jewelry or have a piercer do it for you, and keep cleaning until the hole closes. Piercings can leave scars, though they’re usually minimal.
  • If you suspect an infection, talk to your doctor about whether to leave the jewelry in.

For Specific Areas

  • Ear/Ear Cartilage and Facial: Keep bedding and pillowcases clean. Try the t-shirt trick: cover your pillow with a clean t-shirt, rotating it for a fresh surface. Clean items like phones, headphones, and glasses regularly, and wash hats, scarves, and headbands often. Be cautious when styling hair, and let your stylist know about new piercings. Avoid sleeping directly on healing cartilage piercings; a travel pillow can help.
  • Genitals: Some piercings may bleed for the first few days. Be prepared. Wash your hands before touching the area. You can have sex when ready, but keep it gentle and maintain hygiene. Use barriers like condoms and dental dams to avoid contact with bodily fluids. Protect sex toys too. Use water-based lube, not saliva. Showering after sex is

Alternative Aftercare
Aftercare recommendations can vary depending on where you live, so talk to your local piercer. If using soap, choose a gentle, chemical-free option. Antibacterial soaps are not recommended as they can over-dry and irritate the piercing. Rinse thoroughly if using soap. If sterile saline isn’t available, focus on keeping the piercing clean with regular showering. Ask your local piercer for additional aftercare suggestions.