Body Piercing Aftercare
Whether it's a labret, nostril or nipple, body piercings are fresh wounds that require doctoring. After getting a new piercing you should expect tenderness, swelling, discharge, and perhaps bruising and itchiness.
Also, the natural healing process will include the secretion of a white/yellowish discharge from your piercing. This fluid is dead cells and blood plasma, which will form a dry crust around your piercing and jewelry. This crust can be removed with a warm cotton swab and mild anti-bacterial soap.
If you suspect an infection contact your doctor immediately. Symptoms of infection include pain, bleeding, inflammation, redness and swelling, and a discharge of yellow/green pus.
Wash your hands before touching piercings.
Never apply petroleum-based ointments or alcohol-based peroxides to piercings.
Never force jewelry to rotate, instead soak it in warm water and allow skin to contract so that jewelry can rotate without ripping the skin.
Perform regular tightness checks on body jewelry - especially those around noses, mouths and genitals - before sleeping and eating.
Removing jewelry during healing can cause a hole to close, or trap an infection in an abscess.
Wear loose and airy clothing.
Never expose a new piercing to bodily fluids (saliva, blood or semen).
Use condoms during oral sex and intercourse.
Never expose piercings to cosmetics, hair styling products, shaving gels and aftershave, perfumes or lotions.
Don't sleep on your piercing, it may tear and prolong healing.
Change bedding and towels regularly during healing.
Avoid pools, hot tubs and saunas.
Click on the links above to access some online suppliers of body piercing jewelry and aftercare accessories!
