Cleaning with alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Dial soap, or other soaps containing triclosan, iodine, or any harsh products as these can damage cells. Bactine, pierced ear care solutions, and other products containing Benzalkonium Chloride (BZK) can be irritating and are not meant for long term wound care. Also avoid ointments as they prevent necessary air circulation.
Avoid undue trauma such as friction from clothing, excessive motion of the area, playing with jewelry and vigorous cleaning. These activities may cause unsightly/uncomfortable scar tissue, migration and prolonged bleeding.
Avoid submerging the piercing in unhygienic bodies of water such as lakes, pools, hot tubs, etc.
Avoid all beauty and personal care products on/around the piercing including cosmetics, lotions, sprays, etc.
For oral piercings, avoid eating spicy, salty, acidic or hot temperature foods/beverages for a few days. Constrastly, cold foods/beverages are soothing and help reduce swelling.
Tips & Infection
For pain, swelling and discomfort, it is encouraged to take Midol/Ibuprofen as directed on the bottle.
Even healed piercings that you have had for years can shrink or close in a matter of minutes! This varies from person to person; if you like your piercing keep the jewelry in - do not leave the hole empty.
With clean hands or paper product, be sure to regularly check threaded ends on jewelry for tightness.
In the event that infection is suspected, quality jewelry should be left in place to allow for drainage of the infection. If the jewelry is removed the surface cells can close up, which can seal the infection inside the piercing channel and result in an abscess.