Nipples

The support of a tight cotton shirt or sports bra may provide protection and feel comfortable, especially for sleeping.

For Piercer Only:

Your __________________________piercing is expected to take _________or longer to heal. Piercer: _______________________________ Jewelry: ______________________________ Earliest Change/Downsize Date: ___________
For any additional information contact your piercer.

Genital
Genital Piercings can bleed freely for the first few days. Urinate after using soap to clean any piercing that is near the urethra. Wash your hands before touching piercing All sexual activities should be gentle during the healing period. Use clean, disposable barriers on sex toys. After sex, additional saline soak or clean water rinse is suggested. Each body is unique and healing times vary. If you have any questions, please contact your piercer

This Brochure is Courtesy of the APP &

* DISCLAIMER: These guidelines are based on a combination of vast professional experience, common sense, research and extensive clinical practice. This is not to be considered a substitute for medical advice from a doctor. If you suspect an infection, seek medical attention. Be aware that many doctors have not received specific training regarding piercing. Your local piercer may be able to refer you to a piercingfriendly medical professional. For more information, see the APP Brochure

Cleaning Solutions
Use one or both of the following solutions for healing piercings: Package sterile saline solution with no additives or a non-iodized sea salt mixture; DISSOLVE teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt into 1 cup of warm distilled water. A mild, fragrance-free liquid soap- preferably antimicrobial or germicidal.

What is Normal?
Initially; some bleeding, swelling tenderness or bruising During healing; some discoloration, itching, secretion of a whitish-yellow fluid that will form crust. Once healed; jewelry may not move freely in the piercing A piercing may seem healed before healing process is complete. Be patient, and keep cleaning throughout entire healing.

Cleaning Instructions for Body Piercings

Wash your hands thoroughly prior to cleaning or touching your piercing. Saline soaked for 5-10 minute once or more per day. For certain piercing it may be easier to apply using clean gauze or paper towels saturated with saline solution. Briefly rinse afterwards. Soap no more than once or twice per day while showering, lather up a pearl sized drop of the soap to clean the jewelry and the piercing. Rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of the soap from the piercing. Dry by gently patting with clean, disposable paper products.

What to Do
Wash your hands prior to touching the piercing; leave it alone except when cleaning. During healing it is not necessary to rotate your jewelry. Wear clean comfortable clothing that protects your piercing while you are sleeping. Shower regularly. Do not take baths due to bacteria that may thrive in bathtub.

Suggested Aftercare Guidelines for Body Piercings

What to Avoid
Avoid cleaning with Betadine, Hibiclens, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Dial or other harsh soaps. Also avoid ointment as they can prevent necessary air circulation. Avoid Bactine, and other products containing Benzalkonium Chloride (BZK). These can be irritating and are not intended for long term care. Avoid over-cleaning. Avoid undue trauma such as friction from clothing, excessive motion of the area playing with the jewelry, and vigorous cleaning. Avoid all oral contact, rough play, and contact with others body fluids on or near your piercing during healing. Avoid submerging the piercing in un- hygienic bodies of water such as lakes, pools, or hot tubs. If necessary protect your piercing using a waterproof wound-sealant bandage Avoid all beauty and personal care products. Dont hang charms or any object from your jewelry.

Hints & Tips

Jewelry
Leave jewelry in place for entire healing period. Piercings can shrink or close and re-insertion can be difficult. See a qualified piercer to perform any jewelry change that becomes necessary during healing. With clean hands or paper product regularly check threaded ends on your jewelry for tightness. Should you decide you no longer want a piercing, simply remove of the jewelry (or have a professional piercer remove it) and continue cleaning the piercing until the hole closes. In the event and infection is suspected, quality jewelry or an inert alternative 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. Do not remove jewelry unless instructed to by a medical professional.

For Particular Areas

Navel
To avoid irritation, apply vented eye-patch over navel, and secure with bandage around the body.

Ear/Cartilage and Facial

Maintain cleanliness of anything that contacts pierced area. Use caution when styling your hair and advise your stylist of a new or healing piercing.