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Piercing After Care - Queens of Needles

Writer's picture: Char QuirinoChar Quirino

Thank you so much for trusting me as your piercer! I have provided for you a detailed After Care guide to thoroughly inform you on how to successfully curate your piercing. Please read in its entirety as it provides important aftercare instructions, information, and answers FAQ’s! Always feel free to contact me with any questions, comments, or concerns. I’ll always be happy to help!


Cleaning

Below I have provided 3 cleaning options for you to choose from. Since everybody is different, I strive to make piercings possible for everyone. Choose only one option and try it out for at least 2 weeks before deciding it is not working for you. Please contact me first to ensure it’s ok to try a different cleaning method.

Before you begin cleaning your piecing,

make sure to wash your hands and under your nails thoroughly!


Options



  • NeiLMed

-The very first option I highly recommend is using NeilMed Piercing After care saline mist. It is a piercing after care product made by trusted professional piercers in the industry. It is also the easiest, most sanitary, and most convenient. You can purchase this from me in person, or on my website at: Forbitten.site.

-Since this is a fine mist, if you are comfortable enough, you can spray it directly on your piercing. Move the jewelry forward, spray the front, move the jewelry back and spray the back. You can then let it air dry or gently pat dry it with a disposable paper towel. DO NOT use towels of any sort because they hold bacteria. You can always spray a Q-Tip and gently clean the piercing the same way instead of spraying directly on it. Do this 2-4 times a day.


  • Dr. Bronners

-Dr. Bronners has an unscented antibacterial soap that I recommend as an alternative. It is an organic pure-castile soap that is gentle on your skin and good with bacteria. Lather and rinse with distilled warm water for 20-30 seconds on both sides. Let it air dry or pat dry with a disposable paper towel. Do this 2-3 times a day.


  • Salt Water Solution

-The last option I recommend is a homemade salt water solution. Bring to a boil 1 cup (8 oz) of distilled water and ¼ teaspoon of organic sea salt. *DO NOT add extra salt as this will cause unnecessary irritation* In order to effectively clean your piecing, the water needs to be warmer than warm so do not let the water cool down. You may dip a Q-Tip in the water, move the jewelry forward, clean, move the jewelry back, clean. Make sure that every time you dip the Q-Tip in the water it is clean, so you don’t contaminate the water. Lastly, clean one last time with just distilled warm water to wipe off any excess salt crystals that may dry and irritate your skin. Air dry or pat dry. Do this 2-3 times a day.


*Please note that this should be the only time you should touch or move your jewelry*


  • For Oral Piercings: Follow the same instructions as above for the outside of your piercing. For the inside, make sure to brush your teeth regularly and rinse with an Alcohol-free mouthwash 2-3 times a day. I also sell these on my website and in person.

  • For Genital Piercings: Follow the same instructions as above. No baby wipes, feminine wipes, or other forms of cleansing wipes. Gently pat dry after urinating. Needs to stay clean even when on your period. I know this might be a little difficult but just going to the bathroom now and then to make sure your piercing isn’t covered in blood will go a long way. Gently wipe with toilet paper since you don’t want to over clean with the aftercare solution.

- When showering, make sure to be cautious with your sponge/scrub/loofah so that it does not get caught on your jewelry. If using conditioner, ensure to thoroughly wash it all off.

- When using hairspray or other hair products, make sure to clean your piercing after so that no chemicals affect the healing process.

Is This Normal?

  • Swelling/Tenderness

  • Yes! Swelling will be present for at least 2-6 weeks. This will subside with proper aftercare. You can use a pain-relieving medicine like Tylenol or Advil if pain persists, and you can ice it as well. Try not to sleep on your piercings since this can contribute to swelling and cause piercings to heal at an angle. It is very important to downsize your jewelry when the swelling goes down.

  • Blood/Clear/Yellowish Discharge

  • Yes! The area will have some discharge during the day which will turn into “crusties”. It’s OK! Just spray with saline spray and clean with a q-tip making sure those crusties come off.

  • Redness/Bruising

  • Yes! The first 3-7 days you will notice light redness and maybe some bruising. With continued aftercare, this will subside.

  • Itchiness

  • Yes! Most piercings get a little itchy a couple weeks into healing. You can thoroughly wash your hands and under your nails to be able to lightly scratch around the area. Remember not to go too crazy! Do not use any itching creams or ointments as this will affect the healing process and possibly cause infection!

  • Odors

  • Yes and No. This one is a little confusing. When piercings are at their beginning stages of healing, sometimes there may be a little odor present. If the odor is not strong, there shouldn’t be anything to worry about. But if the odor is strongly present, it may be a sign of infection. Either way, contact me to make sure.

  • Puss

  • NO! If the yellowish discharge you see at first becomes thick, changes color (black or green), or has a foul odor, these are signs of infection. If you are experiencing fever or vomiting, seek medical attention immediately. Contact me if any of these issues arise!

Things NOT to do!

  • DO NOT use rubbing alcohol or peroxide! Our skin has good bacteria that helps heal wounds. Alcohol and peroxide cannot tell the difference and kills all bacteria. They also dry out your piercing and even cause discoloration.

  • DO NOT use Bactine or other ear care solutions that contain Benzalkonium Chloride. This can be irritating and prolong the healing of your piercing. If you are in pain, take some pain-relieving medicine to help.

  • DO NOT use any type of ointments, oils or creams! This includes Tea Tree Oil! Your piercing needs to be able to breathe! These will also contribute to infections.

  • DO NOT take off your jewelry when cleaning and you DO NOT need to move back and forth or rotate it throughout the day.

  • DO NOT over clean your piercing. Our normal body oils aid in healing our new piercings.

  • DO NOT use any makeup/beauty products, body lotion with fragrance or any perfume/body spray directly on your new piercing.

  • ABSOLUTELY NO SWIMMING in any lake, pool, ocean, body of water, or bathtub for a minimum of 8 weeks. These places contain germs and bacteria that WILL cause infection.



**For Oral and Nipple/Genital Piercings**

  • NO oral sex, foreplay or intercourse until the area is fully healed! This can be anywhere from 12-24 weeks. Other people’s body fluids can cause infections and diseases.

  • NO bathing or swimming for at least 3-6 months.

  • NO tight underwear or clothing.

  • NO smoking/drinking for at least 2 weeks

FAQ’s

  • What is “Downsizing”?

  • Downsizing is when you change out your initial jewelry to a more fitted one. By downsizing, you are ensuring a stable piercing which will be less likely to tug and pull. In return, you are avoiding piercing bumps and aiding in healing for the remainder of time.

  • When should I downsize?

  • A downsize should happen when the swelling subsides. Usually this is around 3-6 weeks.

  • When can I change to a hoop?

  • From my experience throughout the years, I’ve learned its best to wait 6 months after initial piercing. There’s no better time to practice patience than now! Prematurely changing your jewelry to a hoop will more than likely cause piercing bumps, keloids, and possible rejection.

  • When is the best time to contact you for any questions?

  • I can answer any calls and texts from 10am-9pm Monday-Sunday. Except Tuesdays. All emails will be answered within 48 hours.

  • How do I know if my piercing is healed?

  • Most piercings take 6 months minimum to heal. You will know your piercing is healed when there is no discoloration, or dryness. No signs of swelling or tenderness. When you can tug, pull and even sleep on it without it getting irritated. These are signs that your piercing is most likely healed, and you can now swim and change your jewelry as you please!

  • Where can I buy jewelry?

  • I’d love for you to visit my website at: Forbitten.site. There is also jewelry at the shop if you’d like to stop by in person!

How long is the healing time?

-Lobes: 3-6 months

-Helix/Cartilage/Flat: 6 months

-Tragus/Rook/Conch: 4+ months

-Daith: 6-9 months

-Industrial: 6-9 months

-Eyebrow: 6 months

-Nostril: 6+ months

-Septum: 4-6 months

-Lips: 6 months

-Tongue: 6 months

-Smiley: 4-6 months

-Naval: 6-9 months

-Nipples: 9-12+ months

-Dermals: 3+ months

-VCH: 6 months

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