Always wash and dry your hands before and after when cleaning the piercing site.

Avoid unnecessary touching, scratching, or picking of the newly pierced site to reduce the risk of introducing infection.

Avoid using fingernails to handle jewellery, as the underside of nails are more likely to introduce infection to the pierced site.

Clean the piercing twice a day if possible - sterile (normal) saline would be a good option as it's already made for your disposal. You can use salt water but make sure it's fresh each time, not boiling hot and using the correct measurements as too much salt can cause irritation.

Gently soak off and wipe away any crusty formations at the wound site - do not pick them off.

If possible, shower rather than bathe whilst the piercing is healing so that unnecessary water submersion is avoided.

Pat dry the pierced area after cleaning - do not rub as this could snag jewellery and tear delicate healing tissue.

Do not use skin products on the treated area that have not been recommended by your operator or are not intended for open wound healing. There is generally no need to use any other skin antiseptic products and you should not share skin products with others.

THINGS TO AVOID

Avoid swimming, sunbeds and sunbathing until your new piercing is fully healed, as direct sunlight/chlorine can interact with treated site causing skin irritation and inflammation.

THINGS TO DO

Try to wear loose, cotton clothing to minimise rubbing and irritation to a newly pierced site, and in general try and keep a new piercing as dry and exposed as possible.

Always keep a new piercing covered and protected if working in a dirty, dusty, or oily environment - a non-adhesive dressing secured with dermatological tape is best.

Only ever change your jewellery as directed by your operator and ensure any new jewellery you buy is of good quality and is from a reputable dealer and If you have any problems/queries, please contact your operator initially and seek advice from your GP if there are signs of adverse reaction/infection.

HEALING TIMES

Healing times vary from person to person. The healing time is the time required for the jewellery "tunnel" to become dry and healed after the initial tissue damage.

• Ear lobe, eyebrow, and nasal septum: 6 to 8 weeks
• Ear (cartilaginous region) and nostril: 2 months to | year
• Nipple: 6 months to | year
• Navel: 4 to 6 months
• Lips: 4 to 6 months **
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** Chewing gum should be avoided while oral piercings are healing. To clean an oral piercing non-alcoholic mouthwash should be used twice daily, and additionally after eating, drinking, or smoking. If the piercing exits to the surface of the skin, like a lip piercing, clean the outside with saline alongside using mouthwash for the inside of the mouth.

Most of all Enjoy your piercing if you are unsure about anything give us a shout !