Body Piercing Aftercare Instructions

• Always wash your hands before touching your piercing
• Clean the piercing 2–3 times daily
• Use a sterile saline solution or sea salt soak
  (¼ tsp non-iodized sea salt in 1 cup warm water)
• Gently remove any buildup or crusting—do not force it
• Pat dry with clean paper towel (avoid cloth towels)

• Redness, swelling, tenderness
• Clear or pale yellow fluid that dries into “crusties”
• Mild heat or throbbing during early healing

• Do NOT twist, turn, or play with the jewelry
• Do NOT remove or change jewelry during healing
• Avoid alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or harsh cleaners
• Avoid makeup, creams, or oils near the piercing
• Avoid sleeping directly on fresh piercings
• Avoid swimming in pools, oceans, dams, or hot tubs
• Avoid oral contact with the piercing until healed

(Healing varies by body and care)

• Earlobe: 6–8 weeks
• Cartilage: 3–6 months
• Nose: 2–4 months
• Lip: 6–8 weeks
• Tongue: 4–6 weeks
• Navel: 6–12 months
• Nipple: 6–12 months

• Rinse mouth after eating, smoking, or drinking
• Use alcohol-free mouthwash or saline
• Avoid spicy, salty, or acidic foods initially
• Reduce smoking and alcohol
• Expect swelling—ice chips can help

• Clean gently with saline
• Avoid sexual activity until swelling and tenderness reduce
• Use protection during healing
• Wear breathable, clean underwear

• Severe swelling, intense pain, or heat
• Thick yellow/green discharge with odor
• Red streaks extending from the piercing
• Fever or chills

• Keep jewelry clean and secure
• Avoid unnecessary touching
• Be patient—piercings heal from the outside in