MN Dept. of Health Establishment Lic #:430006

Piercing Aftercare

Care instructions for a healthy piercing.

General piercing care

Wash your hands before touching a fresh piercing.

A new piercing is a break in the skin and must be cared for carefully. Follow the instructions from your piercing professional for the full healing time, even when the piercing looks or feels healed.

Three times a day

General cleaning procedure

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly

    Always wash your hands before beginning. Clean the piercing in the morning, around the middle of the day and just before bed. If you clean it in the shower, clean it last before getting out.

  2. Soften and remove buildup

    Use a cotton swab and water to soften and remove lymph, crusts or other secretions from the jewelry. Make sure dried material is moist before removing it or moving the jewelry.

  3. Clean each side separately

    Apply a small amount of non-scented antibacterial soap, such as Provon®, Hibiclens® or Dial®, to a cotton swab. Clean one side, discard the swab and use a new swab for the other side. Always wipe away from the piercing.

  4. Remove all soap residue

    Use a clean cotton swab, dampened if necessary, to remove any remaining cleaning agent. Soap residue may cause dryness or irritation. Tighten beads if needed.

  5. Pat dry

    Pat dry with a clean, lint-free paper towel when needed. Never rub and never use cloth towels because they may hold bacteria.

Clean three times a day for the full healing time. Too much cleaning can also delay healing. Do not use alcohol, peroxide or other harsh cleaning agents; they can dry and irritate the piercing.

During healing

Keep the area clear and protect the jewelry

Do

  • Use separate cotton swabs for each side of the piercing.
  • Keep a one-inch area around the piercing free of makeup, lotion, scented soap and similar products.
  • Use clean sheets and pillowcases, stay hydrated and maintain a healthy sleep pattern.
  • Clean items that regularly touch the piercing, such as a phone, and be careful with hair, clothing and bedding.
  • Follow the placement-specific printable instructions supplied by Skinlab.

Do not

  • Do not touch the piercing unless you are cleaning it.
  • Do not rotate a used swab or wipe material toward the piercing.
  • Avoid pools, ponds, hot tubs and similar soaking while healing.
  • Avoid smoky areas or smoking as much as possible.
  • Do not remove or change the jewelry until the piercing is fully healed unless instructed by a professional piercer or health care professional.

Typical healing times

Common healing times

Each person heals at a different rate, and a piercing may take longer than the listed time. Continue cleaning for the entire recommended period and do not change jewelry until the piercing is fully healed.

PiercingHealing time
Daith2 Months
Navel2 Months
Tragus2 Months
Rook2 Months
Eyebrow2 Months
Cartilage2 Months
Nose2 Months
Septum2 Months
Lobes6 Weeks
Forward Helix2 Months
Conch2 Months
Tongue1 Month
Nipples2 Months
Industrial6 Months
Labret6 Weeks
Microdermal6-12 Months

Normal healing

What you may notice

Bleeding, bruising and swelling

Bleeding, bruising, discoloration or swelling is not uncommon and does not automatically indicate a complication. Use any medication only according to its label or as prescribed by your doctor.

Tenderness and temporary sensations

Tenderness, itching, stinging, aching or other unpleasant sensations may occur for about 3-5 days and may last longer or return temporarily during healing.

Lymph and crusting

A white-to-yellow fluid called lymph may form crust around the openings and jewelry. This is part of the body's response to a puncture wound and is not the same as pus.

Sebum after healing

Once a piercing is completely healed, sebaceous glands may produce an oily material called sebum that can build up around the piercing. This is not pus.

Consult a health care professional at the first sign of infection.

Possible symptoms include fever; redness that spreads or forms a red streak; swelling or heat; excessive pain or tenderness; or pus draining from or around the piercing. Metal sensitivity and infection may look similar. Seek professional help if the piercing remains uncomfortable, has discharge, stays red beyond the first week without an obvious cause or simply does not feel right.

Jewelry

Wait until the piercing is healed

Do not install different jewelry until the piercing is healed. When it is time to change jewelry, use jewelry made from the material recommended for your piercing and sanitize it as directed. Skinlab can assist with jewelry removal or insertion.

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