Cleaning Solutions

Use a mild liquid antimicrobial/germicidal medicated soap such as Provon or Satin, and water. Inferior alternatives include products such as Almay Clearly Natural, Hypocare, NutriBiotic, or other mild, fragrance and color free liquid antibacterial soap. These should possibly be diluted with distilled or bottled water, depending on product strength. Also, mild non-iodized (no iodine) sea salt soaks as described below.

Salt Water Soaks

Mild sea salt water soaks are strongly suggested at least once a day to accelerate healing and increase your comfort. This may also help to reduce irritation in the area. Dissolve a pinch (1/4 teaspoon) of sea salt in one cup (8 oz.) of warm or hot water in a clean cup. Distilled water is optimal. A stronger solution is not better as you can burn your piercing with too much salt. Invert it over the area to form a vacuum and soak directly fir a few minutes. For certain placements, it is easier to use a clean cotton ball or gauze pad soaked in the salt water and applied to the pierced area. Follow with a clear water rinse or splash then pat dry with paper products.

Salt water soaks help to stimulate air and blood circulation which facilitates healing. You can do a brief salt water soak before your daily cleansing(s) as well as several additional times a day. It is particularly advisable to soak before you do anything active, as it will prevent crust from being pulled inside the piercing as you move around. Salt water is the only additional product (other than the cleanser and water) we suggest you use to care for your piercing.

One soak per day should be for a least a few minutes. Additional soaks can be brief (1 minute or so) and still be effective for soothing the area and removing matter.

Cleaning Instructions

Body piercings need to be cleaned once or twice daily, every day, for the entire healing time. Most people clean morning and or night in the shower. Do not clean more often as this can irritate your piercing, and possible delay your healing. For once a day cleanings, do it at the end of your day. Optimal frequency will depend on your skin sensitivity, activity level, and environmental factors.

• Before cleanings, wash hands thoroughly with liquid antibacterial soap and hot water. If you wish, you may wear disposable latex or vinyl gloves and/or also use a hand-sanitizing gel. Never, never touch healing piercings with dirty hands. This is vital for avoiding infections.
• Prepare the area for the cleansing by rinsing or soaking with warm water and be sure to remove any stubborn crust using a Q-tip and warm water. Never pick with fingernails! This step is important for your comfort.
• Apply a small handful of cleaning solution to the area with your clean hands. Cleanse the area and the jewelry, and gently rotate the jewelry back and forth a few times to work the solution to the inside. (You do not need to rotate your jewelry during the first several cleanings.)
• Allow the solution to cleanse there for a minute. You may bathe normally, just don’t purposely work anything other than the cleanser onto the inside of a piercing.
• Rinse the area thoroughly under running water, while rotating the jewelry back and forth to completely remove the cleanser from the inside and outside of the piercing.
• Gently pat dry with disposable paper products such as gauze or tissues, as cloth towels can harbor bacteria.

Please try to be patient. Each body is unique, and healing times can vary considerably. If your piercing is tender or secreting, you should continue the care regiment, even if it is past the stated average healing time range.