Body and aftercare Key Advice Hand washing Do not pick at any discharge and do Hand washing is the single most important not move, twist or turn the piercing The aftercare of method of reducing infection. Hands must whilst dry. If any secreted discharge has is important to promote good be washed prior to touching the affected hardened then turning jewellery may area, therefore reducing the risk of infection. cause the discharge to tear the piercing, healing and prevent the risk of allowing bacteria to enter the wound and infection. Wash your hands in warm water and liquid prolonging the healing time. soap, always dry your hands thoroughly Do not wear tight clothing following Healing times for piercing will with a clean towel or paper towel. This piercing vary with the type and position should remove most germs and prevent of the piercing and vary from them being transferred to the affected area. Do not wear tight clothing e.g. tights, belts or high waisted clothing after naval person to person. A new piercing can be tender, itchy and piercing as this may irritate the wound slightly red and can remain so for a and delay healing. For the first few weeks it is few weeks. A pale, odourless fluid may Do not use sunbeds for the first two normal for the area to be red, sometimes discharge from the piercing and form a crust. This should not be confused weeks, or if you decide to then cover the tender and swollen. with pus, which would indicate infection. wound area with a breathable plaster during tanning. Approximate healing times Body and surface piercing aftercare Do not swim for the first 24 hours for surface, navel and nipple including Nape, Horizontal Navel, Niple, following a piercing. piercing can be as long as Horizontal Eyebrow, Wrist, Anti-eyebrow, Signs of infection 6 months to 1 year. Madison, Chin, Vertical Bridge, Pubic, Handweb and Prayer. If appropriate aftercare is not followed infection may occur. The signs of Remember these times are Soak the piercing for a few minutes by infection are: approximate and will depend submerging the area of skin containing the on how healthy you are and piercing in a clean jug or bowl containing • Swelling and redness that increases a warm water solution (1/4 level teaspoon around the wound. whether you look after the of preferably sea salt to an egg cup/shot • A severe burning and throbbing glass of warm water). Alternatively wet a piercing properly until healed. sensation round the site. clean cloth or gauze in the solution and As with all body art, infection apply as a warm compress. This will soften • Increased tenderness and increasingly is a risk. To reduce these any discharge and allow you to clean the painful to touch. entry and exit points of the piercing with • An unusual discharge (yellow or green) risks take advice from your a cotton bud or gauze. Once the discharge with an offensive smell. practitioner regarding is removed or softened then jewellery can aftercare. The risk of infection be gently moved so as to work a little warm Speak to your practitioner or seek medical can be greatly reduced by good water through the piercing. When cleaning attention immediately if you suffer from always tighten the ball on any bars by any of the above or have any concerns general hygiene including: screwing the ball to the right. regarding infection in your piercing or if there are any signs of an allergic reaction Do this twice each day, preferably after • Hand washing before to any of the products used. washing or bathing. touching the piercing You can also use mild antibacterial solutions • Keeping the piercing clean. and soaps to wash the wound site. Ask your local pharmacist to advise you and always follow the manufacturers’ instructions. For further advice or information: If irritation, redness or drying occurs Contact your local Environmental Health discontinue use. Department, or your local Public Health Dry the piercing using ONLY fresh disposable England Health Protection Team paper towel/kitchen roll. A communal This Information is provided by: hand/bath towel should never be used. Public Health England North West Public Health England East Midlands Do not use cotton wool to clean the Tattoo and Piercing Industry Union piercing as the fibres in the cotton wool may get caught in the piercing.

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June 2013