Genital piercing (female) aftercare Key Advice Hand washing Do not swim for the first 24 hours Hand washing is the single most following a piercing. The aftercare of body piercing important method of reducing infection. Do not pick at any discharge and do is important to promote good Hands must be washed prior to touching not move, twist or turn the piercing the affected area, therefore reducing the healing and prevent the risk of whilst dry. If any secreted discharge has risk of infection. infection. hardened then turning jewellery may cause the discharge to tear the piercing, Healing times for piercing will Wash your hands in warm water and liquid soap, always dry your hands allowing bacteria to enter the wound and vary with the type and position thoroughly with a clean towel or paper prolonging the healing time. of the piercing and vary from towel. This should remove most germs Refrain from any type of sexual activity and prevent them being transferred to person to person. until the piercing has healed or is ‘dry’. the affected area. For the first few weeks it is Always use barrier protection such as A new piercing can be tender, itchy and condoms, otherwise you are at increased normal for the area to be red, slightly red and can remain so for a risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted tender and swollen. few weeks. A pale, odourless fluid may infection. sometimes discharge from the piercing The healing time for a and form a crust. This should not be Signs of infection genital piercing can be from confused with pus, which would indicate If appropriate aftercare is not followed infection. 2 to12 weeks. infection may occur. The signs of Remember these times are Female Genital piercing aftercare infection are: approximate and will depend including Clitoral Hood, Inner and Outer • Swelling and redness that increases on how healthy you are and Labia, Fourchette, Christina and Triangle. around the wound. whether you look after the Soak the piercing for a few minutes by • A severe burning and throbbing piercing properly until healed. submerging the area of skin containing sensation round the site. the piercing in a clean container, such as As with all body art, infection is a bowl containing a warm water solution • Increased tenderness and increasingly a risk. To reduce these risks take (1/4 level teaspoon of preferably sea salt painful to touch. to an egg cup/shot glass of warm water). advice from your practitioner Alternatively wet a clean cloth or gauze • An unusual discharge (yellow or green) regarding aftercare. in the solution and apply as a warm with an offensive smell. compress. This will soften any discharge The risk of infection can be and allow you to clean the entry and exit Speak to your practitioner or seek medical greatly reduced by good points of the piercing with a cotton bud attention immediately if you suffer from any of the above or have any concerns general hygiene including: or gauze. Once the discharge is removed or softened then jewellery can be gently regarding infection in your piercing or if • Hand washing before moved so as to work a little warm water there are any signs of an allergic reaction to any of the products used. touching the piercing through the piercing. When cleaning always tighten the ball on any bars by • Keeping the piercing clean. screwing the ball to the right. Do this twice each day, preferably after washing or bathing.

Dry the piercing using ONLY fresh For further advice or information: disposable paper towel/kitchen roll. Contact your local Environmental Health A communal hand/bath towel should Department, or your local Public Health never be used. England Health Protection Team Do not use antibacterial products as This Information is provided by: they can kill the good bacteria that are Public Health England North West naturally present. Public Health England East Midlands Tattoo and Piercing Industry Union

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June 2013