Cleaning Solutions for Body Piercings

• Use a sterile saline, labeled for use as a wound wash. Your saline ingredients should list .09% sodium chloride as the only ingredient (sometimes purified water will be listed). Additives like moisturizers and antibacterial agents should be avoided, as well as contact lens saline, nasal spray, or eye drops.

• Clean, shower-water or bottled water are also safe to clean your piercings with.

• Urinating, *with certain genital placements, can soften debris on your jewelry and aid in the cleaning process.

Cleaning Instructions for Body Piercings

• WASH your hands thoroughly.

• SPRAY with sterile saline wound wash or apply clean water.

• WAIT for the cleaning solution to soften crusty buildup.

• DRY with clean, disposable products like a folded corner of a paper towel, gently removing any crusty debris or build up.

  *If you have stubborn debris that is stuck to your skin, do NOT pick the scab. Give it time and it will release itself.

  *Cloth towels should be avoided as they can harbor bacteria and snag on jewelry.

  *Cotton swabs can leave behind loose fibers that wrap around your jewelry and harbor debris. Cosmetic cotton swabs are preferred for being more tightly-wound and precise.

  *Moving or rotating jewelry is not necessary during cleaning/rinsing and may actually irritate the piercing. If your jewelry needs adjustment for aesthetics or comfort, follow the cleaning steps first.

  What is Normal?

  • Initially: some bleeding, localized swelling, tenderness, or bruising.

    1. During healing: some discoloration, itching, secretion of a whitish-yellow fluid that will form some crust on the jewelry. The tissue may tighten around the jewelry as it heals.

    2. A piercing may seem healed before the healing process is actually complete. This is because this type of wound will heal from the outside to the inside. Although it may feel fine on the outside, the interior could still be fragile. Be patient, and keep the piercing clean throughout the entire healing period.

    3. Once healed: the jewelry may not move freely in the piercing; do not force it. Cleaning your piercings as part of your normal hygiene routine can help them stay clean and avoid having normal, possibly smelly, secretions accumulate.

    • TIP: Piercings, even healed ones, can shrink or close in minutes, even after having been there for years! This varies from person to person; if you like your piercing, keep jewelry in—do not leave it empty.

  What To Do

  • Wash your hands prior to touching the piercing; leave the piercing alone except when cleaning.

  • During healing, do not twist, spin, or rotate your jewelry.

  • Exercise and sweating during healing is fine. Avoid activities that could jostle or aggravate the piercing. Keep the piercing protected from bacteria present on gym equipment or exercise mats.

  • Make sure your bedding is washed and changed regularly. Wear clean, comfortable, breathable clothing that protects your piercing while you are sleeping.

  • Showers tend to be safer than taking baths, as bathtubs can harbor bacteria. If you bathe in a tub, clean it well before each use and rinse off your piercing when you get out.

  What To Avoid

  • Avoid cleaning with alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, antibacterial soaps, iodine, or any harsh products, as these can damage cells. Also avoid ointments as they prevent necessary air circulation.

  • Avoid Bactine®, pierced ear care solutions, and other products containing Benzalkonium Chloride (BZK). These can be irritating and are not intended for long-term wound care.

  • Avoid over-cleaning. This can delay your healing and irritate your piercing.

  • Avoid undue trauma such as friction and pressure from clothing, excessive motion of the area, playing with the jewelry, and vigorous cleaning. These activities can cause unsightly and uncomfortable scar tissue, migration, prolonged healing, and other complications.

  • Avoid all oral contact, rough play, and contact with others’ bodily fluids on or near your piercing during healing.

  • Avoiding things like excessive stress, drug use, excessive caffeine, nicotine and alcohol are suggested as they can prolong the healing process.

  • Avoid submerging the piercing in bodies of water such as lakes, pools, oceans, hot tubs, etc. Or, protect your piercing using a waterproof transparent film dressing. These are available at most pharmacies and are ideal for nipple, navel, and surface piercing placements.

  • Avoid all beauty and personal care products on or around the piercing including cosmetics, lotions, and sprays, etc. *Give yourself a few millimeters away from the jewelry.

  • Don’t hang charms or any object from your jewelry until the piercing is fully healed. 

  Jewelry

  • Unless there is a problem with the size, style, or material of the initial jewelry, leave it in place for the entire healing process. Many piercings heal more comfortably and predictably with a “downsize”. During your “downsize” appointment, your initial jewelry is switched for a more fitted piece to prevent unnecessary movement or snags.

  • Leave jewelry in at all times. Even well-healed piercings can shrink or close in minutes! If removed, reinsertion can be difficult or impossible. Contact your piercer for a non-metallic jewelry alternative if your metal jewelry must be temporarily removed (such as for a medical procedure).

  • With clean hands, be sure to regularly check threaded and threadless ends on your jewelry for tightness. A paper towel helps you get a solid grip on your jewelry.

  • Should you decide you no longer want the piercing, simply remove the jewelry (or have a professional piercer remove it for you) and continue cleaning the piercing until the hole closes. Body piercings create a permanent change to the body, while most scarring is minimal, piercings will leave scars in their absence,

  • In the event an infection is suspected, discuss with your physician if you should leave quality jewelry or an appropriate substitute in place

    Area-Specific Advice

    Nipples:

    • The support of a tight cotton shirt or sports bra may provide protection and feel comfortable, especially for sleeping.

      *Get crocheted blankets out of your bed.

      *Watch out for lace, straps, or netting in your undergarments.

      *Be extra mindful with your loofah if you normally use one.

      *If you find your jewelry snagging on your seatbelt, consider a seatbelt adjuster for comfort.

    Genital:

    • Genital Piercings – especially Triangles, Prince Alberts, Ampallangs, and Apadravyas – can bleed freely for the first few days. Be prepared. Additional cleaning after urination is not necessary.

    • Wash your hands before touching (directly or near-by) a healing piercing.

    • In most cases you can engage in sexual activity as soon as you feel ready, but maintaining hygiene and avoiding trauma are vital; all sexual activities should be mindful of your delicate piercing. If something hurts, try modifying the activity. If it still hurts after adjusting, give your body time before attempting the activity again.

    • Use barriers such as condoms, dental dams, and waterproof bandages, etc. to avoid contact with your partners’ body fluids, even in long-term monogamous relationships.

    • Use protection on sex toys, too.

    • Use a new container of water-based lubricant; do not use saliva.

    • Showering after sexual activity is suggested.