piercing

Piercing Aftercare DO’s and DONT’s

Nala offers a comprehensive professional body piercing service. From initial enquiry to aftercare the clients needs are paramount.

Our piercing professionals have more than 10 years experience in the industry and can fulfill your piercing requirements. We also stock a full range of body jewellery and one of custom pieces in all appropriate materials from 316lvm steel to platinum.

We offer free initial consultation and a 4 week follow up aftercare program. All body piercings are carried out in a dedicated air conditioned studio, by female staff. We perform all traditional piercings and also specialise in genital piercing, genital beading, surface piercing and dermal anchors.

In our many years of business we have gained a superb reputation, which we put down to the fact that we care about what we are doing, piercing is not ‘just a job’ to us, it’s a way of life.

If you’d like to know more or have any piercing–related questions we welcome you to contact us.

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What is Normal?

Initially: Some bleeding localised swelling, tenderness and bruising.

During healing: some discolourisation, itching, secretion of a white-ish yellow fluid (this is not pus) that will form a crust on the jewellery and around the piercing, the tissue may tighten around the jewellery as it heals. Do not try to force movement as this could tear the already healed delicate tissue that has formed and set back your healing time and also encourage migration.

A piercing may seem healed before the healing process is complete, this is because they heal from the outside in, and although it feels fine, the tissue remains fragile on the inside. BE PATIENT! And keep cleaning throughout the initial healing period and don’t be tempted to change your jewellery too soon.

Even healed piercings can shrink or close in minutes after having been there for years! This varies from person to person; if you like your piercing, keep jewellery in-do not leave out. If you have had to take your jewellery out for any reason and have problems putting it back in, don’t force it, seek advice from your piercer.

Cleaning solutions:

A saline solution comprising of ¼ teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt and ½ pint of warm (previously boiled) water. A stronger mixture is not better too much salt can damage the skin.

A mild fragrance free liquid soap-preferably anti-microbial or germicidal. We suggest Provon or over the counter soaps such as Carex for sensitive skin.

Antimicrobial or antibacterial alcohol–free mouth rinse (for oral piercings only).

Instructions:

Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your piercing for any reason!

Saline soak for 5-10 minutes once or more a day. Invert a cup of warm saline solution over the area to form a vacuum. For certain piercings it may be easier to apply using clean gauze or paper towels saturated with saline solution. A brief rinse afterward will remove any residue.
Soap no more than once a day. Whilst showering, lather up a pearl size drop of liquid to clean the jewellery and the piercing. Leave the cleanser on the piercing no longer than 30 seconds, then rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of the soap from the piercing. It is not necessary to rotate the jewellery through the piercing.

Dry by gently patting with clean, disposable paper products, cloth towels can harbour bacteria and snag on jewellery, causing injury.

Do not clean your piercing with Hibiscrub, Dettol, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, TCP, surgical spirit or any other harsh cleansers or soaps as these can damage cells and cause sever complications with your new piercing. Also avoid ointments as they prevent necessary air circulation.

Do!

Wash your hands prior to touching the piercing; leave it alone except when cleaning.
Stay healthy; the healthier your lifestyle, the easier it will be for your piercing to heal. Get enough sleep and eat a nutritious diet. Exercise during healing is fine; listen to your body.
Make sure your bedding is washed and changed regularly. Wear clean, comfortable, breathable clothing that protects your piercing while you sleep.
Showers tend to be better than baths as bathtubs can harbour bacteria. If you bathe in a bathtub clean it out well before use and rinse off your piercing when you get out.
Regularly check your jewellery; balls are tightened, (remember righty tighty, lefty loosy) Carry a clean spare ball just in case.

AVOID!

Over cleaning can irritate your new piercing and delay healing.
Avoid stress and recreational drug use this includes excessive caffeine, nicotine and alcohol.
Avoid submerging the piercing in unhygienic bodies of water such as swimming pools, spa baths and Jacuzzis. If you cannot avoid this you can buy a waterproof/breathable dressing such as Tegaderm you’re your local chemists.
Avoid beauty and personal care products on or around the piercing, including cosmetics, lotions, and sprays.
Avoid all oral contact, rough play and contact with others bodily fluids on or near your piercing during healing.
Avoid undue trauma such as friction from clothing, excessive motion of the area, playing with the jewellery and vigorous cleaning. These activities can cause the formation of unsightly and uncomfortable scar tissue, migration, prolonged healing and other complications.

Oral piercings

Interior:

Rinse mouth with cleaning solution for 30 seconds after meals and at bed time (4-5 times daily) during the entire healing period, cleaning too often or with too strong a rinse can cause discolouration and irritation of mouth and piercing.

Exterior:

Follow general piercing cleaning instructions.
It is normal to have some swelling with these piercings for the first 3-5 days, light bleeding, bruising and tenderness.
We suggest you dissolve small pieces of ice in the mouth to help with swelling and soreness.
An over the counter non-steroidal anti inflammatory such as ibuprofen can be taken but must check with your pharmacist beforehand, as not everybody is suited.
Sleeping with the head slightly elevated can help.
Good oral hygiene should be adhered to, buy a new toothbrush and store it in a dry clean place.

If for any reason you are worried about your piercing do not hesitate to contact us.
If you suspect an infection DO NOT remove your jewellery as this can lock the infection in and does not leave an exit for any fluids to drain away.
We encourage all our clients to return for regular check up through out the healing of their piercing.
This information has been provided for you courtesy of Nala tattoo and piercing studio and the Association of professional piercers, these guidelines are based on a combination of vast professional experience, common sense, research and extensive clinical practise.
This is not to be considered a substitute for medical advice from doctor. If you suspect an infection seek medical attention. Be aware that many doctors have not received specific training regarding piercing.