It’s common to experience the following after getting a piercing:
Some bleeding, localized swelling, tenderness, or bruising.
Mild discoloration, itching, and the formation of whitish-yellow fluid (lymph, not pus) that crusts around the jewellery.
Once healed, the jewellery might not move freely in the piercing. Avoid forcing it to move as this can cause irritation.
Neglecting regular cleaning of a new piercing can lead to a buildup of natural bodily secretions, which might have an unpleasant odor.
Piercings often appear healed before they are fully healed. This is because the outer tissue heals first, leaving the inside more delicate. Continue cleaning as instructed throughout the entire healing process for optimal results.
Even long-healed piercings can close or shrink in a very short time, sometimes within minutes, depending on the individual. To maintain your piercing, always keep jewelry in place—don’t leave it empty for extended periods.
Regularly clean items that come into contact with your piercing, such as phones, headphones, glasses, and headgear like hats or helmets.
Inform your hairdresser or stylist about your new piercing so they can take care to avoid bumping or catching it.
Always wash your hands before touching your piercing, but avoid handling it unnecessarily. Only touch it when cleaning, and refrain from twisting, turning, or rotating the jewelry.
Change and wash your bedding frequently to maintain cleanliness.
The T-Shirt Trick: Use a clean t-shirt over your pillow, giving you four clean surfaces for sleeping by flipping and reversing it.
Try placing a travel pillow on top of your regular pillow and resting your ear in the opening to minimize contact and pressure on the piercing. I got myself a a doughnut pillow on amazon that worked wonders.
Steer clear of products like alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, antibacterial soaps, iodine, or any harsh solutions. These can harm the healing cells your body produces. Avoid ointments, as they block airflow needed for healing.
Don’t use Bactine®, ear care solutions from high-street stores, or any products containing Benzalkonium Chloride (BZK), as these can irritate the piercing and are unsuitable for long-term wound care.
Over-cleaning can irritate the piercing and slow the healing process. Stick to the recommended cleaning routine given by your piercer.
Avoid trauma to the piercing, such as friction from clothing, excessive movement, or playing with the jewelry. These actions can lead to issues like bumps, scar tissue, migration, and prolonged healing.
Refrain from oral contact and exposure to others' bodily fluids near the piercing during healing—treat it like an open wound to prevent infections.
A healthy lifestyle supports healing. Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet while your piercing heals.
Keep beauty products, such as foundations, lotions, and hairsprays, away from the piercing area.
Do not hang charms or additional objects from your jewel;ery until the piercing is fully healed.
Sterile saline, such as NeilMed, is a gentle and effective choice for aftercare. Avoid mixing your own sea salt solution, as it's easy to make it too strong, which can dry out the piercing and hinder healing.
Only use saline solutions specifically labeled for wound care, with ingredients listing 0.09% sodium chloride. Do not use contact lens solutions or other saline products on your piercing. Saline solutions like Neilmed are made for the right salinity for your body.
Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
Soak a cotton pad with sterile saline (NeilMed is recommended).
Hold the pad over the piercing for 3–5 minutes to soften crust or buildup.
Use the edge of the pad to gently clean around the jewellery, including behind the attachment and the back of the piercing.
Ensure all areas are cleaned, especially if your jewelry has ornate or decorative elements.
Use a fresh pad to dry the area completely, leaving no moisture behind.
Repeat this process twice daily. Adjust the timing if necessary (e.g., after sports or exercise).
Avoid bumping or catching the piercing during cleaning or daily activities.
Sterile saline, such as NeilMed, remains the best choice for cleaning the outside of an oral piercing. Avoid mixing your own sea salt solution for the same reasons as above.
Use a low- or alcohol-free mouthwash (such as Corsodyl) to rinse the inside of oral piercings like tongue or labret piercings, especially after meals.
For the Outside:
Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
Soak a cotton pad with sterile saline (NeilMed is recommended).
Hold the pad over the piercing for 3–5 minutes to soften any crust or buildup.
Gently clean around the jewelry, ensuring all areas are covered, including behind the attachment.
Use a fresh pad to dry the area completely.
For the Inside:
Maintain good oral hygiene by using a new toothbrush (or a new top for electric brushes) and brushing twice daily.
Rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free mouthwash (like Corsodyl) after meals and before bed.
Avoid over-rinsing; stick to 2–3 times a day to prevent irritation.
Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol or smoking, as these can hinder healing.
Thank you for choosing Jynx, enjoy your new piercing and we hope to see you soon!
*Disclaimer: All aftercare guidelines are based on a combination of professional experience, common sense, research, and from both the APP and UKAPP. You can find more information at www.safepiercing.org and www.ukapp.org.uk
This is not to be considered a substitute for medical advice from a doctor. If you suspect an infection, seek medical attention. Be aware that many doctors have not received specific training regarding piercing. Your local piercer may be able to refer you to a piercing-friendly medical professional.
