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Piercing Aftercare

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Piercing Aftercare 

APP-Aligned Professional Guidelines

Proper aftercare is essential for healthy healing. We follow the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) standards to ensure the safest healing process possible.

Cleaning Your Piercing

What to Use:

  • Sterile saline solution (0.9% sodium chloride), labeled as wound wash

  • Pre-packaged sterile saline is ideal

  • No alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Neosporin, witch hazel, or harsh cleansers

How to Clean:

  1. Wash your hands thoroughly before touching the area.

  2. Spritz or soak the piercing with sterile saline.

  3. Gently remove any debris with sterile gauze if needed.

  4. Do NOT twist or rotate the jewelry.

  5. Allow the piercing to air dry.

How Often:

  • 2 times per day during healing

  • More is not better—over-cleaning can irritate the skin

What to Expect During Healing

Healing is not linear.
It’s normal to experience:

  • Redness

  • Tenderness

  • Swelling

  • Light bleeding

  • Lymph “crusties” forming at the entry/exit points

These symptoms are normal for the first few days or weeks.

What NOT to Do

Avoid:

  • Touching or twisting the jewelry

  • Using alcohol, peroxide, ointments, or Bactine

  • Submerging the piercing in pools, lakes, oceans, hot tubs, or baths

  • Sleeping directly on the piercing

  • Applying makeup, sunscreen, or skincare onto the area

  • Changing the jewelry prematurely

  • Removing the jewelry if irritation occurs (it can trap bacteria inside)

  • Clothing, helmets, or headphones that put pressure on the area

Keeping things clean, dry, and undisturbed is the key to success.

Healing Times (APP Standard Estimates)

Different piercings heal at different speeds.
Average healing times:

Ear & Facial

  • Earlobe: 6–8 weeks

  • Helix/Cartilage: 6–12 months

  • Tragus, Rook, Daith, Conch: 6–12 months

  • Eyebrow: 6–8 weeks

  • Nostril: 4–6 months

  • Septum: 6–8 weeks

  • Lip/Philtrum/Labret: 6–8 weeks

Oral Piercings

  • Tongue: 4–8 weeks

  • Tongue web: 4–8 weeks

Body Piercings

  • Navel: 6–12 months

  • Nipple: 6–12 months

  • Dermal Anchors: 6–12 weeks (initial), up to 6 months for full stabilization

Downsizing / Jewelry Changes

Should I downsize my jewelry?

For piercings with initial swelling (lips, cartilage, nostril), you may require a downsize appointment a few weeks after the piercing. This prevents irritation and keeps the piercing healthy.

When can I change my jewelry?

Only once the piercing is fully healed.
APP guidelines recommend waiting the full healing time before switching styles.

Can I remove the jewelry briefly?

No. Removing jewelry—even for minutes—can allow the piercing to close.

Oral Piercing Aftercare 

Rinse with:

  • Alcohol-free antimicrobial or antibacterial mouth rinse

  • Use 2–3 times daily after meals

Reduce swelling by:

  • Ice chips

  • Cold water

  • Sleeping elevated

  • Avoiding alcohol, spicy foods, and smoking

Signs of Irritation vs. Infection

Normal Irritation Bumps:

  • Pink bump at the entry or exit point

  • Tender or itchy

  • Caused by pressure, snagging, sleeping on it, or improper jewelry length

Possible Infection (Seek Medical Advice):

  • Hot, throbbing pain

  • Spreading redness

  • Thick yellow/green discharge

  • Fever or flu-like symptoms

If you’re unsure, stop by the studio for a free checkup.

Swimming, Sports, and Lifestyle

Avoid submerging in water for the first 4–6 weeks or until initial healing is complete.

After workouts:

  • Rinse with sterile saline

  • Avoid equipment or clothing that puts pressure on the piercing

  • Clean sweat off the area gently—sweat itself is not harmful, but friction is

Clothing & Sleeping Tips

  • Wear loose, breathable clothing near body piercings

  • For ear piercings, sleep on a travel pillow or use a donut pillow to avoid pressure

  • Avoid hats, helmets, or headphones that squeeze the piercing

If You Suspect a Problem

We offer free piercing checks anytime.
If something feels off, stop by or contact us.
Small adjustments early can prevent major problems later.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Seek medical care if you experience:

  • Red streaks spreading from the piercing

  • Fever

  • Severe swelling

  • Unmanageable pain

  • Thick green discharge

Do NOT remove the jewelry unless a medical professional instructs it.

Have Questions? Need Help?

We’re here for you.
Stop by Idle Hands Tattoo anytime for guidance or jewelry adjustments.

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