HYDROGEN PERODIDE
(H2O2) is
commonly available in a 3%
solution for use as a topical "antinfective." The
solution works by "hyper-oxygenating" cells at a wound
site, that is, by rapid decomposition which gives off free oxygen
in large amounts. Useful in superficial wounds for destroying
bacterial cells in pus, it is NEVER recommended for
puncture or deep wounds. Use regularly, hydrogen perodide's
decomposing action is actually damaging to skin cells, and may
impede, rather than advance, healing.
As a Disinfectant, H2O2 is weak
at best. Some piercers have suggested it as a sort of
"stripper" to be used in place of/or with the use of
soap and water to cleanse discharge from a healing piercing, but
it is unlikely to work well in this role.
Regular use of H202 will
produce scar tissue in the interior of the piercing. Scar tissue
is always receptive to bacteria. The result is an ongoing
infection that appears to come and go for years after the healing
period has ended. I use it once a week, with a saline wash before and after its use.
ALCOHOL is harsh
and drying when applied to wounds; alcohol is a poor disinfectant
as well.
BACTINE is
40% alcohol.
POVIDONE-IODINE
(Betadine) is a superior antiseptic, and microbicidal
solution for prepping. Povidone-Iodine does not have the
ability to remove the body fluid from the jewelry as well as
other products. By not removing 100% of the body fluid from
the jewelry daily the microorganisms that are naturally on
your skin surface will be attracted to that fluid, as they
gather together they produce the bacteria that causes
infections. It also colors the jewelry...something you may not desire.
HIBICLENS (the
red liquid) is used for hand-washing. In practice, people can suffer frequent allergic
reactions to this product, especially with prolonged use. Signs of allergy may include rash or irritation, a slowdown in apparent healing, slight swelling and/or increased discharge.
TOPICAL ANTIBIOTICS
in ointment form have long been considered a necessary part of
piercing aftercare regimens. The use of this product for long
periods of time can also do more harm than good. You never use
topical antibiotics for more than 5 days without a 7 day break
from the use of this product. Example: 5 days use, 7 days don't,
5 days use, 7 days don't, etc.
PETROLEUM JELLY
Like all petroleum products, its compatibility with biological health is suspect and it should never be used on highly irritated or punctured skin. Best advice is not to use it.
SALINE or SALT WATER By far this works the best. It is compatible to your tissues, as close as you can get to natural body fluid. Mix 10 parts water to 1 part salt in a container. Clean piercing with solution using a cotton-tip swab. Salt water is suitable for use on all parts of the body. Contact lens solution can also be used on all piercings, (if diluted). Mouth wash is great for tongues and labrets or lips.
A AND D Ointment, , ALOE VERA, WITCH HAZEL, GOLDEN SEAL, ETC.
Every piercer will have
his/her favorite non-traditional aid to healing. They range from
the harmless and soothing (Aloe Vera) to the debatable (A and D Ointment) to the absurd . As each persons body reacts to things differently, try alternative methods to find the right one for you.
From the instant the body's
enveloping protective organ - the skin - is penetrated by the
piercer's needle, the process of healing begins. Healing is a
highly individual process involving a multitude of genetic
factors as well as diet, stress, overall health and attitude.
Most problems are caused
by:
1) Oral contact
2) Handling your
piercing with dirty hands.
3) A cleaning agent
which isn't compatible with your body.
4) Over cleaning or not
cleaning properly.
5) The use of alcohol,
hydrogen peroxide, Bactine, Povidone-Iodine, over use of
topical antibiotics.
Wash your jewelry (not the wound) daily. All piercings
with captive bead rings are cleaned the same way.
STEP I
The best time is when you are
in the shower. First let the water run on the piercing for 60
seconds. Then turn your jewelry so the ball is at one of the
piercing holes. Use 2 or 3
drops of between your
fingers. Make a rather and wash
your jewelry so to remove all the foreign matter and rinse.
NEVER TURN THE JEWELRY WITH
SOAP ON IT.
Now that the jewelry is rinsed,
turn it so the ball is now at the other piercing hole. Put the
cleaner of fingers, make a lather, wash jewelry and rinse.
STEP II
After you wash your jewelry,
apply Bacitracin for the first 5 days
only. Put a little on your fingers, rub the ointment on the
jewelry, then turn the jewelry completely around - back and forth
- 5 or 6 times so the ointment DOES go inside the
piercing.
LIP
Lip piercings involve two
separate kinds of body tissue. In addition to all the steps
outlined above, you will need to use gly-oxide (an oral
antiseptic) twice daily, once after breakfast, once before bed.
No open mouth kissing, no
unprotected oral sex for 6 weeks.
TONGUE
Healing time: 6-8 weeks
What you need:
Listerine or other
antibacterial mouthwash
Gly-Oxide or Peroxyl
(check oral
medications section of
pharmacy)
Ice
Healing plan-.
1) Wash hands
thoroughly before contact with piercing
2) No oral contact of
any kind for 6 weeks (no wet kissing, oral sex...
3) For the first 24-48
hours, gently suck on ice (or popsicles) to minimize
swelling.
4) Reduce intake of
warm beverages, hot/spicy foods, tobacco, alcohol, and
anything which might be irritating to your mouth during
healing, especially the first week.
5) Rinse with mouthwash
for 30-60 seconds after consumption of anything other
than water. If Listerine is too harsh either dilute it or
use a sea salt and water gargle, 1/4 teaspoon salt to 8
oz. of water.
6) Use
Gly-Oxide/Peroxyl twice daily, following instructions on
the bottle: 5 drops on top, 5 underneath; let foam, then
spit. DO NOT OMIT THIS STEP. You might want to rinse with
water or salt water after using.
Continue the above care regimen
for 6-8 weeks.
Tongue piercings heal best with
a post about 1/4" longer than the thickness of the tongue.
Once swelling has gone down,
usually one to three weeks, the post can be downsized to a
slightly shorter but still roomy length. After six to eight weeks
you can wear a stud the length of the piercing. On a regular
basis, wash your hands and then check to make sure the stud balls
have not worked loose.
