AFTERCARE | Oleander Piercing

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR PIERCING

The first rule of body piercing is: you do not touch your piercing. The second rule of body piercing is: you do not touch your piercing. This is something we can never stress enough! Touching your piercing during healing can cause an array of issues so avoid it at all costs.

CLEANING THE PIERCING

At the end of your shower, if there is crust or build up present on the jewelry, spray it off with the saline spray. If it does not come off, gently remove the build up with a q-tip or gauze. (do not use a paper towel...these leave fibers behind that get stuck on your jewelry which can cause irritation). If you do not see any build up, you do not need to use a qtip on the piercing. Essentially, all you're doing removing any debris from the area so the piercing can breathe and heal on its own. If you do not see anything, do not do anything. It truly is that easy.

We suggest cleaning no more than once a day. On average, most piercings will need to be cleaned over the next 3-4 months (unless otherwise stated by your piercer). It is vital that you do not over-clean the piercing.

If it has been longer than four months, do not clean the piercing anymore. Even if there is still crusting or signs of healing, you can remove any debris at the end of the shower. Excessive and prolonged cleaning and moisture can cause complications.

WHAT TO EXPECT

First and foremost, what most people think is an infection is not. If you're unsure about what is going on with your piercing, please come in and see your piercer. Do not look up things on the internet.

Your piercing may experience redness, soreness and swelling. These are are typical "symptoms" of a fresh piercing, and they can come and go over the next few weeks to the first few months depending on the piercing and the placement. This is an absolutely normal process of a new piercing and does not necessarily mean there is something wrong with it. It is also normal to experience a whitish to yellowish secretion coming from the piercing. This is called sebum, which is just your body's natural secretion and what creates crust on the jewelry. It can come an go throughout the entire healing time.

A FEW OTHER THINGS DURING HEALING

--Always wash your hands before touching your piercing, but if you can help it, do not touch it (please refer to the first two rules of piercing).

--Never spin the jewelry, move it back and forth, or move it while you're cleaning it. The jewelry may feel tight or like it's not moving around and that is OK. It will move around on it's own.

--In your shower, avoid any shampoo, conditioner or soap on the piercing. If it's in the water running down over it, that is OK.

--Avoid make-up, lotion, or any other products on the piercing during healing. We suggest a dime-sized diameter all of the way around and away from the piercing at all times.

--Do not sleep on your piercing while it is healing.

--Come in for your downsize. If your piercing requires it, then it's important to do it to avoid any complications with your healing. Your piercer should have already discussed downsizing with you if you received a piercing that will need it. Lip and tongue piercings are usually 10-14 days. Everything else, around 4-8 weeks. If you're unsure about downsizing, call or come in. Do not change the jewelry yourself until fully healed.

--Swimming should be avoided while healing, four month minimum. This includes all bodies of water, even the ocean. Keep in mind that the sea salt in the ocean is different than the sea salt spray you clean your piercing with, and that the ocean is teaming with bacteria.

--NEVER use products like alcohol, peroxide, bactine, hibiclens, neosporin, vaseline, etc. These products are not meant for piercings and even says on these bottles "not meant for puncture wounds."

--Do not remove your jewelry until it's healed, six months. (unless otherwise stated by your piercer).

--For genital/nipple piercings (and some lip piercings), avoid any oral contact with the piercing. We are not accustomed to other peoples bodily fluids so getting a mouth on the piercing should be avoided. Sex (including oral) may need to be avoided during initial healing and always use barrier protection.

Average Healing Times For Body Piercings

-Earlobe, Septum, Eyebrow: 3-4 Months

-All Cartilage (Helix, Flat, Rook, Tragus, Daith, Conch, Industrial): 6-9 Months

-Nostril, Navel, Nipples: 6-9 Months

-Lips, Tongue: 3-4 Months

-Genital Piercings: 3-6 Months

Oleander Piercing proudly offers Steriwash Saline Spray!

BASIC TROUBLESHOOTING

Believe it or not, the most common reason why people have problems with their piercing is because they touch it or pick at it (you can always refer to the first two rules of body piercing). Leave it alone, and you may notice it getting better.

Always feel free to come into the studio to have your piercing looked at. Be wary of the internet for advice. Just come in. Seriously. :)

--There Is A Bump On My Piercing

It's almost NEVER a keloid so do not worry. Irritation bumps are not permanent and will go away. Bumps are typically caused by a form of irritation. The most common way to get a bump is by touching it, picking at it, hitting/snagging it, sleeping on it, removing the jewelry too soon/ too frequently, poorly fitted or low quality jewelry, and poor hygiene. There is nothing you can put on a bump that will make it go away. The only way it will go away is by leaving it alone. Always feel free to come by to have us assess the situation in person.

--My Jewelry Is Sinking Into The Hole/Feels Tight

This just means you need a longer piece of jewelry to accommodate for the swelling. Sometimes people get a lot of swelling! We always make sure there is room for swelling when you first get pierced, but once in a while you just need more space. This kind of problem will not fix itself, so don't be afraid to come by the studio so we can assist you.

--My Piercing Looks Goopy/Moist

Excessive moisture can be a problem and this is most commonly experienced in navel and ear piercings. Keep the piercing dry by using a piece of gauze at the end of your shower to gently pat the piercing, or let it air dry before putting clothing over it. If you sleep with wet hair, simply pin the hair back so the piercing can breathe and stay dry.

--Migration and Rejection

This is when your body is pushing out the jewelry, essentially rejecting the piercing. You will know if it's happening because the skin will begin to thin out and more of the jewelry will be visible than before. This is something that takes many months/years to happen. Sometimes piercings will migrate around a little because of sleeping on it, but it does not mean it is rejecting. If you feel you are experiencing migration or rejection, come by the studio for assistance.

--Signs Of An Actual Infection

Infection is very serious and can put you in the hospital. Signs of infection are excessive swelling and redness, red streaks spreading outward, a secretion that is brown or black with blood mixed in, and you may be experiencing a fever.You can always stop by the studio if you are unsure, but if you feel you have an actual infection, please go see your doctor.