Subject: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 5--Care of New Piercings
Date: 4 Jan 1996 01:20:15 GMT
Expires: Mon, 05 February 1996 07:00:00 GMT

Archive-name: bodyart/piercing-faq/new-pierce-care
Posting-frequency: Monthly

Summary: This posting contains information about body piercing.  Anyone 
    interested in the subject and/or wishes to read/post to rec.arts.bodyart 
    should read the Piercing FAQ first.

The rec.arts.bodyart Piercing FAQ is broken up into 19 parts:

1--Introduction 
2A--Jewelry Materials
2B--Jewelry Sizes & Designs
2C--Unisex Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
2D--Genital Piercings & Their Suggested Jewelry
3--Getting A New Piercing 
4A--Professional Organizations, Instruction, Misc. Suppliers
4B--Professional Piercers & Jewelry Manufacturers - United States - A-F
4C--Professional Piercers & Jewelry Manufacturers - United States - G-M
4D--Professional Piercers & Jewelry Manufacturers - United States - N-Z
4E--Professional Piercers & Jewelry Manufacturers - beyond the United States
5--Care Of New Piercings
6--Problems And Hazards
7--Healed Piercings
8--Misc. Info
9--Resource List
10A -- Personal Experiences - Facial & Unisex Piercings
10B -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings
10C -- Personal Experiences - Genital Piercings Cont'd

What's in this section:

 5--Care Of A New Pierce
    5.1  Cleaning Agents 
    5.2  Healing Ointments 
    5.3  Treating Facial Piercings
    5.4  Treating Mouth-Related Piercings
    5.5  Treating Body Piercings
    5.6  Treating Genital Piercings
    5.7  Care Instructions From Elayne Binnie
       5.7a  Lips, Labret And Cheek Piercings
       5.7b  Body piercings
       5.7c  Ear Lobe, Ear Cartilage, Tragus, Conch, Nostril, 
                Septum and Eyebrows
       5.7d  Tongue Piercings
    5.8  The Healing Process - Is My Piercing Fully Healed?

All texts written and (c) 1995 by Anne Greenblatt unless otherwise noted.  
Please see Part 1 of the FAQ for information regarding copyright and 
dissemination of the FAQ. 

DISCLAIMER!   The Piercing FAQ contains material of a sexually explicit nature.

 5.1  CLEANING AGENTS

Recommended general cleaning agents:

HIBICLENS: Active ingredient - chlorohexidine gluconate
  Should be diluted 1 part Hibiclens to 3 parts water.  
  * Recently, there has been some discussion of removal of Hibiclens from the 
  market as an Over The Counter product and reclassification by the FDA.  
  Hibiclens has proven to be very irritating for most people.  Anyone who 
  decides to use Hibiclens should watch carefully for any signs of
irritation or 
  failure of the piercing to heal properly.

BETADINE: Or a solution of Povidone-Iodine, Betadine brand soaps and skin 
  cleansers. 
  * Long-term use of Betadine / Povidone-Iodine solutions can induce an 
  insensitivity to the product as well as allergy.  Long-term use has also been 
  known to cause growing skin cells to lyse (over-saturate and rupture).  Thus 
  it is recommended that excess solution be rinsed away thoroughly.  
Single-use 
  disposable Betadine pads are recommended over the bottle for maintainance of 
  a single piercing, as there is evidence of one strain of bacteria which
thrives 
  in contaminated povidone-iodine.

  (*  based on information provided by Michaela Grey, Ass'n of Professional 
  Piercers)

BACTINE: And other solutions of benzalkonium- or benzethonium-chloride 
  (Pierced Ear Care Solution or Sensitive Ears Solution, usually available at
  stores which perform ear piercing).  Some people may be sensitive to the 
  solution and should dilute with 25% water.  Bactine need not be rinsed away;  
  thus it is excellent for use on facial piercings.

TRICLOSAN-BASED ANTI-BACTERIAL LIQUID SOAPS:  Any soap used should be 
  low-pH, deodorant and moisturizer-free. Brand names include Liquid Dial,  
  Almay Hypo-Care, Clearly Natural, and Softsoap.  Soaps are best used in the 
  shower.  Apply the lather to the piercing while rotating the jewelry back and
  forth.  Allow the lather to saturate the piercing for 3 minutes.  Rinse 
  thoroughly by rotating the jewelry under running water. 

POVIDONE-IODINE BASED LIQUID SOAPS:  Brand names include Clearly Natural.
  Soaps are best used in the shower.  Apply the lather to the piercing while 
  rotating the jewelry back and forth.  Allow the lather to saturate the
piercing 
  for 3 minutes.  Rinse thoroughly by rotating the jewelry under running
water.  

SAVLON:  In the UK, Savlon wound wash is the most commonly used aftercare 
  product.  It contains the same active ingredient as both Hibiclens and
Hibiscrub, 
  but is diluted to the right concentration for use on piercings.  HIBISCRUB is 
  used widely as a pre-surgical disinfectant and is only available by
prescription.

A.C. 2000:  available exclusively from Pleasurable Piercings, Inc., contains
  the same active ingredient as Hibiclens.

Remember that what works best for one person may not work for you. If you 
experience an adverse reaction to a particular product (itching, redness, 
irritation) switch to another product. In the case of an extreme allergic 
reaction, contact a physician.

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE should NEVER be used on a fresh piercing. The peroxide 
acts to  break down the newly formed tissue.

ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL is inappropriate for use on piercings as it is very drying.  
To be effective as a disinfectant, alcohol must saturate the area for at
least 10
minutes.


 5.2  HEALING OINTMENTS 

Healing ointments include Betadine ointment, anti-bacterial or anti-biotic
ointments containing any combination of bacitracin zinc, Neomycin, and
Polymyxin- B Some people are allergic to bacitracin zinc or Neosporin
(neomycin). It is advised that use of anti-bacterial ointments be limited to 
the first five days to one week ONLY.  A small amount should be used, the
excess 
removed.  Excessive or prolonged use can lead to desensitivity to the active 
ingredients in the product and limits air circulation to the piercing.

Vitamin E gel is also recomended by some piercers, especially in the case of 
dry skin, which is common with nipple piercings.  However, some people have 
experienced allergic reactions to vitamin E. 


 5.3  TREATING FACIAL PIERCINGS

Disinfectants containing benzalkonium or benzethonium chloride (Bactine, 
Pierced-Ear Care Solution) are commonly recommended for cleaning ear and 
facial piercings. The cleaning agent should be used twice to three times a day.

Liquid antibacterial soaps are also recommended, where applicable, and are 
excellent in breaking-down bacteria-trapping oils and dirt.

Any dried discharge around the piercing and on the jewelry should first be 
softened and removed with a cotton swab saturated in the disinfectant or with
warm salt water.  The disinfectant should be applied to both entrances and 
allowed to saturate the inside of the piercing by rotating the jewelry back and 
forth.

Make-up, foundations, and powders should be avoided during the healing process. 
When using har spray, cover your piercings with your hand or a tissue.  Do not 
allow your piercings to come in contact with saliva (yours or others') and
other 
bodily fluids.

*NEVER USE HIBICLENS SOLUTIONS ON FACIAL PIERCINGS!*
Hibiclens Can Cause Blindness And Hearing Loss If It Gets Into Your Eyes And 
Ears.


 5.4  TREATING MOUTH-RELATED PIERCINGS

Tongue piercings should be cleaned with Gly-oxide or PerOxyl 2, cleansing
antiseptics for the mouth containing carbamide peroxide (10%), twice a day
and after meals. It is imperative that one of these products be used -
Listerine alone will not adequately guard against infection.  Listerine diluted 
50% to 75% should be used as a mouth rinse after eating or drinking anything 
other than water. Rinse for at least one minute. 

Mouth related piercings - lip, labret, cheek - should be cleaned on the inside 
as described for tongue piercings. The outside piercing should be cleaned 
following the instructions for facial piercings. Warm salt water rinses are 
also recommended for faster healing.

Do not allow your piercings to come into contact with others' bodily fluids.
Avoid spicy or hot foods to which new piercings are often sensitive.

 5.5 TREATING BODY PIERCINGS

Recommended cleaning agents include Triclosan-based antibacterial liquid soaps 
(please see product listing above) and Betadine.  Avoid using deodorant or 
moisturizing soaps on your piercings. Any dried discharge around the
piercing or 
on the jewelry should be removed with a cotton swab and warm water prior to 
cleaning. The cleaning agent should be allowed to saturate the inside of
the piercing
by rotating the jewelry back and forth.  The piercing should be rinsed well to 
remove any residues. 

Warm salt water soaks work wonders to remove dried discharge and secretions 
during healing, relieve itching, and decrease the healing time.

Do not allow your piercings to come into contact with others' bodily fluids.

Swimming in public pools, spas and hot-tubs is advised against, as one can
never be sure sure of the quality of sanitation, and the risk of exposure to
bacteria is too great.   Although some people have experienced no ill-effects
from swimming in ocean / sea water, most piercers maintain that the risks
of exposure to unhealthy elements outweighs any benefits the salt water may 
have.

 5.6 TREATING GENITAL PIERCINGS

Genital piercings should be cleaned following the instructions for body 
piercings. However, the cleaning products may irritate the urethra in both 
men and women and the vagina in the case of women. Urinate after cleaning 
to flush out any residues in the urethral opening. Women should take care not 
to let any cleaning agent enter the vagina and to rinse thoroughly with water,
as the depletion of bacteria may contribute to the incidence of yeast
infections.

Genital piercings should be cleaned after intercourse.  During the healing
period 
use of a condom during intercourse and dental dams during all other contact is 
recommended. Also, certain lubricants and spermicides may irritate piercings.  
Please see Part 6.4 for more information on genital piercings and sexual
activity.

Do not allow your piercings to come into contact with others' bodily fluids.

Swimming in public pools, spas and hot-tubs is advised against, as one can
never be sure sure of the quality of sanitation, and the risk of exposure to
bacteria is too great.   Although some people have experienced no ill-effects
from swimming in ocean / sea water, most piercers maintain that the risks
of exposure to unhealthy elements outweighs any benefits the salt water may 
have.

 5.7  CARE INSTRUCTIONS FROM ELAYNE BINNIE

 The following care instructions are approved for reprinting 
through rec.arts.bodyart by Elayne "Angel" Binnie (former 
manager of Gauntlet Los Angeles), Rings of Desire, Inc., 1128 
Decatur Street, 2nd floor (above Boomerang), New Orleans, LA 
70116, phone (504) 524-6147. Any form of distribution of these 
care instructions must be accompanied by this paragraph, and 
must remain intact within each section. You may contact her if 
you have any questions about these care instructions.

-------------------------------------

 5.7a  Lips, labret and cheek piercings according to Elayne 
     "Angel" Binnie

Healing time: 6 to 8 weeks

Cleaning solutions: --For inside the mouth: Listerine or other 
antibacterial  mouthwash and Gly-Oxide or Peroxyl (available in 
the oral  medications section of any pharmacy).

--For the outside surface: Ear Care Antiseptic, or Bactine  
diluted 50/50 with water.

Instructions:

1. Rinse mouth for 60 seconds with Listerine after anything goes 
in your mouth other than water or ice. This includes coffee, 
tea, soft drinks, all food, smoking or eating utensils. If you 
are not ingesting very often, rinse 12 to 24 times daily. Keep a 
small bottle of Listerine with you so that you can rinse often.

2. Twice daily, rinse for two to three minutes with Gly- Oxide. 
Do not omit this step! This foams inside your mouth, so you 
might want to rinse with water or Listerine afterwards.

3. Keep dirty hands, fingernails, pens, etc. out of your mouth.

4. Refrain from oral sexual contact during the 4 to 6 weeks of 
initial healing. This includes French (wet) kissing as well as 
oral sex, even if you are in a monogamous relationship.

5. With clean hands, check twice daily to make sure the ends of 
your labret stud are on tightly (if applicable). To clean hands, 
use antibacterial soap (i.e., Liquid Dial).

6. Do not play with the piercing for the first 4 to 6 weeks 
beyond the necessary movement for speaking and eating. This can 
cause complications, such as the formation of scar tissue.

7. Twice daily, use a cotton swab (Q-Tip) saturated with Ear 
Care Antiseptic solution to remove any crusty blood plasma 
formation from the exterior of the piercing and jewelry. Cleanse 
the post or ring witht he solution, and gently move the jewelry 
to work the solution onto the inside of the piercing.

Hints and tips:

--Swelling of the lip is normal during initial healing. This  
can be reduced by sucking gently on clean ice, especially  
during the first few days (shaved or chipped ice, or small  
cubes are easiest). Cold foods (ice cream and frozen  yogurt) 
are soothing. --Leave the initial jewelry in for at least 6 to 8 
weeks  before changing it. Allow something to remain in the  
piercing at all times for 6 to 9 months or longer. You may  find 
that even after years, your piercing may shrink or  close. If 
you like it, leave something in it.

--------------------------------------------

 5.7b  Care Instructions for: Body Piercings according to Elayne 
     "Angel" Binnie

Healing time dependent on location of pierce

Cleaning solutions: --Betadine (or other 10% Povidone Iodine).  
Note: Do not use Betadine on gold jewelry, as it will  tarnish. 
--Hibiclens diluted 50/50 with water.  Note: Pre-diluting 
Hibiclens in a clean empty container is  most convenient.

Instructions:

Body piercings need to be cleaned twice daily during the entire 
healing period. Most people clean in the morning and at night in 
the shower.

1. This is most important: Do not touch healing piercings with 
dirty hands!!! Prior to your twice-daily cleanings, wash hands 
thoroughly with antibacterial soap (i.e., Liquid Dial) and hot 
water. As an extra precaution, you can wear disposable latex or 
vinyl gloves.

2. After washing your hands, remove any crusty formation from 
the piercing and jewelry. The formation comes from a secretion 
of blood plasma, which is normal. Removal of this crust is best 
accomplished by rinsing or soaking. A clean cup of warm water 
can be sealed over the area to soak directly, for a few minutes. 
If any stubborn crust remains, use a cotton swab (Q-Tip) 
moistened with warm water to gently scrub away any foreign 
matter. Never pick with fingernails or fingers! Note: As long as 
the piercing secretes this liquid that forms the crust, the 
piercing is still healing, and cleaning procedures should be 
continued.

3. Pour a small handful of the cleaning solution into your clean 
palm and apply it gently to the piercing and its surrounding 
area. Hibiclens will suds lightly, while Betadine will not. 
Cleanse the jewelry and rotate the ring back and forth several 
times to work the solution into the piercing >From each opening.

4. Allow the solution to remain in the piercing to clean for 3 
to 5 minutes.

5. Under running water, carefully rinse the area and rotate the 
jewelry back and forth to completely remove the cleaning 
solution from inside the piercing. Your piercing will likely get 
irritated if you donUt get all the solution out, so rinse 
thoroughly.

6. Finally, pat dry with tissues or other clean, disposable 
paper products. Cloth towels can harbor bacteria, so keep them 
away from healing piercings.

Hints and tips:

--Leave your initial jewelry in during the entire healing  
period.
 --If you like your piercing, leave jewelry in at all times.  
Body piercings can shrink and/or close very quickly, even  after 
years.
 --Avoid oral contact or rough play, as well as contact from  
others' bodily fluids during healing. If you have a genital  
piercing, you must use latex barriers (condoms, dental  dams) to 
prevent such contact even if you are in a  monogamous 
relationship.
 --Make sure your bedding is clean. Change your sheets often  
while your piercing is healing.
 --Threaded jewelry (barbells, circular barbells, etc.) should  
be checked twice daily to make sure the ends are screwed on  
tight.
 --To accelerate healing, take a multi-vitamin/mineral  
supplement with zinc (i.e., Vicon-C).
 --After the first week of healing, use a mild salt-water  
solution of 1/2 tsp to 1 cup of warm water for your pre-  soak, 
instead of plain water.
 --You can use salt water several more times a day to  
accelerate healing. Soak for a few minutes, rinse, then pat  dry 
with disposable paper products. Do not rotate jewelry  with salt 
water - that should only be done with twice-daily  with your 
cleaning solution.
 --Many doctors have no training or experience with piercings,  
and may offer poor advice. In the event that you do get an  
infection, the jewelry should be left in the piercing to  allow 
drainage of pus. If the jewelry is removed, the holes  can close 
and result in an abscess. Feel free to contact us  for 
suggestions on treating infected piercings.

-------------------------------------------

 5.7c  Care Instructions for pierces of: Ear Lobe, Ear Cartilage, 
     Tragus, Conch, Nostril, Septum and Eyebrows according to 
     Elayne "Angel" Binnie

Healing time:   Septum, lobe: 4 to 6 weeks.  Eyebrow: 6 to 8 
weeks.   Nostril, Cartilage, Tragus, Conch: 2 to 3 months

Cleaning solutions: --Ear Care Antiseptic or Bactine diluted 
75/25 with water.  Note: Do not use Hibiclens for ear pierces, 
as this could  lead to deafness!

Instructions:

Piercings must be cleaned 2 to 3 times daily during the entire 
healing period, although over-cleaning can be irritating.

1. This is most important: Do not touch healing piercings with 
dirty hands!!! Prior to your twice-daily cleanings, wash hands 
thoroughly with antibacterial soap (i.e., Liquid Dial) and hot 
water. As an extra precaution, you can wear disposable latex or 
vinyl gloves.

2. Saturate fresh cotton swabs (Q-Tips) with the cleaning 
solution, and use the swab to gently scrub any crusty formation 
from the jewelry and its surrounding area. This is a normal 
secretion of blood plasma, and will continue to appear during 
healing.

3. Use a fresh swab to apply the cleaning solution to the 
jewelry, and gently rotate the ring to slide the solution onto 
the inside of the piercing. Use a different swab for each 
piercing surface. Never dip a used swab into the bottle.

4. At the end of your bath or shower, run clear water ov the 
piercing and jewelry to remove any soap or shampoo residue. This 
will also help loosen up the crust. Don't use cloth towels to 
dry the area. Use tissues or other clean, disposable paper 
products. It's a good idea to clean after your shower.

5. Clean your telephone receiver inside and out with Lysol or 
other disinfectant. Avoid contact with your piercing to any 
public telephone.

6. Make sure your bedding is clean, particularly your pillow 
case.

7. Leave the jewelry in the piercing without changing it for the 
entire initial healing time (see above). For several months 
after the initial healing time, do not try to leave the piercing 
empty, as the hole can shrink or close. If you like your 
piercing, leave jewelry in it to avoid any problems.

8. In the event that the piercing secretes a thick pus discharge 
instead of the more liquid blood plasma, you may wish to see a 
physician for evaluation and possible antibiotic treatment. If 
you do have an infection however, do not remove the jewelry as 
this may worsen your problem. Topical antibiotic ointments 
should not be used for more than a few days as they prevent air 
circulation to the piercing, which is important for healing.

---------------------------------------

 5.7d  Care Instructions for: Tongue Piercings according to Elayne 
     "Angel" Binnie

Healing time:  4 to 6 weeks

Cleaning solutions:

--Listerine or other antibacterial mouthwash and Gly-Oxide or  
Peroxyl (available in the oral medications section of any  
pharmacy).

Instructions:

1. Rinse mouth for 60 seconds with Listerine after anything goes 
in your mouth other than water or ice. This includes coffee, 
tea, soft drinks, all food, smoking or eating utensils. If you 
are not ingesting very often, rinse 12 to 24 times daily. Keep a 
small bottle of Listerine with you so that you can rinse often.

2. Twice daily, rinse for two to three minutes with Gly- Oxide. 
Do not omit this step! This foams inside your mouth, so you 
might want to rinse with water or Listerine afterwards.

3. Keep dirty hands, fingernails, pens, etc. out of your mouth.

4. Refrain from oral sexual contact during the 4 to 6 weeks of 
initial healing. This includes French (wet) kissing as well as 
oral sex, even if you are in a monogamous relationship.

5. With clean hands, check twice daily to make sure the balls on 
your barbell are on tightly (if applicable). To clean hands, use 
antibacterial soap (i.e., Liquid Dial).

6. Do not play with the piercing for the first 4 to 6 weeks 
beyond the necessary movement for speaking and eating. This can 
cause complications, such as the formation of scar tissue.

Hints and tips:

--Swelling of the tongue is normal during initial healing. This 
can be reduced by sucking gently on clean ice, especially during 
the first few days (shaved or chipped ice, or small cubes are 
easiest). Cold foods (ice cream and frozen yogurt) are soothing.

--It is common for the tongue to feel uncoordinated for a while 
after your piercing. This will pass.

--If you remember to keep your tongue level in your mouth while 
eating, the jewelry will not come in contact with your teeth.

--Plaque can form on tongue jewelry (particularly the bottom 
ball of a barbell). Scrub with a toothbrush (gently during 
healing). After the tongue is healed, rinse mouth with Plax or 
other anti-plaque product.

--All healing piercings secrete blood plasma. In other areas of 
the body, this dries and forms a crust. Inside the mouth 
however, it doesn't have a chance to dry. Do not be alarmed if 
you see a secretion coming from the piercing, this is very 
likely the liquid blood plasma, and a normal part of healing.

--If you like it, leave something in it. Even after an extended 
period, the hole may shrink or close if you take the jewelry 
out.

-----------------------------------------------

5.8   The Healing Process - Is My Piercing Fully Healed? 
    by Thor (because the author prefers to remain anonymous, please 
    forward all responses to ardvark@richmond.infi.net)
 
What exactly does the term "healed" mean when we talk about piercings? 
Some make the mistake of assuming that when their piercings have stopped
bleeding/oozing/hurting, they're "healed". Unfortunately, it's not quite
that simple and in these days of HIV and Hepatitis, being too optimistic
can be a grave danger because an un-healed piercing is a passageway for
bacteria and viruses into your body.
 
When your body detects the foreign material you've stuck in there, the
first reaction is to clamp up the skin around it to prevent bleeding.
Then, as the capillaries in the surrounding tissues have closed up, the
body tries to get rid of the disturbance. This is what is sometimes known
as "rejection" or "growing out" and it can go on for months. In broad
terms, we can say that a piercing that "moves" of its own (as opposed to,
say, earlobe piercings getting stretched by heavy jewellery) is definitely
NOT yet healed. As long as the piercing moves, the body still retains its
hope of getting rid of it completely and this can be seen by the speed the
hole closes up with if the jewellery is removed.
 
A truly healed piercing is a variation of what in medical terms is called
a "fistula". When the body gives up on rejecting the foreign object, it
encapsulates it, creating a "tunnel of skin" between the entry and exit
holes. Only when this new skin has formed and had time
to grew strong enough not to break when the jewellery is moved, can you
consider the piercing "healed". When you've reached this stage, the
piercing will NEVER go away unless you have the skin of the fistula
removed. As anybody who's had an earlobe piercing for a year or so can
testify, removing the jewellery does not mean the piercing goes away.  It
may shrink in size, forcing you to re-stretch it to insert heavy-gauge
jeewllery, but it will still be there even if you leave it unused for years.
 
A rule of thumb is: A piercing is healed when you can remove all jewellery
from it over-night and re-insert it next morning without pain or trouble.
Whenever you're thinking about putting your new piercing in close contact
with any other person, I recommend that you try this, as a test. Remove
the jewllery over-night and if the hole closes up (or even if you're just
worried that it will!), you're not ready - wait another month! This may
seem harsh ("You mean I have to risk losing this piercing that I went
through so much trouble for?"), but consider the dangers. Are you prepared
to risk a bad infection just because you can't wait for proper healing?
 
Of course, if you follow my advice and it turns out the piercing does
close up, you may be out of luck. Forcing jewellery back in will be
painful, if it can be done at all, and may set back the healing process
quite a bit. Which is why it's all the more important NOT to rush things.
Do NOT delude yourself into thinking your nipple is healed in two weeks.
It is not. No way. The inner labia and hood piercings on women and the PA
on men are the fastest-healing piercings and they *may* be ready for
playing with within a month, but there's no guarantee. Any piercing that
goes through thicker skin (earlobes, nipples, navels, hafadas, outer
labia) WILL take longer. And if the skin is moving around (navel and
hafada being prime examples), the "tube" of the fistula may never
get a chance to form in peace and the piercing may fail to heal no matter
how much time and care you give it.

-- 
                                  * Ardvark *  
                                Anne  Greenblatt
                  Piercing FAQ Manager for rec.arts.bodyart
                Proprietor - Piercing Exquisite, Richmond, Va.
                 COMING SOON IN THE NEW YEAR  *  THE WEBPAGE!