Tongue Piercing Aftercare and Healing Instructions

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General Care
Your new piercing is a wound, not much different from a scrape or cut anywhere else on your body. Do not be alarmed if you feel tenderness, redness, crusting, scabbing, or even bleeding from your piercing. All of these conditions are possible and some, likely to affect you and your piercing.

A natural process you have to go through when you get a new piercing is the healing and hardening of your piercing wall. Your body lets out a clear / yellow liquid to help protect itself from infection and exposure to harmful situations. This liquid, though a little on the gross side, is normal and good. Much like a pimple will excrete a clear liquid to close the wound once you have opened it, your new piercing tried to coat the raw areas with this same protective substance. All you should be concerned about during this initial process of healing is to keep the crusty build-up from getting infected. (see below for cleaning instructions)

Lastly, keep your hands clean at all times! Every time you or one of your friends touches your piercing or body piercing jewelry with hands that have not recently been washed, you run a high risk of infection. Although it is hard to refrain yourself from showing off that new belly ring, nose ring, or brow ring – Keep it to a minimum until it’s healed. It will surely be a healthier piercing that people actually want to see!

In conclusion, your new piercing is an awesome addition to what makes you unique. Respect your piercing, your body and your health. By far, doing this will keep your piercing clean, safe, attractive, and fun!

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin IB) is very commonly used to reduce swelling, tenderness, and pain associated with your new body piercings. It is recommended, however that this be used only if necessary (personal pain tolerance).

Vitamin B with Zinc

This can be picked up at any local pharmacy. Taken daily, it will help in the overall healing and comfort of your new piercing.


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Keeping The Area Clean

This is the most important rule to follow with your new piercing. The absolute best time to clean your piercing is during or following a hot shower. The steam and heat help break up and loosen the crusty build-up that forms around your body jewelry and piercing.


1 Wash and lather your hands in the shower or immediately after your shower. Clean the pierced area gently, but thoroughly.
2 Using a clean tissue, cotton ball, cotton square, or cotton swab (such as Q-tips), gently clean the area around your piercing to remove the crusty build-up. This process is most effective if done at least twice a day during your initial healing period. This is also a good time to clean body piercing jewelry itself. (see jewelry cleaning below)

Anti-bacterial Soap

Careful – Read this part carefully – When we say Anti-Bacterial Soap, we do not refer to the standard supermarket brands (Dial, etc.). These brands have fragrances and other “make believe” ingredients that can irritate your piercing. We recommend medical grade anti-bacterial soap such as Satin or Provone. Satin is available here in our store, Provone can sometimes be found at your local pharmacy.

Sea Salt Soaks (table salt can be substituted for similar affect)

After proper cleaning of your piercing and piercing jewelry with anti-bacterial soap, it is recommended that you clean the area with a sea salt and water mixture. Again, this technique promotes faster, healthier healing piercings. Mix ¼ teaspoon of salt with a full 8oz glass of warm water. In the shower or other safe place (sometimes works best laying back) slowly pour most of the mixture directly in the area of your piercing. Leave a little in the cup so you can clean it more thoroughly using a clean cotton ball or square. You may also choose to use a cotton swab (such as Q-Tips).



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Cleaning your New Body Jewelry

Cleaning your jewelry is extremely important. Even though all of our jewelry is crafted in materials such as 316L surgical stainless steel, it can still carry bacteria if not cleaned properly, effectively, and frequently. As a general rule, NEVER PUT IN A NEW PIECE OF BODY JEWELRY WITHOUT FIRST CLEANING AND DISINFECTING IT.

Jewelry Cleaning Instruction for new piercings that can’t be removed yet

Typically, your experienced piercer will recommend a piece of body jewelry that is “clean friendly”. Because you have to leave in your piercing during the initial healing process, it is extra important to clean and maintain your piercing jewelry. Rotate the piercing jewelry so that the ball from the barbell rests on your skin. Using anti-bacterial soap (NO ALCOHOL OR HYDROGEN PEROXIDE), lather your jewelry, scrubbing it between your fingers. Rinse very well with hot / warm water before spinning the piercing back into your body. Be gentle, remember it is still a new wound. After lathering one side and thoroughly rinsing it, spin the ball to the other direction and do the same thing with the anti-bacterial soap. Rinse thoroughly.

After the Shower

If your piercing jewelry has a threaded ball on it, here is a recommended, but slightly optional technique. Unscrew the ball to the left (do this step one ball at a time). Rinse the ball thoroughly with hot or warm water, anti-bacterial soap. A cotton swab is most helpful in this process. Place the ball in a safe place and clean the threaded area of your piercing post in the same manner. You will likely find small pieces of the healing crust as well as dead skin cells, etc on the post and ball before cleaning them. Thus, we clean them! After this process is complete, blot dry your piercing with a clean tissue or cotton square and re-screw the ball to the right)

Jewelry Cleaning Instruction for existing piercings that can be removed temporarily

Remove your body jewelry slowly. Make sure you do not misplace the ball! Using anti-bacterial soap (NO ALCOHOL OR HYDROGEN PEROXIDE), lather your jewelry, scrubbing it between your fingers. Rinse very well with hot / warm water Unscrew the ball to the left (do this step one ball at a time). Rinse the ball thoroughly with hot or warm water, and anti-bacterial soap. A cotton swab is most helpful in this process. Place the ball in a safe place and clean the threaded area of your piercing post in the same manner. You will likely find small pieces of the healing crust as well as dead skin cells, etc on the post and ball before cleaning them. Thus, we clean. Rinse thoroughly.




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Tips From the Pros

1 Wear loose, clean, and ventilated clothing in the area of your piercing jewelry. This reduces infections and promotes a healthier, well ventilated piercing.
2 Check your piercing daily to insure that the ends are nice and tight (by ends, we mean dice, balls, spikes, etc.). Cleaning your jewelry daily will prevent your jewelry from “locking up”. When a piercing ball or other end is not removed regularly for cleaning, the crusty buildup from your body get’s inside the threads and makes it virtually impossible to remove. If this happens, do not attempt to force it open yourself. Make an appointment with your local piercer who has special tools to easily remove it.
3 Do not use over the counter ointments such as Neosporin or Bacitracin. These products will prolong the healing and closing process of your new piercing. Simply keep it clean, fresh, and dry.
4 Do not remove your piercing for more than a couple of minutes if you ever have to. Certain piercing will close in a matter of hours. The best solution is to use retainers. We offer retainers for most major piercings.
5 Drink a substantial amount of water each day. This helps to keep you hydrated and results a healthier body all around.
6 Avoid your piercing making contact with makeup or lotions on your body.
7 Pick up some vitamin B with Zinc at the pharmacy. Taken during your piercing healing process can help reduce pain, tenderness, and swelling.
8 Match your piercing with your activities… Because the price of piercing jewelry has come down so much in the last years (Thanks in large to us!), it is easy and affordable to match your piercing with your style, mood, or activity. Save the dainty chain dangle belly rings for the hip huggers and low cut shirt! Once you are comfortable changing your jewelry (and you will be), use this to your advantage and coordinate. You can coordinate not only color, but you can also coordinate comfort. When you go to sleep at night after a night on the town, change that dangle for a comfortable and safe retainer, or simple ring that won’t snag on your clothes or sheets while you sleep.


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Choosing the Right Body Jewelry For You

Choose the right size – As a general rule, your new piercing will swell. Because of this, it is important both for comfort and proper healing, that you begin with a longer piece of body jewelry. This does not apply to all piercings, but specifically the tongue, lip, brow, and nipples. Once the swelling has subsided, you will decide if you prefer a longer or shorter barbell.

Choose the right style – Body jewelry is no different than any other piece of jewelry. It is meant to look good! Body jewelry was never designed to wear to sleep, to exercise, or to swim. We carry a large variety of pieces that will bring you more comfort as well as extend the life of your jewelry. Retainers are a great way to keep your piercing from getting in the way of your ZZZZs.

Create your own Jewelry – Most people do not realize the endless combination possibilities of body jewelry. Because all of our ends (dice, balls, soukes, etc.) have universal threads, it is quite easy and very inexpensive to buy replacement ends to completely change the look of your piercing jewelry. Check out our “Loose Items” section for replacement ends and add ons.



This Aftercare Guide is a relatively long, but very complete guide. The above information was meant to be a condensed version of this guide. Special Thanks to Safepiercing.org for allowing us to share this information with you

CLEANING SOLUTIONS

A mild liquid antimicrobial/germicidal medicated soap such as Provon or Satin, and water. Inferior alternatives include products such as Almay Clearly Natural, Hypocare, NutriBiotic; or other mild, fragrance- and color-free liquid antibacterial soap. These should possibly be diluted with distilled or bottled water, depending on product strength. Also, mild non-iodized (no iodine) sea salt soaks as described below.

SALT WATER SOAKS

Mild sea salt water soaks are strongly suggested at least once a day to accelerate healing and increase your comfort. This may also help to reduce irritation in the area. Dissolve a pinch (1/4 teaspoon) of sea salt into one cup (8 oz.) of warm or hot water in a clean cup. Distilled water is optimal. A stronger solution is not better as you can burn your piercing with too much salt. Invert it over the area to form a vacuum and soak directly for a few minutes. For certain placements it is easier to use a clean cotton ball or gauze pad soaked in the salt water and applied to the pierced area. Follow with a clear water rinse or splash then pat dry with paper products.

Salt water soaks help to stimulate air and blood circulation which facilitates healing. You can do a brief salt water soak before your daily cleaning(s) as well as several additional times a day. It is particularly advisable to soak before you do anything active, as it will prevent crust from being pulled inside the piercing as you move around. Salt water is the only additional product (other than the cleanser and water) we suggest you use to care for your piercing.

One soak per day should be for at least a few minutes. Additional soaks can be brief (1 minute or so) and still be effective for soothing the area and removing matter.

CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS

Body piercings need to be cleaned once or twice daily, every day, for the entire initial healing time. Most people clean morning and/or night, in the shower. Do not clean more often as this can irritate your piercing, and possibly delay your healing. For once-a-day cleanings, do it at the end of your day. Optimal frequency will depend on your skin sensitivity, activity level, and environmental factors.

Before cleanings wash hands thoroughly with liquid antibacterial soap and hot water. If you wish, you may wear disposable latex or vinyl gloves and/or also use a hand sanitizing gel. Never, never touch healing piercings with dirty hands. This is vital for avoiding infections.

Prepare the area for the cleansing by rinsing or soaking with warm water and be sure to remove any stubborn crust using a cotton swab and warm water. Never pick with fingernails! This step is important for your comfort.
Apply a small handful of cleaning solution to the area with your clean hands. Cleanse the area and the jewelry, and gently rotate the jewelry back and forth a few times to work the solution to the inside. (You do not need to rotate your jewelry during the first several cleanings).

Allow the solution to cleanse there for a minute. You may bathe normally, just don't purposely work anything other than the cleanser onto the inside of the piercing.

Rinse the area thoroughly under running water, while rotating the jewelry back and forth to completely remove the cleanser from the inside and outside of the piercing.

Gently pat dry with disposable paper products such as gauze or tissues, as cloth towels can harbor bacteria.

Please try to be patient. Each body is unique, and healing times can vary considerably. If your piercing is tender or secreting you should continue the care regimen, even if it is past the stated average healing time range.

WHAT IS NORMAL

Bleeding, bruising, discoloration and/or swelling is not uncommon. Any break in the skin, including a new piercing can bleed or bruise. These are not indications of any complication. Reduce intake of aspirin, alcohol, and caffeine. For above-the-neck piercings try sleeping with your head elevated above your heart (prop up on some pillows) to limit overnight swelling. Studies show non-steroidal anti-inflammatory products such as Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.) can help minimize swelling.

Some tenderness or discomfort in the area of a new piercing is not unusual. You may feel stinging, burning, aching or other unpleasant sensations off and on for several days or longer. During healing there may be some itching.

Secretion of a fluid which contains blood plasma, lymph and dead cells is perfectly normal. It is fairly liquid, whitish-yellow in color and forms a crust on the jewelry at the openings of the piercing. This is not pus, but indicates a healing piercing.

Once healed your piercing may secrete a semi-solid white malodorous substance from the oil glands called sebum. This is not pus, but indicates a healed piercing.

Piercings may have a tendency to have a series of "ups and downs" during healing by seeming healed and then regressing. Try to be patient, and do keep cleaning during the entire initial healing time, even if the piercing seems healed sooner.

Tightness is normal. Do not expect jewelry to swing freely in most body piercings, even after they are thoroughly healed.

WHAT TO DO

Wash your hands prior to contact on or near the area of your healing piercing!

Leave the piercing alone except for when you are cleaning it. It is not necessary or advisable to rotate the ring while healing except during cleanings.

Leave the starter jewelry in during the entire minimum initial healing time! (Assuming your initial jewelry is appropriate in terms of metal content, style, and size. Inappropriate jewelry should be changed out by a professional.) Those with captive-style rings or barbells (straight, bent, or circular) can change the bead/ball portion of the jewelry at any time.
Check twice daily with clean hands to make sure the balls are screwed on tight on threaded jewelry such as barbells. Both balls tighten to the right.
If you like your piercing leave jewelry in at all times. Even old, well-healed piercings can shrink or close in minutes after having been there for years! This varies from person to person, and even if your ear lobe piercings stay open without jewelry your body piercing may not! Contact your piercer if your jewelry must be temporarily removed (such as for a medical procedure). Monofilament nylon or another inert non-metallic substance may be able to be inserted to maintain the piercing until jewelry can be reinserted.

Make sure your bedding is clean and changed frequently while you are healing, especially if pets get into your bed.

Wear clean, comfortable, breathable fabric clothing in the area of a body piercing.

A multi-vitamin mineral supplement containing zinc and vitamin C may help boost your body's healing abilities. Take it with your morning meal according to package instructions.

Get enough sleep, eat a nutritious diet, avoid undue stress, recreational drugs, and alcohol consumption. The healthier your lifestyle, the easier it will be for your piercing to heal.

Showering is safer than taking a bath, as bath tubs tend to harbor bacteria. To bathe safely, clean your tub with a bleach product before each bath, and rinse the tub before you fill it. Also, be sure to do a running water rinse on your piercing when you are done in the tub.
In the event that the piercing drains a thick pus discharge instead of the normal liquid secretion, you may wish to see a physician for evaluation and possible antibiotic treatment. If you do have an infection, the jewelry should be left in the piercing to allow for drainage of pus. If the jewelry is removed, the holes can close up, resulting in an abscess. LEAVE YOUR JEWELRY IN !

WHAT TO AVOID

Don't use alcohol, peroxide, Betadine or Hibiclens as they are overly strong and drying which can hinder healing.

Don't apply any ointment such as Bacitracin, Neosporin or any triple antibiotic ointment on your piercing. These prevent oxygen from reaching the wound and form a sticky residue which can cause complications. They are not designed for use on healing piercings.

Don't over clean. Cleaning more often than once or twice a day is NOT better. This can delay your healing and irritate your piercing.

Don't use too many different products; select and use only one cleaning solution (such as Provon or Satin) plus sea salt.

Avoid oral contact, rough play, and contact with others' bodily fluids on or near your piercing during healing.

Don't use bandaids on a healing piercing. They limit air circulation and the adhesive can irritate the surrounding area.

Avoiding sleeping on a piercing during healing is advisable.

Don't hang charms or any object from your jewelry until the piercing is fully healed.

Avoid submerging your piercings in water such as pools, lakes, jacuzzis, etc. unless you feel confident that the water is clean enough for you and an open wound (which is what your piercing is while it is healing). Most bodies of water harbor large amounts of bacteria. If there is sea life, motor oil or children in the water it is not clean enough!

If you are going to be in water of questionable cleanliness, use a breathable, non water-permeable wound sealant such as Tegaderm or Clean Seals (available at drugstores and pharmacies) before you go in, to protect yourself and prevent dirty water from getting inside your open wound. Cleaning afterwards is not likely to be effective in preventing infection.

Exercise during healing is fine, just "listen" to your body. Try to avoid activities that put undue stress on the area. Your own sweat and bodily fluids are not harmful to your piercing, provided you clean daily as directed.

DISCLAIMER

These guidelines are based on a combination of vast professional experience, common sense, research, and extensive clinical practice. This is not to be considered a substitute for medical advice from a doctor. Be aware, however, that many doctors have no specific training or experience regarding piercing and may not be educated on how to best assist you.