Aftercare Products
Your Studio
Assuming you were pierced at a reputable studio, they will probably have their own recommended aftercare products and regime. While, certainly, they may not be the best possible approach, by sticking to what your studio knows, it makes it much easier to return to them for advice if and when you need it.Speaking of advice, if you have problems with the healing of any pierce, most studios will be happy to offer advice as should your local doctor be - though sadly doctors are not always as understanding as piercing studios. If there's anything you're concerned about, get advice. If you're not comfortable with the studio that pierced you, go to another studio for a "second opinion". Wherever you choose, getting professional advice can and will save you a lot of trouble in the long run.
Products
Stong antiseptics are only really necessary in the case of an infection, so you'll probably not need them. As they tend towards having side effects (see below), it is best to try and avoid their use unless they really are needed.
Hibitane
Hibitane should not be used on the face as it can cause both blindness and deafness.
Betadine
Betadine may discolour gold or plastic jewlery.
Bactine
Bactine contains a small amount of lidocaine (a numbing agent) and so is useful for pierces that may get disturbed (such as ear pierces that get slept on).
Neutrogena Antiseptic Cleaner
A good alternative to Bactine, without the lidocaine, so ideal for those with lidocaine allergies.
Salt Water Soak
Salt Water is very good for loosening up deposits. It also uses osmosis to draw infections away from the pierce. Most studios we've used strongly recommend using salt water. Even if you're using an antibacterial wash, use salt water first to clean the deposits from the site.To prepare a salt water wash, use sea salt as opposed to table salt (though table salt will work if you can not get hold of sea salt). Mix quarter to a half a teaspoon of salt with half a pint (280ml) of boiling water and then allow it to cool to just above body temperature.
With most piercings, simply keeping it clean and free of bacteria is enough. The body is good at healing on its own when left to get on with it.
Some example antibacterial soaps and washes are:
Antibacterial Dial Liquid or White Bar
Not for sensitive skin.
Jergens Antibacterial Soap
Gentle on the skin.
Lever 2000 Antibacterial Soap
Neutrogena Bar Soap
Spectro-Jel 2000
For sensitive skin.
Anbesol
Anbesol is suitable for the inside of the lips and for tongues. It stings a little when it goes on but will numb the area.
Mouthwash
You should try and choose an anti-bacterial mouthwash. Choosing one that is alcohol free is also worth doing as it will help the swelling come down a little sooner.Using too much mouthwash may kill off the natural bacteria of your mouth - causing bad breath etc. If this happens, switch to a salt water wash.
SoulThief
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This page was last updated on Sunday 03rd 2000f September 2000