BODY PIERCING AFTER CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Each time body piercing is performed, the client (and if applicable, the parent, managing conservator, or guardian) shall receive oral and written instructions on the care of the area pierced.

PLEASE FOLLOW THESE AFTER CARE INSTRUCTIONS:

• Wash your hands thoroughly prior to cleaning or touching your piercing for any reason.

• Properly cleanse the pierced area by using antibacterial or antimicrobial soap for the external skin and or an

antiseptic or salt water mouthwash for the oral cavity (mouth) no more than once or twice a day.

• For at least the first six weeks, minimize exposure to dirt and filth.

• Salt water soak for five to ten minutes once per day. Invert a cup of warm salt water solution over the area

to form a vacuum. For certain piercings it may be easier to apply using clean gauze or paper towels

saturated with salt water solution. A brief rinse afterward will remove any residue.

• Dry by gently patting with clean, disposable paper products. Cloth towels can harbor bacteria and snag on

jewelry, causing injury.

• Use sterile bandage(s) or other sterile dressing(s) when necessary.

THINGS TO AVOID:

• Avoid cleaning with Betadine®, Hibiciens®, alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Dial® or other harsh soaps, as

these can damage cells. Also avoid ointments as they prevent necessary air circulation.

• Avoid Bactine®, pierced ear care solutions and other products containing Benzalkonium Chloride (BZK).

These can be irritating and are not intended for long term wound care.

• Avoid over-cleaning. This can delay your healing and irritate your piercing.

• Avoid undue trauma such as friction from clothing, excessive motion of the area, playing with the jewelry,

and vigorous cleaning. These activities can cause the formation of unsightly and uncomfortable scar tissue,

migration, prolonged healing, and other complications.

• Avoid all oral contact, rough play, and contact with others’ bodily fluids on or near your piercing during

healing.

• Avoid submerging the piercing in unhygienic bodies of water such as lakes, pools, hot tubs, etc.

If you have any issues with the healing of your new piercing, please contact the artist or shop owner

for assistance. The client shall consult a health care practitioner at the first sign of infection or allergic

reaction, and report any diagnosed infection, allergic reaction or adverse reaction resulting from the

body piercing to the artist and to the Texas Department of State Health Services, Drugs and Medical

Devices Group at 1-888-839-6676.