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There are many different methods out there for proper healing of Tattoos and Piercings. Firstly, be sure you are getting your work from a licensed piercer /tattooist, not your friends apartment.

As Sailor Jerry once said, "A good tattoo ain't cheap, and a cheap tattoo ain't good."

This sticky is meant as a guide, and by all means, listen to your personal piercer or your tattoo artist in regards to aftercare. Only take advice from a professional! Your health is at risk when dealing with new open wounds and punctures. Improper instructions and methods can lead to serious infections, illness, even gangrene.


exclaim Wash your tattoo with a fragrance free anti-bacterial soap (like Dial, or Satin) and warm water. Never use a washcloth (as this can harbor bacteria), only use your fingertips. Do NOT scrub. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a disposable paper towel.

exclaim Apply a very thin layer of the A&D ointment (Preperation H is even better. It has Shark Liver Oil in it, SOOO GOOD for healing. Aquaphor is OK too) provided by your artist. Wipe off any excess. Repeat this procedure with clean hands as often as your artist recomended, for the next day or two. (Any excess ointment on your wound can cause infection or scabbing)

exclaim After approximately 24 hours (or as indicated by your artist), begin applying a thin layer of Lubriderm "Original Formula" lotion provided by your artist 3-5 times daily until your skin is completely healed (approximately 1-4 weeks)

exclaim Healing time can vary from client to client. It is very important that you follow your instructions carefully.

exclaim DO NOT soak your tattoo in any bodies of water, including oceans, lakes, rivers, hot tubs, swimming pools, or bathtubs. These all harbor large amounts of harmful bacteria and will promote infection and complications.

exclaim DO NOT expose your tattoo to the sun or sunlamps for at least 3 weeks. To preserve the vibrancy of your tattoo, after your tattoo is completely healed, use a high SPF sun screen over your tattoo every time you expose it to the sun.

OK PRODUCTS TO USE ON HEALING TATTOOS:
arrow A&D
arrow Preperation H (the ointment kind, not the creme)
arrow Aquaphor
arrow Dial
arrow Satin
arrow H2Ocean (the lotion only)
arrow Lubriderm "Original Formula" lotion

Use any of these products lightly. Do not slather on a ton of lotion or ointment. Just keep it moisturized with a thin layer.

Picking/scratching your tattoo will lift the healing color right out of your skin, leaving you with a misshaped, blotchy, ugly tattoo.

Going into the sun while your tattoo is healing will remove color as well.

Keep it covered under loose clothing (no tight clothes, your tattoo needs to breath), and if you're home alone, wear nothing at all over it. Seriously.


NOTE: If an infection does occur (like Staph), keep your tattoo CLEAN and apply HydroCortizone cream like lotion, it will clear up in few days. You can find it at any pharmacy/grocery type store.

To prevent such infections, keep your hands clean when touching your tattoo, wear CLEAN clothes, and sleep in CLEAN sheets. You have a large wound now, treat it as such!

ORAL AFTERCARE

Use either one or both of the following solutions for inside the mouth:

-Antimicrobial or antibacterial alcohol-free mouth rinse*
-Packaged sterile saline solution* with no additives (read the label!) or non-iodized sea salt mixture: Dissolve 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized (iodine free) sea salt into one cup (8 oz) of warm distilled or bottled water. A stronger mixture is not better! Saline solution that is too strong can irritate the piercing. (If you have high blood pressure or a heart condition, please check with your doctor before using a saline product inside the mouth as your primary cleaning solution.)

CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSIDE THE MOUTH
Rinse mouth 4-5 times daily with cleaning solution for 30-60 seconds after meals and at bedtime during the entire healing period. If you over clean, it may cause discoloration or irritation of tongue.

CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE EXTERIOR OF LABRET (CHEEK AND LIP) PIERCINGS

Soak in saline solution and/or wash with liquid antimicrobial or germicidal soap* as described below:

1) WASH your hands thoroughly prior to cleaning, or touching on or near your piercing for any reason.

2) SALINE soak at least two to three times daily. Simply soak directly in a cup of warm saline solution for a few minutes. The longer you soak, the better. For certain placements it may be easier to apply using fresh gauze or a cotton ball saturated with saline solution. A brief rinse will remove any residue
.
3) SOAP no more than once or twice a day. While showering, lather up a pearl size drop of the soap to clean the jewelry and the piercing. Leave the cleanser on the piercing no more than thirty seconds, then rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of the soap from the piercing.

4) DRY with disposable paper products such as gauze or tissues, because cloth towels can harbor bacteria and catch on new piercings causing injury. Pat gently to avoid trauma.

WHAT IS NORMAL?

arrow For the first three to five days: significant swelling, light bleeding, bruising, and/or tenderness.
arrow After that: Some swelling, light secretion of a whitish yellow fluid (not pus).
arrow A piercing may seem healed before healing is complete. This is because piercings heal from the outside in, and although it feels healed the tissue remains fragile on the inside. BE PATIENT, and Keep cleaning throughout the entire healing period.
arrow Even healed piercings can shrink or close in minutes after having been there for years! This varies from person to person; if you like your piercing, leave the jewelry in place.


WHAT TO DO

To help reduce swelling
arrow Allow small pieces of ice to dissolve in the mouth.
arrow Take an over the counter, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory such as Ibuprofen or Naproxyn Sodium* according to package instructions.
arrow Sleep with your head elevated above your heart during the first few nights.

To maintain good oral hygiene
arrow Use a new soft-bristled toothbrush and keep it clean.
arrow Brush your teeth, and use your chosen rinse (saline or mouthwash) after every meal.
arrow During healing floss daily, and gently brush your teeth, tongue and jewelry. Once healed, brush the jewelry more thoroughly to avoid plaque build up.

Stay healthy
arrow The healthier your lifestyle, the easier it will be for your piercing to heal.
arrow Get enough sleep and eat a nutritious diet.

WHAT TO AVOID

arrow DO NOT PLAY WITH THE JEWELRY. Long term effects of playing with, and clicking the jewelry against the teeth can result in permanent damage to teeth and other oral structures.
arrow Avoid undue trauma; excessive talking or playing with the jewelry during healing can cause the formation of unsightly and uncomfortable scar tissue, migration, and other complications.
arrow Avoid oral sexual contact including French (wet) kissing or oral sex during healing (even with a long term partner).
arrow Avoid smoking! It increases risks and lengthens healing time.
arrow Avoid stress and all recreational drug use.
arrow Avoid any aspirin or alcohol, and large amounts of caffeine.
arrow Avoid submerging in bodies of water such as lakes, pools, bathtubs, etc.

ORAL PIERCING HINTS AND TIPS

Jewelry
arrow Because this necessary jewelry change may occur during healing, it should be done by a qualified piercer.
arrow With clean hands or paper product, be sure to regularly check threaded ends on your jewelry for tightness (“Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey”).
arrow Carry a clean spare ball in case of loss or breakage.
arrow Contact your piercer if your jewelry must be temporarily removed (such as for a medicalprocedure). There are non-metallic jewelry alternatives.

Eating
arrow Slowly eat small bites of food, placed directly onto the molars.
arrow Avoid eating spicy, salty, acidic, or hot temperature foods or beverages for a few days.
arrow Cold foods and beverage are soothing and help reduce swelling.
arrow For tongue piercing, try to keep your tongue level in your mouth as you chew and swallow.
arrow For labret (cheek and lip) piercings: Be cautious about opening your mouth too wide as this can result in the backing of the jewelry catching on the teeth.


arrow Each body is unique and healing times vary considerably. If you have any questions, please contact your piercer.

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. If you suspect an infection, seek medical attention. Keep in mind that the removal of jewelry can lead to further complications. Be aware that many doctors have not received specific training regarding piercing. Your local piercer may be able to refer you to a piercing friendly medical professional.