Flesh, Inc. - The Finest Body Piercing Jewelry : Healing and Aftercare Frequently Asked Questions

Healing and Aftercare FAQ

FAQ's

A Normal Piercing
· May be tender, swollen, itchy and/or slightly red for a few weeks.
· May bleed a little for the first few days.
· May secrete a whitish-yellow fluid which crusts on the jewelry. This is not puss.
· May tighten around the jewelry as it heals, making turning a little difficult when dry.

How Should I Clean My Piercings ?
· Use a gentle antiseptic containing Benzalkonium Chloride or Benzethonium Chloride.
Special ear piercing antiseptic called Ear Care Solution is very gentle.
If you can't find this, try Bactine, although since this product contains fragrance and other potential irritants, we suggest you dilute it 50% with water.
· Wash hands thoroughly before touching the piercing or the jewelry. Using a fresh cotton swab, remove any crusted matter, then rotate a little aftercare solution gently into the piercing. Rotate the jewelry back and forth several times. Rinse off any excess aftercare solution and repeat.
· Clean the piercing no more than two times a day. Over cleaning can damage the skin cells and undercleaning may invite an infection. When your not cleaning the piercing, Leave it alone !

What Else Can I Do ?
· Many Piercees have found that Vitamin C ( 3000 mg in mineral ascorbate form ), Multivitamins and a Zinc supplement ( Women : 60 mg, Men : 120mg, for about two weeks ), accelerate healing and regeneration of tissue.
· Hot Soaks and Compresses with the optional addition of ¼ tsp of Sea Salt per cup of clean water are strongly suggested for all piercings. Make a compress with clean paper towels to insure cleanliness. You can do this one or two times daily for about 10-15 minutes.

When Can I Remove or Change the Jewelry ?
· Many Piercees have found that Vitamin C ( 3000 mg in mineral ascorbate form ), Multivitamins and a Zinc supplement ( Women : 60 mg, Men : 120mg, for about two weeks ), accelerate healing and regeneration of tissue.
· Hot Soaks and Compresses with the optional addition of ¼ tsp of Sea Salt per cup of clean water are strongly suggested for all piercings. Make a compress with clean paper towels to insure cleanliness. You can do this one or two times daily for about 10-15 minutes.

Do I have an Infection?
Infections are caused by contact with bacteria, fungi or other living pathogens.
Piercing infections can usually be traced to one of the following activities :
· Touching the piercing with unwashed hands or letting someone else touch the piercing.
· Oral contact with the piercing, including your own saliva.
· Allowing body fluids to contact the piercing ( N.B., your urine is sterile to your own body )
· Contact with hair, cosmetics, oils, infrequently washed clothing and bedding or other agents.
· Going into a pool, hot tub, lake or other body of water. The Ocean is the best way to ensure a thorough sea salt soak !

How Can I Tell if I Have an Infection?
While these symptoms may also indicate other problems, look for the following indications of infection :
· Redness and Swelling
· Pain, especially throbbing or spreading pain.
· A sensation of heat around the piercing.
· Unusual discharge. ( The color of the discharge will vary ).

I Think I Have an Infection. What Should I Do?
· A call to your piercer will save any anxiety, if possible visit your piercer and show him/her the problem. Also, be sure to tell him/her , about any circumstances which may have led to the infection.
· DO NOT REMOVE THE JEWELRY !! This will aggravate the problem by closing off the drainage for the matter.
· A visit to your friendly physician is never inappropriate.

Common Problems You Can Avoid
· Overcleaning, vigorous cleaning or using a cleanser that is too strong can produce symptoms very similar to an infection.
· Friction caused by tight or heavy clothing, rough sexual activity during healing or excessive movement of the area can cause soreness, keloids, discharge and rejection/migration.
· Stress, poor diet or illness can cause longer healing times and in some cases rejection/migration of the jewelry.
· Occasionally the jewelry you choose for your piercing may not be appropriate, your piercer will be happy to discuss this with you.

What's This Bump on My Piercing?
There are three basic types of "bump" that may develop near or on a piercing. Keloids, Abscesses Follicular Cysts. These are all caused by different things. If you can determine what the bump is and what caused it to develop, then you can make plans to get rid of it. The following methods are those practised by many piercers to successfully get rid of a bump that may appear on or around a piercing. While we cannot offer any recommendations, we hope that these suggestions are helpful to you. Remember these are only suggestions and some or none of these may be effective for you. Some of these methods are quite strong. Always try the gentlest methods first. Try only one method at a time and repeat the treatment for at least a week to see how it's working. Keep in contact with your piercer so that he/she can evaluate your progress and possibly offer assistance.

Keloids.
· Keloids are excess scar tissue growth formed as a callous by your body to protect the piercing from uncomfortable friction. Piercees with more skin pigment may be at a slightly higher risk of developing a Keloid, but if the piercing is well cared for , the risk will diminish. Keloids can be difficult to get rid of so it's best to avoid circumstances that encourage Keloid development.
Keloids are usually caused by :
· Tight, restrictive or rough clothing that rubs against the piercing
· Inappropriate jewelry thickness, diameter or style.
· Poor placement of the jewelry.
To get rid of Keloids :
· Avoid tight, restrictive or rough clothing that rubs against the piercing
· Watch out for bedding, clothing, towels, helmets, hairbrushes and other sources of friction.
· Placement of jewelry should be well matched. If necessary, have your piercer change the jewelry or repierce.
· Aspirin is especially effective for oral piercings.

Abscesses.
Follow instructions as for Keloids and Follicular Cysts, additionally you may try
· Herbal Compresses
· Not stretching, playing with or removing the jewelry too soon
· Being very careful with multiple piercings or repiercings, particularly second nipple piercings.

Follicular Cysts.
These have a very serious sounding name, but they are usually nothing more than an obstuction (a hair perhaps or maybe some dead skin cells ) inside the piercing that causes lymph to accumulate, forming a liquid filled bump. The area may be a little red and tender. It may also bleed a little.
To get rid of Follicular Cysts :
· Change the jewelry. Rings that are too tight may cause pressure, especially after the piercing has begun to swell and rings that are too large in diameter may catch on clothing and towels. If fluid is trapped in the piercing, downsizing the gauge and/or the diameter/length can sometimes be all that's required.Be sure to consult with you piercer so that together you can select the appropriate jewelry that will accelerate the healing process.

Hydration.
Soaking the area in clean warm water (as warm as is comfortably possible) or applying warm compresses (clean gauze or wet paper towels) for fifteen minutes at a time a few times daily can help to soothe and soften the skin and draw out waste fluids. Many piercees add ¼ tsp of sea salt per mug of water for additional effect, epsom salt and table salt are not appropriate substitutes, and it's important that the solution should not be too strong as this may dry out your skin.

Herbal Compress.
Mix equal parts of echinacea, goldenseal, comfrey and chamomile tea with 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Brew a hot and strong tea ( infusion ). Using a clean cloth, apply the strained infusion gently but firmly against the area. Between applications, turn the jewelry to coax out any undischarged fluids. Do this for 10-15 minutes, twice daily. You may see results after the second or third application.

Tea Tree Oil and Grapefruit Seed Extract
Tea Tree Oil like Grapefuit Seed Extract, can be an effective and natural alternative although many piercees find it to be too strong and very drying, even when diluted. Apply a small amount to the area, rotating the jewelry allowing the oil to penetrate the piercing. Do not rinse. Apply no more than twice daily, less if you are sensitive.

Aspirin.
This method is most commonly and effectively used on oral Keloids. If you are allergic to aspirin do not try this method. Wet an aspirin or a small piece of aspirin, and place it directly on the bump for 5-30 minutes depending upon your skins sensitivity. This method will literally dissolve the bump. As this method is o strong do not use it more than once a day, 3 times a week. If your skin begins to chap or feel sore, discontinue and return to a gentler method.

HEALING TIMES

Ampallang 3-6 months Apadravya 3-6 months

Cartlidge 3-6 months Clit Hood (horizontal) 3-6 weeks

Clit Hood (vertical) 3-6 weeks Conch 2-3 months

Cheek 2-3 months Dydoe 2-3 months

Earl 2-3 months Earlobe 6-8 weeks

Eyebrow 2-3 months Fourchette 6-8 weeks

Frenum 2-3 months Guiche 2-3 weeks

Labia Inner 3-6 weeks Labia Outer 2-3 months

Labret & Lip 2-3 months Navel 6-9 months

Nipple 3-6 months Nostril 2-3 months

Prince Albert 3-6 months Scrotum/Hafada 2-3 months

Septum 3-6 weeks Tongue 3-6 months

Tragus 2-3 months Triangle 2-3 months

all piercings on this list can take longer or in some cases shorter to heal than stated. This is only a rough estimate.

Thanks for visiting Flesh. - The Finest Body Piercing Jewelry

FAQ's
	A Normal Piercing · May be tender, swollen, itchy and/or slightly red for a few weeks. · May bleed a little for the first few days. · May secrete a whitish-yellow fluid which crusts on the jewelry. This is not puss. · May tighten around the jewelry as it heals, making turning a little difficult when dry.
	How Should I Clean My Piercings ? · Use a gentle antiseptic containing Benzalkonium Chloride or Benzethonium Chloride. Special ear piercing antiseptic called Ear Care Solution is very gentle. If you can't find this, try Bactine, although since this product contains fragrance and other potential irritants, we suggest you dilute it 50% with water. · Wash hands thoroughly before touching the piercing or the jewelry. Using a fresh cotton swab, remove any crusted matter, then rotate a little aftercare solution gently into the piercing. Rotate the jewelry back and forth several times. Rinse off any excess aftercare solution and repeat. · Clean the piercing no more than two times a day. Over cleaning can damage the skin cells and undercleaning may invite an infection. When your not cleaning the piercing, Leave it alone !
	What Else Can I Do ? · Many Piercees have found that Vitamin C ( 3000 mg in mineral ascorbate form ), Multivitamins and a Zinc supplement ( Women : 60 mg, Men : 120mg, for about two weeks ), accelerate healing and regeneration of tissue. · Hot Soaks and Compresses with the optional addition of ¼ tsp of Sea Salt per cup of clean water are strongly suggested for all piercings. Make a compress with clean paper towels to insure cleanliness. You can do this one or two times daily for about 10-15 minutes.
	When Can I Remove or Change the Jewelry ? · Many Piercees have found that Vitamin C ( 3000 mg in mineral ascorbate form ), Multivitamins and a Zinc supplement ( Women : 60 mg, Men : 120mg, for about two weeks ), accelerate healing and regeneration of tissue. · Hot Soaks and Compresses with the optional addition of ¼ tsp of Sea Salt per cup of clean water are strongly suggested for all piercings. Make a compress with clean paper towels to insure cleanliness. You can do this one or two times daily for about 10-15 minutes.
	Do I have an Infection? Infections are caused by contact with bacteria, fungi or other living pathogens. Piercing infections can usually be traced to one of the following activities : · Touching the piercing with unwashed hands or letting someone else touch the piercing. · Oral contact with the piercing, including your own saliva. · Allowing body fluids to contact the piercing ( N.B., your urine is sterile to your own body ) · Contact with hair, cosmetics, oils, infrequently washed clothing and bedding or other agents. · Going into a pool, hot tub, lake or other body of water. The Ocean is the best way to ensure a thorough sea salt soak !
	How Can I Tell if I Have an Infection? While these symptoms may also indicate other problems, look for the following indications of infection : · Redness and Swelling · Pain, especially throbbing or spreading pain. · A sensation of heat around the piercing. · Unusual discharge. ( The color of the discharge will vary ).
	I Think I Have an Infection. What Should I Do? · A call to your piercer will save any anxiety, if possible visit your piercer and show him/her the problem. Also, be sure to tell him/her , about any circumstances which may have led to the infection. · DO NOT REMOVE THE JEWELRY !! This will aggravate the problem by closing off the drainage for the matter. · A visit to your friendly physician is never inappropriate.
	Common Problems You Can Avoid · Overcleaning, vigorous cleaning or using a cleanser that is too strong can produce symptoms very similar to an infection. · Friction caused by tight or heavy clothing, rough sexual activity during healing or excessive movement of the area can cause soreness, keloids, discharge and rejection/migration. · Stress, poor diet or illness can cause longer healing times and in some cases rejection/migration of the jewelry. · Occasionally the jewelry you choose for your piercing may not be appropriate, your piercer will be happy to discuss this with you.
	What's This Bump on My Piercing? There are three basic types of "bump" that may develop near or on a piercing. Keloids, Abscesses Follicular Cysts. These are all caused by different things. If you can determine what the bump is and what caused it to develop, then you can make plans to get rid of it. The following methods are those practised by many piercers to successfully get rid of a bump that may appear on or around a piercing. While we cannot offer any recommendations, we hope that these suggestions are helpful to you. Remember these are only suggestions and some or none of these may be effective for you. Some of these methods are quite strong. Always try the gentlest methods first. Try only one method at a time and repeat the treatment for at least a week to see how it's working. Keep in contact with your piercer so that he/she can evaluate your progress and possibly offer assistance.
	Keloids. · Keloids are excess scar tissue growth formed as a callous by your body to protect the piercing from uncomfortable friction. Piercees with more skin pigment may be at a slightly higher risk of developing a Keloid, but if the piercing is well cared for , the risk will diminish. Keloids can be difficult to get rid of so it's best to avoid circumstances that encourage Keloid development. Keloids are usually caused by : · Tight, restrictive or rough clothing that rubs against the piercing · Inappropriate jewelry thickness, diameter or style. · Poor placement of the jewelry. To get rid of Keloids : · Avoid tight, restrictive or rough clothing that rubs against the piercing · Watch out for bedding, clothing, towels, helmets, hairbrushes and other sources of friction. · Placement of jewelry should be well matched. If necessary, have your piercer change the jewelry or repierce. · Aspirin is especially effective for oral piercings.
	Abscesses. Follow instructions as for Keloids and Follicular Cysts, additionally you may try · Herbal Compresses · Not stretching, playing with or removing the jewelry too soon · Being very careful with multiple piercings or repiercings, particularly second nipple piercings.
	Follicular Cysts. These have a very serious sounding name, but they are usually nothing more than an obstuction (a hair perhaps or maybe some dead skin cells ) inside the piercing that causes lymph to accumulate, forming a liquid filled bump. The area may be a little red and tender. It may also bleed a little. To get rid of Follicular Cysts : · Change the jewelry. Rings that are too tight may cause pressure, especially after the piercing has begun to swell and rings that are too large in diameter may catch on clothing and towels. If fluid is trapped in the piercing, downsizing the gauge and/or the diameter/length can sometimes be all that's required.Be sure to consult with you piercer so that together you can select the appropriate jewelry that will accelerate the healing process.
	Hydration. Soaking the area in clean warm water (as warm as is comfortably possible) or applying warm compresses (clean gauze or wet paper towels) for fifteen minutes at a time a few times daily can help to soothe and soften the skin and draw out waste fluids. Many piercees add ¼ tsp of sea salt per mug of water for additional effect, epsom salt and table salt are not appropriate substitutes, and it's important that the solution should not be too strong as this may dry out your skin.
	Herbal Compress. Mix equal parts of echinacea, goldenseal, comfrey and chamomile tea with 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Brew a hot and strong tea ( infusion ). Using a clean cloth, apply the strained infusion gently but firmly against the area. Between applications, turn the jewelry to coax out any undischarged fluids. Do this for 10-15 minutes, twice daily. You may see results after the second or third application.
	Tea Tree Oil and Grapefruit Seed Extract Tea Tree Oil like Grapefuit Seed Extract, can be an effective and natural alternative although many piercees find it to be too strong and very drying, even when diluted. Apply a small amount to the area, rotating the jewelry allowing the oil to penetrate the piercing. Do not rinse. Apply no more than twice daily, less if you are sensitive.
	Aspirin. This method is most commonly and effectively used on oral Keloids. If you are allergic to aspirin do not try this method. Wet an aspirin or a small piece of aspirin, and place it directly on the bump for 5-30 minutes depending upon your skins sensitivity. This method will literally dissolve the bump. As this method is o strong do not use it more than once a day, 3 times a week. If your skin begins to chap or feel sore, discontinue and return to a gentler method.

Ampallang	3-6 months	Apadravya	3-6 months
Cartlidge	3-6 months	Clit Hood (horizontal)	3-6 weeks
Clit Hood (vertical)	3-6 weeks	Conch	2-3 months
Cheek	2-3 months	Dydoe	2-3 months
Earl	2-3 months	Earlobe	6-8 weeks
Eyebrow	2-3 months	Fourchette	6-8 weeks
Frenum	2-3 months	Guiche	2-3 weeks
Labia Inner	3-6 weeks	Labia Outer	2-3 months
Labret & Lip	2-3 months	Navel	6-9 months
Nipple	3-6 months	Nostril	2-3 months
Prince Albert	3-6 months	Scrotum/Hafada	2-3 months
Septum	3-6 weeks	Tongue	3-6 months
Tragus	2-3 months	Triangle	2-3 months
all piercings on this list can take longer or in some cases shorter to heal than stated. This is only a rough estimate.