Many of us have heard all sorts of stories about body piercings. Some amusing, others horrible, then the majority that were without incidents. Our thanx to our friends at Tribalectic for casting some light on piercing tales. Let's take a look at some of the Body Piercing Myths. Its not for us to say what is right or wrong for everyone else. It is for us to support the right of each individual to make informed decisions about their body & life.

Suggested aftercare varies from studio to studio. In an effort to uncomplicate this matter we have compiled information from professional sources, blended our own experiences and streamlined the subject.

ORAL PIERCING(s) Anytime you eat, drink, dip or smoke, rinse your mouth for 30-60 seconds with a diluted antiseptic mouth wash. Be sure and dilute your mouth wash, ("DO NOT USE MOUTH WASH STRAIGHT FROM THE BOTTLE" Most are too strong, they will kill the helpful and harmful bacteria), start with a ratio of 1/3 mouth wash and 2/3rds water. Be careful not to over clean your piercing, as this will complicate proper healing. Signs of over cleaning or using too strong an antiseptic mixture are: yellow or white looking tongue or a ring around your oral jewelry. (We have even seen such a ring around the jewelry ball under the tongue, If that is your situation, then you should rinse your mouth with water immediately after you have used your diluted antiseptic mouth wash. The water will further dilute the antiseptic mouthwash that settles under your tongue). ICE We advise you to use ice and/or cold liquids to help reduce swelling. (Remember to rinse after you consume anything besides plain ice or ice water). PAIN RELIEVERS For those of you who are more sensitive to discomfort, an over the counter anti-inflammatory, (i.e. Ibuprofen, Motrin IB, Advil, etc.), can help reduce pain and swelling. BRUSHING YOUR TEETH Be sure and brush your teeth (3) times a day while healing. Brushing will cut down on the amount of bacteria and food particles in your mouth. ( Remember that food you just ate begins to decay quickly- which is not a kool thing to have going on in an area that has a new piercing). Keeping your mouth clean will expedite the oral healing process.

NON-ORAL PIERCINGS NEVER HANDLE YOUR JEWELRY WITHOUT FIRST WASHING YOUR HANDS. Do not swim/soak in bodies of water, (i.e. bathtub, lake, river, stream, ocean, pool,etc.), for at least 2 weeks. You can have all the showers your heart desires, don't let the full force of the shower water strike you in the new piercing area. Apply a sterile bandage whenever necessary, (please use common sense, a piercing doesn't have to be kept covered until it heals). Minimize or eliminate exposure to filth for at least the first six, (6), weeks. Use an anti-bacterial or anti-microbial soap to cleanse the exterior "crustys", (krus-tees), from your piercing. (Again, we caution, too much cleaning can irritate the new new piercing which will prolong the healing or cause complications). ( A crusty is your body forming a scab in the entry/exit areas of your piercing). Wash your hands first, then apply suds to your pierced area with your finger tips, ( do not use a wash cloth or any scrubbing device). Next, gently remove the crust from your jewelry with a Q-tip, it will come away easily once it has softened. Don't force it or pick at it, the crustys must be soft to be removed. Repeat the process if your unsure of the area or jewelry being totally cleaned. When rinsing, never let the shower spray hit directly on the pierced area. (That could push dead tissue into the piercing). Allow the rinsing water to cascade or be directed with your clean hands. Never move your jewelry in a piercing that is healing, without first cleaning away all the crustys. Always dry your cleaned and rinsed piercing with a clean towel or disposible paper towel. Your piercing should be cleaned two to three, (2-3), times a day. The easiest way to clean your piercing is during or immediately after a hot shower. (Hot water softens the crustys).

SEA SALT Non-iodized sea salt is very helpful in the healing of your new piercing. Sea Salt soaks may be performed in or out of the shower. In 2 oz. of warm clean water, dissolve 1/8th teaspoon of sea salt in a small disposible cup. Using the technique that best suits you: a) Adjust your body to where you can place the cup over the piercing, forming a seal with yopur skin, tip the cup up to flood the area for 5-10 minutes. Remove the cup w/ liquid and discard. b) Dip a cotton ball or swab into the sea salt solution and place it on the pierced area for 5-10 minutes, allowing the liquid to soak the area. Dispose of all soaking materials. Always pat sea soaked areas dry with a disposible towel and discard. If your pierced area has become too dry, a drop of Emu Oil applied to the entry/exit areas can work wonders.

Your piercing is a minor wound. If you suspect an infection, do not remove your jewelry, immediately consult with your piercer and/or doctor. (Piercing Techs are not doctors, but they do have lots of experience with piercings in all different stages). Eat right, drink plenty of water and rest properly to help your body heal your new piercing. Always wash your hands before touching your jewelry. Early changing of Body Jewelry may result in complications and/or prolonged healing periods. Expect tenderness, swelling, discoloration, bruising, bleeding and itching immediately after being pierced or during some stages of healing. DO NOT USE ALCOHOL, PEROXIDE or BETADINE TO CLEAN OR CARE FOR YOUR NEW PIERCING. Do not use ointments, these prevent air from getting into the pierced area, they lock in high levels of moisture and prolong/prevent normal healing. (We have seen cases where jewelry migration results from use of ointment). Do not over clean your piercing; overcleaning may cause irritation and prolonged healing. Do not engage in rough activity that may bang, bump, hit, strike, pull or cause friction to your jewelry. Do not expose your new piercing to oral contact or other bodily fluids. Do not expose your new piercing to cosmetics.