WHY IS IT BETTER TO GET PIERCED WITH A NEEDLE, THAN WITH A GUN?
While there are numerous reasons to not get pierced with a piercing gun, one of the most critical reasons: is that the actual piercing edge of the piercing gun stud is blunt, and not sharp enough to make an actual clean incision thru the flesh. What’s actually happening with a gunned piercing, is that a dull stud is forcefully shoved thru the flesh using a spring loaded mechanism inside the piercing gun. Because the stud does not make a sharp incision like a needle, this blunt force trauma results in a lot of excessive pain, and the piercing channel will be collapsed and never heal correctly. This is why gunned piercings, even years later, will often “hurt” or bleed when changing jewelry, it is because the actual channel inside the flesh is destroyed.
⚠️This video demonstrates the clean cutting action of a surgical blade needles (bottom👍) vs the blunt force trauma of forcing a gunned piercing stud (top👎):
Piercing needles do not cause additional trauma as they are designed by the industry to create a small incision and reduce resistance as the needle glides into the skin, only allowing enough space for the jewelry to slide comfortably into the new piercing site.
⚠️Professional body piercers will always use industry standard single-use needles. (Yes! Even needles follow strict regulations)
⚠️Professional body piercers will never use a piercing gun! Shops that use ear piercing by guns are in the business of making a quick buck while endangering the client, and are not considered professional piercing service!
WHY IS IT BETTER TO USE IMPLANT GRADE (ASTM F136 ELI) TITANIUM?
💍 ASTM F136 ELI Titanium is the one of the best choices for initial piercing, though it is very expensive by comparison to Steel. It is a chemical element (‘Ti’ on the Periodic Table), stronger than steel but much more lightweight.
✔️Titanium is non-magnetic, will not set off airport scanners, is MRI safe, and can also be fully autoclaved sterilized.
✔️Titanium has very unique properties: it has the highest strength to density ratio of any metal element – making it highly corrosion resistant – so it does not react with oxygen or body fluids! Even those who are sensitive to nickel can safely wear Titanium jewelry for longterm in fresh and healed piercings!
However, Titanium has various grades…
✔️Titanium for use in initial piercings must be of the highest medical grade, known as ASTM F136 or ISO 5832 compliant. This is the same material used by the NHS to make bone screws and hip replacements suitable for maximum biocompatibility into the body.
Titanium has a natural silver-tone lustre and can be highly polished, and Titanium can be “anodized” to alter the color appearance of the metal without compromising its safety to be worn in the body.
Anodizing is a simple process that creates a thin oxide layer on the outside of the jewelry by passing an electric current thru the metal– this changes the color of the jewelry (different voltages results in different colors). Because there are no dyes or plating involved, only the molecular surface is altered, so nothing will chip off in the body like plated jewelry would. Another way to change the colour of titanium is to coat it with PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition), usually to give it a black or gold finish. PVD coatings are used commonly in the medical industry to coat surgical instruments safely as it changes the surface of the metal without altering the metals properties or affecting its biochemical safety.
✔️ The only quality recommended for use by the Association of Professional Piercers is Titanium that is certified to meet ASTM or ISO standards for surgical implant applications.
WHY IS IT BAD TO USE SURGICAL STEEL?
316L Surgical Steel is unsafe for use in initial piercing due to its high nickel content, which can cause complications for those with a sensitivity to nickel (as many as ten per cent of the population is sensitive to nickel!)
“Surgical steel” is a blanket term that is commonly used to refer to “stainless steel”. With no formal definition or standard to regulate what metal content is used to make the alloy, companies and manufacturers can use this term to describe any corrosion-resistant steel, like pots, pans, door handles, silverwear etc., and it’s not exclusive to medical or even “surgical” instruments. “Surgical” makes it sound like it is safe, but we don’t actually know what metal is used – it could be the same mix as your belt buckle – so “surgical steel” is a misleading term.
⚠️Using poor quality jewelry can cause hypertrophic scarring (bumps), itchy flaking skin, excessive discharge build up, and perhaps eventually migration or rejection of the piercing entirely.
According to the EU Nickel Directive it is illegal to use any jewelry in initial piercings with a nickel release rate of 0.2 micrograms per cm2 per week or less. The jewelry I use is entirely free of nickel and made of materials approved for long-term use in the human body.
Nickel is significantly cheaper and easier to manufacture than certified implant grade Titanium, this is why most “cheap” mass market jewelry will contain lots of nickel, and is not safe for prolonged wear.
925 SILVER IS NOT SAFE FOR PIERCINGS!
The purity of silver is measured in hundreds, so 925 silver is 92.5% silver and 7% other metals – usually a high percentage of nickel!
⚠️925 Silver should never be worn in a fresh piercing, and ideally, should only be worn “outside” of the body such as necklaces, bracelets, rings… not even for healed piercings/earrings!
This is because 925 Silver oxidises very easily!!
Silver should not be worn in the body (as earring / body jewelry) because silver will quickly oxidize when it comes in contact with our natural body’s acidity. In a healed piercing the oxidation can stain the skin black which can be permanent. And if silver is worn in a fresh piercing, toxic “silver salts” can form as the silver reacts to our bodily fluids, which can be highly dangerous. Long term silver exposure in porous body tissues such as mucosal membrane (septum, nostril, oral and genital areas) can result in Argyria – aka Silver Poisoning.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING HIGH QUALITY GEMSTONES?
The shine of cheaper quality gems comes from a laying foil laid underneath a rhinestone to enhance its sparkle. They are easily scratched, become dull and colourless over time and, due to the use of glue to set them, often fall out completely.
I only carry brands that use high-quality stones like Swarovski crystals elements and semi-precious stones, carefully set using prong or bezel settings (never glued!!), to ensure the jewelry can be used continuously for many years!
HOW OLD DO I HAVE TO BE TO GET PIERCED?
You must be at least 14 to get pierced without parental consent for most piercings.
Piercings on the ear (incld: Cartilage, Helix, etc) : Minimum `14 without parental consent.
Ear Lobe Piercings: Minimum age 8 with parental consent. I’m sorry I am not comfortable piercing clients under the age of 8, because the anatomy is still in development and the position may “shift” as they age and can result in migrated piercings. ** The client must be able to consent to getting pierced! We do not pierce babies and toddlers. No exceptions!!
Oral Piercings: Minimum age 16 without parental consent.
Facial Piercings: Minimum age 16 without parental consent.
Navel Piercings: Minimum age 16 without parental consent.
Nipple Piercings: Minimum age 18 without parental consent.
A legal form of ID with your birth date will be requested as proof.
I am happy to provide a seat inside the studio for your parent or guardian while I perform your piercing.
IS THERE ANY PIERCINGS YOU DON’T DO?
I don’t do microdermal piercings, genital piercings, cheek piercings, surface piercings, “snake eye” horizontal tongue piercing, tongue web piercing, and other ‘experimental’ and risky piercings that I think are problematic and won’t heal well. I reserve the right to refuse any piercing I deem risky and irresponsible.
My philosophy is to do piercings that can heal successfully, which can allow for many jewelry options and plenty of possibilities!
CAN YOU SPEAK CHINESE?
Yes! I can speak Cantonese and English, but cannot read or write Chinese! Please send all text enquiries in English or a Cantonese voice message.
DO PIERCINGS HURT?
Most piercings are very quick (within 3 seconds) and the pain is minimal. Though the tolerance for pain can vary from person to person, most people are very surprised at how easy and fast the process can be.
All of my clients agree that the piercing hurts less than they expect, and often come back for more after seeing what a professional body piercing service should feel like.
**Please let us know if you are on medication or have a health condition**
DO YOU USE ANAESTHETIC/ NUMBING CREAM?
No, because it is not necessary, and anaesthetic can become toxic when entered into the bloodstream.
Most piercings are 100% completed within a few minutes, and numbing cream can be time consuming to activate and can add a layer of slippery grease to the site which can interfere with my tools and process.
I direct the client to do a breathing exercise during the piercing to minimise discomfort and focus their attention on their breathing.
Most piercings are completed within a “breathing in and breathing out” motion.
**I reserve the right to refuse piercing if the client applies anaesthetic prior to the piercing.
WHAT DO I NEED TO PREPARE BEFORE GETTING PIERCED?
- Please read my entire Piercing Guide! It will inform you of my method, jewelry, downsizing, recovery, and pricing.
- Please read my Aftercare Guide before your visit so I can answer your questions in person during our appointment.
- Please check the map and learn our location before your visit to avoid getting lost.
- Do not consume alcohol 24hrs before and after getting pierced.
- Get a good night’s sleep before the piercing day.
- Eat a full meal before your appointment to ensure proper blood sugar levels.
- Please wear a face mask.
- Please use hand sanitiser at the front desk when you enter, and you will also be asked for a temperature check.
- Bring Cash! We are Cash only, and only accept credit card for purchases over $2000 hkd.
WHY IS THE BEGINNING/ STARTER JEWELRY SO LONG?
We use a longer post to start as a safety measure to allow room to accommodate swelling. This is standard practice as guided by APP requirements. Swelling is a normal and expected part of the healing process 🙂 Every one’s body is different, and some will swell more than other’s. The general idea is to maintain a healthy immune system to help your body heal. Your body cannot heal piercings as well when it is under stress, lacking sleep, poor diet, inconsistent aftercare etc.
WHEN CAN I DOWNSIZE THE JEWELRY?
The client is responsible for booking downsizing/ check up appointment.
Ear Lobe (6-8 weeks), Helix/ Flat/ F.Helix/ Conch/ Tragus/ Industrial (2-3months), Tongue (6-8 weeks), Lip (2-3months), Nipple (4-6months),
*Please read my complete [Piercing Guide] to learn more about Downsizing. Not all piercings need to be downsized!
WHAT DO I NEED TO AVOID AFTER GETTING PIERCED?
You cannot sleep on the fresh piercing, and you shouldn’t go swimming right after getting pierced.
You will also need to avoid stressing and irritating the piercing. Avoid touching your piercing with unwashed hands.
Do not tug or push at the jewelry excessively.
Use good judgement and maintaining good hygiene will help heal your piercing most effectively.
We cannot be responsible for irritations caused by poor and/or inconsistent aftercare.
Please read my complete [Piercing Guide] to learn more about Recovery.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR A PIERCING TO HEAL?
Most piercings have different healing times depending on location, jewelry, lifestyle and aftercare.
I typically like to encourage clients to select an implant grade Titanium jewelry to ensure optimal biocompatibility and to also promote better healing.
Generally the most important rule is to leave your piercing alone, and to never “touch” the piercing unless you are cleaning it.
You cannot sleep on the piercing as it is healing (or irritated) so it might be a good idea for the client to focus on collecting one side of the ear first, otherwise they will be strongly encouraged to sleep on their backs for months.
Ear Lobe piercings are the only exception because they heal much faster than cartilage.
Ear Lobe piercings will take around 2-4 months to recover.
Most cartilage piercings will take around 6 months sometimes up to a year to heal, depending on location and care.
For some ear piercings (Helix, Conch, Flat, Tragus) the initial piercing will be done with a longer stud jewelry to help accommodate the initial swelling phase.
Helix, Conch, Flat, Tragus piercings: the client is encouraged to come back after 2-3 months for a check up to assess the swelling and see if a downsize of the jewelry is needed.
Tongue and Nipple piercings will ALWAYS need a downsize appointment.
Please read my complete [Piercing Guide] to learn more about Recovery.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL I CAN CHANGE THE JEWELRY?
First rule is to listen to your body, be aware of the healing process and monitor your new piercing while going through your cleaning routine
Generally, lower ear lobe piercings will heal faster than cartilage piercings.
If you have waited the recommended time as per your body piercer’s instructions, and it feels like it is healed, it likely is 🙂
You should wait until your piercing is completely healed before you attempt to change jewelry. The skin should feel completely normal, no soreness and no sensitivity.
Any removal of the jewelry prematurely/too early may damage the soft sensitive tissues inside your piercing site.
We cannot be responsible for irritations caused by premature jewelry changes.
Please read my complete [Piercing Guide] to learn more about Recovery.
CAN I USE MY OWN JEWLERY?
Unfortunately not, and this applies to both fresh and healed piercings.
This is because we have to be responsible for any and all jewelry we insert. When we insert the jewelry we supply, we can guarantee the jewelry’s quality, ensure its origin, and be certain of its measurements and sterility.
When clients bring jewelry in from outside sources, we have no legitimate guarantee of its origin, quality, and sterility so we cannot take responsibility for their installation.
After the piercing is well healed, the client is welcome to change the jewelry themselves, but we cannot be responsible for jewelry changes made by the client!
We cannot be responsible for irritations caused by poor jewelry changed by the client.
Additional reading material: Click here to learn more about the jewelry I use.
I do not use any jewelry with butterfly backings!
CAN I DRINK ALCOHOL AFTER GETTING PIERCED?
Alcohol will thin your blood making it harder to clot, and can also prolong swelling. We suggest avoid alcohol consumption 24hr before and after getting pierced.
CAN I GO SWIMMING AFTER GETTING PIERCED?
The piercing site is basically an open wound after the piercing is done. The general idea is to keep the wound clean and free from bacteria to prevent infections.
Submerging your fresh piercing in contaminated water such as in a swimming pool, beach, sauna, hot tub, etc. will risk exposing your piercing to a number of bacteria which can lead to infections.
We generally suggest avoid swimming for the first 3 months.
Please read my complete [Piercing Guide] to learn more about Recovery.
IS IT OK TO EXERCISE/ GET SWEATY AFTER GETTING PIERCED?
Yes, you are ok to work out and exercise after getting pierced, but use good judgement and avoid stress on and around the piercing site and make sure the piercing does not come in contact with contaminated surfaces/ objects (ie. dirty gym towel, yoga mat, head gear etc.)
IS IT POSSIBLE TO WEAR EARBUDS / HEADPHONES WITH CONCH/ TRAGUS/ DAITH PIERCING?
I generally ask the client to avoid stressing the healing piercing, and that includes avoid rubbing the jewelry with a (contaminated) object like headphones and earbuds. After the piercing is healed, you can use them again but make sure the headphones are clean!
CAN YOU HELP ME WITH A PROBLEM PIERCING DONE BY SOMEBODY ELSE?
Please understand that an irritated piercing can be due to a number of different reasons which can be challenging and time consuming to troubleshoot.
Because the original piercing was not done by me, I may not be able to comment on your situation with 100% certainty.
If the original piercing was done improperly such as incorrect position or angle, changing the jewelry will not solve the issue and some sites occasionally must be re-pierced to fix.
I charge a basic service fee of $300 hkd when troubleshooting piercings not done by me. This fee does not include jewelry and aftercare products.
I also charge a service fee for all jewelry changes on piercings not done by me.
I charge full fees on any new piercings required during the course of a session, no new piercings will be included in consultations without prior arrangements.
MY OLD PIERCING CLOSED UP – CAN I GET IT REPIERCED?
Generally, if the piercing site is not scarred, I can re-pierce that same spot safely. But if there is scarring on the site, I may have to slightly adjust the position to avoid the scarring. I will need to see the area in person to say for certain!
** Regardless of position, if I need to use a needle to re-pierce an old piercing site , this process is still considered a “new piercing” so the same full cost applies.
CAN YOU CURATE MY EAR?
Yes I sure can! I offer FREE consultations for your customised ear curation ideas.
Please contact me to arrange an appointment. I do not do consultations over the phone or via chat!
Additional reading material: Click here to learn more about placements.
WHAT IS YOUR RECOMMENDED AFTERCARE?
Recommended by: Maria Tash and Association of Professional Piercers
NeilMed Piercing Aftercare is a sterile Saline Solution spray that can be used to conveniently irrigate and flush the piercing. Great to keep in your purse or school bag to clean on the go.
Clients that are experienced with piercings can develop their own aftercare routine best suited for themselves, but generally the idea is to always keep the piercing site clean and free from bacteria. Leave your piercing alone, and don’t touch it unless you are cleaning the piercing!
I recommend a two-step process of using a cleanser in the shower to degrease and clean the piercing site, and then also use a saline solution to irrigate/flush the piercing site.
Recommended cleanser would be an anti-bacterial product that has no alcohol and no fragrance. I recommend the client use a cleanser to degrease the skin around the piercing to remove any discharge and buildup by gently cleaning around the site.
Additional reading material: Click here for my Aftercare Advice.
Please read my complete Aftercare Guide.
DO I NEED TO ROTATE/ TURN THE JEWELRY DURING HEALING?
Because the common jewelry mechanism I use for most piercings is threaded/screwed on from the front, I generally ask my clients to avoid turning/twisting the design front of the jewelry as this can loosen the design/gem/ball. While cleaning, if the piercing is not sore or sensitive, you can carefully push the stud back and forth in the skin to clean under the jewelry.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO WASH/ CLEAN A PIERCING TOO MUCH?
Yes! By cleaning more than is recommended, you can irritate a piercing and create dryness, swelling etc… Follow your aftercare instructions given to you by your professional body piercer!
HOW MANY PIERCINGS CAN I GET PER VISIT?
For safety and healing reasons, I am only willing to do up to 4 total fresh piercings anywhere on the body/ears in a single session. This is because your new piercing is basically a wound on your body. The more wounds you have, the more stress there will be on your body’s immune system as it heals the new piercings. So to promote safe and healthy healing, I don’t do more than 5 piercings per visit, and the client is also recommended to wait at least 1 month after any multi-piercing session.
You cannot sleep on the piercing as it is healing so it may be a good idea to focus on one side of the ear when considering getting multiple cartilage piercings.
Ear Lobe piercings can be an exception because they heal much faster in 6-8 weeks, while cartilage piercings can take up to 6 months.
** We recommend you maintain good health, keep up with good nutrition and make sure to get good sleep to help your body heal.
CAN I GET PIERCED WITH GOLD JEWELRY?
Yes you can! I have a selection of solid 14k Gold jewelry available as upgrade suitable for fresh piercings.
IS IT SAFER TO FIRST GET PIERCED WITH GOLD OR TITANIUM?
Lots of clients have the age old idea that “Gold is the safest, and only material they can wear”. Along with my nickel-free solid Gold selections, I also carry a wide range of certified implant grade Titanium jewelry, so which material is “better”? Solid Gold and Titanium both have their pros and cons…
Gold is ranked in a “Karat” system representing the purity of Gold. Each Karat is 1/24… that would mean 24K is pure gold. So 18K would be 18 parts gold to 6 parts of filler alloy, and 14K is 14 parts gold to 10 parts filler. Please keep in mind that Gold by nature is very soft and to create wearability, mixing Gold with another metal is very common practice in jewelry making. The key is to avoid companies that cheaply mixes with nickel! Pure 24K Gold is so soft, you can easily scratch with just a fingernail, it is too soft to wear as body jewelry, so 18K and 14K nickel-free Gold is safe to use as piercing jewelry.
- Gold by nature is a precious metal, so Gold jewelry will be more expensive than Titanium.
- Gold jewelry is handmade so the designs are more detailed and intricate, and can feature a wider variety of genuine gemstones.
- Gold jewelry must be handled delicately – it can break – and is not suggested to change/remove everyday.
Titanium is a very durable and lightweight metal with many uses from cars to building materials, watches, electronics etc. The classification we focus on for piercing is ASTM F136 ELI “Implant Grade” Titanium, the same level used in the medical world such as pacemakers, bone screws, hip replacements to ensure “biocompatibility”, meaning we want to promote the body into accepting this metal, and grow a tunnel of “fistula” around the piercing.
Using jewelry that is not biocompatible can result in problematic piercings that “never heal”, and at worse, can reject or migrate the piercing entirely.
- ASTM F136 ELI “Implant Grade” Titanium jewelry is typically more affordable than solid Gold.
- Titanium jewelry is machined and “less intricate” than Gold jewelry.
- Titanium is very durable – less prone to breakage – better suited for clients with a “rougher” lifestyle.
Gold is often more desirable, and commonly regarded as “an upgrade from Titanium”. While I can understand this mentality, I don’t agree that “Gold is better than Titanium” because both materials I carry are equally safe and suitable for fresh and healed piercings – the only difference quite honestly is personal and budget preference!!
🔒JEWELRY WARRENTY🔒
Gold by nature is a precious material so the cost of using Gold jewelry will be pricier than Titanium. Even though Gold is more costly, the benefit of using genuine Gold jewelry is that some manufactures will offer an individual warranty.
Please note that the replacement jewelry will be offered by the same company (as the defective one). The replacement jewelry will be the same design, style, size and colour. If the same replacement is not possible, a store credit of equal value will be issued. Sorry, no monetary refunds!
BVLA (Body Vision Los Angeles) –
“We make responsible choices in all regards. Metals used in our jewelry are recycled, minimizing environmental impact. Our diamonds are ethically sourced and conflict free. We believe in and uphold diverse hiring practices and equality for all humans. Every BVLA piece comes with a guarantee against manufacturing defects for life.”
“We guarantee our solid gold ends and clickers of any manufacturer defects for life. We will replace any broken items at our discretion or issue you a store credit if we are not able to exchange.”
“We offer a lifetime warranty on all our jewelry. This applies to any defects in materials and workmanship.”
“All Maya Jewelry are covered by a manufacturer’s warranty for 6 months from date of purchase.”
Additional reading material: Click here to learn about my Gold jewelry.
DO YOU HAVE JEWELRY SUITABLE FOR SENSITIVE SKIN?
All the jewelry I stock and sell are certified Nickel-free, suitable for clients with sensitivity. My Titanium is hypoallergenic implant-grade, the most biocompatible and safest jewelry for those with nickel allergies.
Additional reading material: Click here to learn more about my hypoallergenic Implant-Grade Titanium jewelry that is suitable for clients with sensitivity.
CAN I ONLY BUY JEWELRY (NO PIERCING SERVICE NEEDED)?
YES, all my jewelry is for sale without the need for piercing service, HOWEVER, if you need my help to put the jewelry into your existing piercing you will need to make an appointment. Any service that requires my time and attention (curation, suggestion, putting the jewelry in for you) requires an appointment!
** I often post Pre-Orders and New Arrivals on my Instagram. Please follow to keep updated on my fresh stock and monthly pre-orders!
Jewelry purchase does not include installation!
I charge a service fee of $300 hkd for all jewelry changes on piercings not done by me.
HOW TO UNSCREW/ REMOVE THE STUD JEWELRY?
I use internally threaded jewelry for most of my piercings, and also use threadless jewelry for some piercings.
For jewelry that is threaded, the rule is “righty tighty lefty loosey” . The design/ ball front will unscrew from the post. For rings I use clickers. Clicker rings have a hinge and a seam that can pull open.
All of our Titanium jewelry is Internally Threaded – rotate clockwise to tighten, and anticlockwise to release. “Righty tighty, Lefty loosey”. This type is more secure, but can also be more difficult for the client to change themselves.
All of our Gold jewelry is Threadless – push pin style, push into the stem to secure and twist + pull to release. This type is easier for the client to manipulate, but can also be accidentally pulled out.
We do not encourage the use of Externally Threaded jewelry because the bumpy threading on the outside of the stem can be “scratchy” and scrape the piercing channel when changing jewelry. The threading on the outside can also harbour bacteria, and push contaminates inside the piercing channel when changing jewelry. This type is often sold at mall kiosks and commonly used by piercers that are less experienced and not certified. Learning how to check the Threading is the easiest way for a client to tell what is good quality jewelry and poorly made pieces. If a piercer is using Externally Threaded jewelry, this can be a warning sign.
WHAT GAUGE / DIAMETER DO YOU USE FOR PIERCINGS?
I typically use 16g on most ear piercings, and 14g on most body piercings and oral piercings. The length / ring size can vary depending on the piercing. As a general rule I always use a longer length for the initial piercing to accommodate swelling, and I encourage the client to come back for a jewelry downsize.
CAN I GET PIERCED WITH A RING?
Due to safety and healing reasons, I no longer use rings as initial jewelry in most cartilage piercings including nostril. Ear Lobe piercings are the only exception, I can use rings in ear lobes. Please refer to this diagram for more info:
CAN I BRING A FRIEND WITH MY APPOINTMENT?
To encourage social distancing, please limit friends, and only the paying client is allowing into the piercing studio. The piercing process is not for spectators and is done in a hygienically controlled environment. We kindly ask for friends to wait in the waiting area.
Consultation and jewelry purchase by accompanying friends will need an appointment too!
CAN I TAKE PICTURES DURING THE APPOINTMENT?
Video recording during the piercing is prohibited, Please ask to take photos!
CAN I STILL BREASTFEED AFTER GETTING NIPPLE PIERCINGS?
Yes you will still be able to breastfeed after getting your nipples pierced, but we strongly recommend that you remove the jewelry completely when breastfeeding to avoid choking risk.
IS MY PIERCING INFECTED?
A piercing can be irritated, but its not always an infection. We must first determine what the problem is, and then recommend proper treatment. This diagram can help show the difference between an infection vs. irritation.
My piercing is infected! What should I do?
If your piercing looks like the infected side of the picture example, we highly recommend you seek medical attention immediately, and request oral antibiotic tablets. Try to avoid using creams or ointments as that can attract more dirt and bacteria. The whole idea is to keep the wound as clean as possible.
My piercing is irritated! What can I do?
If your piercing looks like the irritated side of the picture example, we must determine what is irritating you. Did you stop cleaning the piercing? If so, start doing Sea Salt Soaks (cup method) immediately, and continue doing soaks consistently on a regular schedule will greatly help soothe your irritated piercing. Do you sleep on your piercing? This is the worst thing you can do to a healing piercing! Sleeping on your piercing can make your piercing heal crooked, form irritation bumps, risk infection etc. Avoid sleeping on your piercing to eliminate the chances of bumps forming on your piercing.
There are bumps on my piercing! What can I do?
Irritation bumps are formed when there is excessive irritation. They can be soothed by eliminating the irritation. We also highly suggest doing sea salt soaks every day, and avoid sleeping on the piercing. But sometimes even doing your very best still doesn’t help! If that is the case, for persistent bumps that don’t go away from Sea Salt Soaks, I use a product called No-Pull Discs to help flatten piercing bumps.
What is No-Pull Piercing Disc?
From their website: “Authentic NoPull Piercing Disc® was initially designed to protect new or sensitive piercings from jewelry backings, providing a comfortable cushion of soft, medical-grade silicone. But also, the Disc was consistently helping to heal hypertrophic scarring; a common and stubborn bump that can develop in new or even long-healed piercings! Please have a look at their Instagram gallery to see real results!