Basic Aftercare Instructions

Axiom Body Piercing Studio Aftercare Instructions

Below is a text version of the Axiom Basic Aftercare Instructions Brochure. If you would like to download the Brochure, please follow the Links, and it was revised on June 12, 2023

PDF Version

Shopping List:

1. For Premixed Saline, DaVo suggests, NeilMed Piercing Aftercare Sterile Saline Fine Mist or NeilMed Cleanse Wound Wash First-Aid Sterile Saline Solution 6 fl oz Each - https://amzn.to/2lgrfL7
2. Paper Towels for Compresses and drying off the piercing area.

If you have a medical condition that affects healing or your immune system or your living or work situation has a high risk of contamination, it is advisable to clean the area with Provon Medicated Lotion Soap with Chloroxylenol - 4 ounce - Pack of 2 - https://amzn.to/2jMIOly once daily or when you feel you have contaminated the area.

Additionally, for Genital Piercings:

• Panty Liners or Sanitation Pads. Genital Piercings can bleed for up to 5 days.

Additionally, for Oral Piercings(See Oral Aftercare):

1. A non-alcohol-based antiseptic mouthwash. Biotene is suggested. Biotene Fresh Mint Moisturizing Oral Rinse Mouthwash, Alcohol-Free, for Dry Mouth, 33.8 ounce - https://amzn.to/2KpWBch
2. Distilled Water
3. Sea Salt 

Healing Stages & Normal Reactions:  

Healing can be divided into three stages:

1. The first stage is the acceptance and preparation period, where the body recovers from the trauma of the piercing, clears damaged tissue, and prepares to construct the piercing. During this period, it is common to experience redness/discoloration, heat, swelling, slight bruising, and tenderness in the piercing area. This can take 1 to 2 weeks to complete, and slight bleeding can occur.
2. The second stage is the healing stage. This is the period it takes the body to encase the jewelry in new tissue. During this stage of healing, it is not uncommon for the body to produce a secretion of whitish/yellowish fluid that hardens on the ring throughout the healing time (Lymphatic Discharge). The piercing may also tighten/loosen on and off during this stage.
3. The third stage is the "seasoning or toughening" stage. During this time, your body adds layer upon layer of tissue to the tunnel, making the piercing more permanent. This stage can take anywhere from 1 to 3 years to complete, and removing the jewelry for extended periods can result in the loss or closure of the piercing.

When is the Piercing Healed?

• When the tunnel of tissue connects in the center, the body will stop or reduce the production of discharge, the piercing holes will grow inward and become rounded, and the jewelry will move easily through the piercing. When in doubt, come in and let us decide for you.

Saline Sprays & Cleaning:

The body will produce a discharge throughout the healing period that will harden and crust on the jewelry. For comfort and to avoid irritating the piercing, it needs to be removed.

• If the spray is
  • A fine mist (Piercing Aftercare), simply spray it directly onto the piercing area, covering both sides. Let it stay in contact for 5 minutes and then pat dry. Do this twice daily.
  • Is a power stream like a squirt gun(Wound Wash), spray a sterile gauze sponge, or clean a folded-up paper towel. Then lay it against the piercing area for 5 minutes and then pat dry. Do this twice daily.
• At the end of your daily shower, pull hair out of the area and let the warm water flow over the area for 30 seconds.

If the discharge won’t come off or there is a large amount of it, please come in and let us clean the discharge and take a look. Do not use sharp objects, Q-Tips, and other items to remove the discharge because this can lead to issues.

If Your Health, Employment, or Living Situation puts you at risk of infection:

Clean the area around the piercing once daily with antimicrobial or germicidal soap. Please wash your hands, rinse the piercing area under running water, and apply a pearl-size drop of soap. Lather it well and gently apply to the piercing area. Let it stay in contact for 30 seconds, rinse under running water, and then pat dry with a clean paper towel.

CROSS-CONTAMINATION PREVENTION:

While the piercing is undergoing its first two stages of healing, it acts as a portal into the body, so it is essential to follow the steps below until the first stage of healing is complete.

• No oral contact (including your own saliva) or exchanging of bodily fluids in, on, or around the piercing. With genital piercings, sexual contact should be gentle. Also, for the first six months, a latex barrier (condoms, dental dams, gloves, and/or finger covers) should be used.
• Avoid handing the jewelry at all. Do not twist, turn, rotate, or play with the jewelry. The only time you need to have contact with the piercing is when checking the tightness of threaded jewelry. Always wash your hands before cleaning or touching the piercing area.
• Make sure that everything (clothing, towels, sheets, pillowcases, hats,  etc) that may come into contact with the piercing is clean.
• No Swimming or submerging the piercing in any body of water other than your own clean bathtub until the piercing is completely healed.
• Keep Pets Away from the piercing and do not let them sleep in the bed with you.
• With Ear Piercing, avoid contact with telephones and wet hair.

Abuse, Trauma & Abuse:

Avoid all contact with the piercing during healing. Do not sleep on the piercing, play with the piercing, or wear tight-fitting clothing against the piercing and jewelry until the piercing is completely healed.

Removing Jewelry & Downsizing:

Do not remove the jewelry for any reason during the healing. Even after the piercing is healed, leaving jewelry out for long periods will cause the piercing to close.

Ear Piercing, oral piercing, nostril piercing, nipple piercings, and some genital piercings are pierced with jewelry that is too long or wide for the piercing. This allows for swelling, and the jewelry should be professionally downsized to a short post within 4-6 weeks.

Infections:

Infections are caused by contact with bacteria, fungi, and/or other pathogens. This can be caused by contact with dirty hands, or oral contact (including your own saliva). Exchanging of bodily fluids, hair, cosmetics, oils, unwashed clothing/towels/bedding, and/or submerging the piercing into Natural waters. Hot tubs. Swimming pools and/or unclean bathtubs.

The signs of infection are Redness, Discoloration, Swelling, Heat, or Fever on, near, or around the piercing. Also, pain that is continuously throbbing, and/or shooting or traveling, and discharge that is in a pus form and not a natural color like grayish, yellowish, and/or Green. Understand that it is normal to see some of these signs in the first few days after the piercing is done.

If you suspect you have an infection, contact your piercer or a medical professional for evaluation. The two worst things you can do are putting it off or removing the jewelry. Both could lead to the infections spreading and cause additional health issues. When in doubt, see your piercer or doctor as soon as possible.