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

PDF Version

Shopping List:

1. For Premixed Saline DaVo suggests, NeilMed Neil Cleanse Wound Wash First-Aid Sterile Saline Solution 6 fl oz Each - https://amzn.to/2lgrfL7 or NeilMed Piercing Aftercare Sterile Saline Fine Mist.
2. Sea Salt - Morton Natural Sea Salt - https://amzn.to/2lfer7M
3. POLAND SPRINGS WATER DISTILLED, 6 1 Gallon Bottles - https://amzn.to/2lh6a3d
4. Disposable medician cups - Dart 100PC 1 oz Plastic Souffle Portion Cup, Translucent, 250/Pack - https://amzn.to/31t3oaY
5. Paper Towels for Compresses and drying off the piercing area.

If you have a medical condition that effects 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 up to 5 days.

Additionally for Oral Piercings:

• 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

Healing Stages & Normal Reactions:  

Healing can be divided into three stages:

1. The first stage is the acceptance period, in which the body recovers from the trauma of the piercing, accepts the piercing and stops trying to reject the jewelry. During this period, it is not uncommon to notice redness/discoloration, heat, swelling, slight bruising, and tenderness. This process can take up to two weeks. It is also not uncommon to experience slight bleeding in the first five days. 

2. The second stage is the healing stage. This is the period of time 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 to make the piercing permanent. This stage can take from 1 to 3 years to complete and removing the jewelry for long periods of time can result in the loss or closing of the piercing.
    

Sea Salt Soaks / Compresses / Saline Sprays:

Done twice daily for 10 minutes (start the morning AFTER the piercing is done)

Warm up one cup (8oz.) of distilled water in the microwave to a comfortable temperature. Add 1/8-1/4 teaspoon of sea salt *(should taste as salty as your tears).

For soaks, transfer the liquid into a medicine cup or shot glass and invert the cup over the piercing to create a vacuum.

For compresses, take a clean paper towel and soak up the liquid and then lay it against the piercing. Re-submerge to keep the compress warm.

For Saline Spray, apply the spray onto the piercing area. Allow to stay in contact for 10 minutes and then rinse under running water.

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

Clean the area around the piercing once daily with antimicrobial or germicidal soap. Wash your hands, rinse off the piercing area under running water, squirt out a pearl-size drop of the soap, lather it up well and apply it 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 going through its first 2 stages of healing, it is like a portal into the body so it is important that the following steps have been taken 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 lots) should be used.
• Handle the jewelry only during cleaning and then only after washing your hands with antibacterial soap and then only by the bead or ball. Avoid handling the piercing or jewelry after touching surfaces because it will increase the chances of cross-contamination. You should wash hands then rinse and touch only the piercing.
• Make sure that everything (clothing. towels. sheets. pillowcases. hats,  etc...) that may come into contact with the piercing are clean.
• Do not submerge the piercing during the first 2 stages of healing into any body of water (natural waters. hot tubs. swimming pools., etc....) other than your own clean bathtub.
• 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, Irritation, Removing the Jewelry  & Infections:

Avoid wearing clothing that is tight, abrasive and may limit Oxygen flow to the piercing, sleeping on the piercing. Using harsh cleaning agents like Alcohol. Witch Hazel. Hydrogen Peroxide. Hibiclens. Betadine. Listerine(or other alcohol bases mouthwashes), etc... and Using antibacterial and other ointments.  

Also, until the first stage of healing is complete do not remove the jewelry for any reason. Once the first stage of healing is complete, remove the jewelry only to replace it. Do this for up to 2 to 3 years. I suggest for the first year that you have a professional change the jewelry.

INFECTIONS CAUSES: Infections are caused by contact with bacteria, fungi and/or other pathogens. This can be caused by contact with dirty hands, 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.

SIGNS OF INFECTIONS: Redness, discoloration, swelling, heat/fever, on or around the piercing, pain the is throbbing and/or shooting/travels, pus and/or discharge that is unnatural in color like grayish. yellowish and/or greenish.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO? First off contact your piercer or a medical professional so they can take a look at it. The two worst things that you can do are put off getting it taken care of and/or removing the jewelry. Both can cause the infection to spread if not taken care of and/or other problems. Whenever in doubt see your doctor.