Piercing Aftercare Instructions

Cleaning (choose one method below):

Option 1: Fragrance-Free Soap Cleaning

• Wash your hands thoroughly.

• Gently clean the area with fragrance-free antibacterial soap (e.g., Dial Gold).

• Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

• Pat dry with a clean, disposable paper towel.

Option 2: Pre-Packaged Sterile Saline

• Use H2Ocean or NeilMed Piercing Aftercare.

• Spray directly on the piercing or use a clean, saturated pad.

• Let it air dry or pat dry with a paper towel.

Option 3: DIY Saline Solution

• Mix 1/4 teaspoon non-iodized sea salt with 1 cup (8 oz) warm distilled or bottled water.

• Stir until fully dissolved.

• Apply with clean gauze for 5–10 minutes.

• Always use a fresh batch. Do not store.

• Air dry or gently pat dry.

Important: Never use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, Bactine, Neosporin, or scented products. Wash your hands before any contact. Don’t let others touch the piercing during healing.

Estimated Healing Times (least to most):

• Tongue: 2–4 weeks

• Lip, Septum, Eyebrow: 6–8 weeks

• Ear lobe: 6–8 weeks

• Navel, Nostril: 2–6 months

• Ear cartilage, Nipple, Genital: 6–12 months

Healing varies by person. Continue cleaning until fully healed.

Seek Medical Care If You Notice:

• Unusual redness, swelling, or pain

• Red streaks or warmth near the piercing

• Fever, pus-like discharge

• Rash, hives, difficulty breathing (allergic reaction)

Public Health Information

Outside normal healing, if you suspect infection or disease, report to:
Denver Dept. of Environmental Health
Public Health Inspections – Body Art
101 W. Colfax Ave, Suite 800, Denver, CO 80202
(720) 865-5401
phicomments@denvergov.org

Artists must report complications within 24 hours of discovery. Please also contact your artist with concerns.