• hydrogen peroxide, soaps, alcohol, ear care solutions, antibiotics, oils or ointments on the healing piercing site as a substitute for cleaning. If a problem arises with the piercing the piercer should be contacted sooner than later to diagnose the problem and be able to extend proper aftercare.

• cotton swabs, cotton balls or anything to pick at/ scrub the piercing site when healing. These tools are made of loose, fibrous cotton that can discreetly shred off around your jewelry and potentially feed into your piercing. Pressure and rubbing does not need to occur to clean your new piercing- you should be gentle with cleaning using the sterile saline wound wash only (unless otherwise instructed by your piercer). If you noticed a bothersome build up of discharge that has crusted around the piercing you can make a compress with the wound wash spray with gauze or a flat cotton round as these are not loose and fibrous. Let the piercing soak a few minutes to soften the crust and spray to wash away or wipe gently with the gauze or cotton round. No circular motions, only wipe away from the piercing.

• SLEEPING ON THE PIERCING- a neck pillow, piercing pillow or your arm is recommend to lay on as to be able to put your head down but not harmfully compress the fresh piercing and cause trauma to the piercings resulting in migration of the piercing (*migration is the piercing healing at an improper angle or repositioning itself due to repetitive pressure. This can cause long-term discomfort and you may have to remove the piercing for safety)

• REMOVING THE PIERCING PREMATURELY- may risk being unable to reinsert it. The piercers knowledge of heal time should be considered if contemplating removing a piece for any length of time during healing

• SWITCHING THE JEWELRY PREMATURELY- if you are wanting to change your piece of jewelry before it is fully healed you should get in contact with the piercer to see what your options may be. You should not remove it on your own prior to healing even if you are intending to put a new piece directly in as you can potentially have a negative reaction at the piercing site due to improper work environment/sanitation or jewelry quality. If you want jewelry that is larger or smaller in gauge (thickness) then this should be consulted with the piercer to see if this is a safe option for the piercing and you in longevity. **If you are being pierced with the intention of placing a hoop into the piercing it is recommended to wait the full course of healing instructed to you by your piercer. The shape of the hoop in your fresh piercing can create irritation and bumps during the swell period, tend to be larger initially than the goal you had in mind, and move around too much. Consult with your piercer about any additional questions regarding this.

• SWIMMING- this is something that is more heavily focused on in the warmer months in the year but should be considered always. No swimming for minimum 1 month after obtaining a fresh piercing. No freshwater, salt water or pools. Natural bodies of water harbor bacterias that can negatively affect your new piercing and typically are ecosystems for other living organisms, so be mindful. Pools while generally are cleaner and a controlled space are still full of chemical irritants (chlorine) to the new piercing. Please consult with your piercer about any concerns you have regarding this if you know you may be intending to travel and/or swim in the near future.

Your new piercing has essentially developed its own little immune system as it heals. This is to say that it is now the weakest link when it comes to your health and wellness (**outside of any pre-existing conditions that should have been disclosed to your piercer in the event of interference with the piercing process and/or healing- we only want to perform safe practices!) Mental, emotional, physical and environmental changes can effect the piercings ability to heal correctly and in the appropriate amount of time. While some bodies may naturally take longer to heal, it is important to do your best to be aware of not contributing to the potential of any problems that can occur including but not limited to: piercing bumps, keloids, migration, tearing, irritation, etc. Sudden changes in your being or environment create stress that will concentrate in the form of one of these symptoms and should be addressed with your piercer as soon as possible.

EXAMPLES OF CHANGES (included but not limited to):

• MENTAL- a sudden decline in mental health (anxiety, depression, etc)

• EMOTIONAL- stress and upset (crying can create swelling that may effect a piercing based on what and where it is)

• PHYSICAL- increasing activity level suddenly creates stress on the body and should be done gradually and carefully, illness, allergies

• ENVIRONMENTAL- travel (especially planes) due to changes in climate and potentially atmospheric pressure, day-to-day weather