Care for a New Piercing

• For ear, nostril, and septum piercing, something should be left in at all times for 3-6 months; for all other piercing 6-12 months.
• For lip, tongue, and cheek piercing, rinse with Listerine after eating or drinking anything other than bottled water until healed completely.
• Zinc supplements may accelerate healing process. Follow packaging for dosage.
• Avoid oral contact with piercing or handling with dirty hands to decrease chance of infection.
• Seek help immediately if nostril or septum piercing becomes infected.
• If pain, soreness, and/or excessive redness occurs for an extended period of time, do not remove jewelry before consulting a physician.
• On rare occasions, a bump may form behind a nipple or ear piercing. They are usually benign cysts or severe infections requiring minor surgery.