Aftercare Instructions

 

After piercing, several changes can occur around the piercing area. This is normal and can include: swelling, a small amount of blood loss in the first few days, the formation of a crust around the jewelry during healing, possibly also bruises and dry skin around the piercing. Additionally, there can also be changes in the shape of the piercing area. This is all a normal part of the healing process and we want to remind you that the healing of a piercing is not a magical process.

 

Aftercare Kit from Queen Piercing:

Queen Piercing offers a free aftercare kit to support the healing process. This kit includes a bar of antibacterial soap and a small jar of salt. The jar of salt needs to be dissolved in half a liter of water to create a mild solution. Mix the salt completely with tap water or bottled water until it is fully dissolved. You can boil the water, but this is not necessary in the Netherlands. Store this solution in the refrigerator and replace it weekly. It is recommended to keep the empty salt jar so that you can fill it with coarse sea salt without additives from the supermarket, should you need a new salt solution.

General piercings:

Wash the piercing twice a day with the antibacterial soap from your aftercare kit during the healing process. Lather your fingers and apply soap to the piercing by moving the jewelry back and forth (in the case of a bar) or by rotating it (in the case of a ring). With dermal anchors, surface bars, and similar implants, it is important to wash gently around the wound without moving the jewelry. Then rinse the soap off thoroughly in the same manner. Also, soak the piercing once a day in the salt solution, by placing a makeup pad or paper towel soaked in the solution on the piercing for at least 5-10 minutes. Rinsing after soaking is optional, but recommended. Dry the piercing well after washing and soaking, using a clean paper towel or cotton swab. Keep the piercing as dry as possible for the rest of the day.

Oral piercings:

Oral piercings should be rinsed with a chlorhexidine solution, as advised by the health department. However, this may be too strong for some people, so we also offer a natural alternative: a strong salt solution. Mix the entire jar of salt from your aftercare kit with 250 ml of water until it is fully dissolved. Store this solution in the refrigerator and replace it as needed. Rinse your mouth with this solution or chlorhexidine solution 4-6 times a day, making sure to do this especially in the morning and in the evening. For oral piercings such as the lip piercing, which also have an external part, it is important to also clean the outside. An easy way to do this is by mixing a shot glass of strong salt solution with a shot glass of plain water. This dilutes the solution to the right concentration. Dip a clean paper towel or cotton swab in this solution and apply it to the external part of the piercing, just like you would for a general piercing. Make sure you wash your hands with antibacterial soap before starting the aftercare procedure, but do not use soap directly on the external parts of the oral piercing. Only the salt solution is needed for these parts. Avoid kissing and oral sex during the healing process. For tongue and lip piercings, we recommend inserting a shorter bar after about 2 weeks, provided the swelling has subsided sufficiently. If the swelling is still present after 2 weeks, it is better to wait 3 weeks before changing the bar. It is always important to listen to your body and the signals it sends during the healing process.

Genital piercings:

Follow the care instructions for general piercings. Always protect genital piercings during sexual contact with an extra strong condom (e.g., a condom for anal sex) or a dental dam. Preferably, avoid sexual contact during the healing process. Drink a glass of water about one hour before cleaning your genital piercing. This allows you to flush out soap residues faster when you urinate. Soap in the urethra can cause a urinary tract infection.

 

During piercing, a deep wound is created that needs time to heal. How quickly this wound heals depends on the location of the piercing, the type of metal, the skill of the piercer, and the quality of aftercare. If you take good care of the piercing, it takes 2 to 12 months for the wound to heal.

 

If you have any questions after reading these instructions, please contact Queen Piercing.

Contacting in case of problems:

If in doubt, always contact the studio or a doctor.

If you experience extreme redness, swelling, pain, pus, or fever, contact a doctor immediately.

For less urgent issues, such as irritation, discomfort, or doubts about the healing, you can contact the studio.

These are general guidelines. Always follow the specific advice you have received from your piercer or doctor.