These suggestions are intended to shorten the healing time and minimize the risk of 
complications with your new piercing.
For the first few to several days a new 
piercing may be red and irritated, bruise, swell, and bleed.

It is normal for a healing piercing to discharge a clear or cream colored fluid that may dry on the jewelry and become crusty.  Remove this material by moistening it with water.

First Aid, antibacterial,  and antseptic 
products may slow and complicate the natural healing process.  Avoid using products on your piercing like Neosporin, Bacitracin, Alcohol, Bactine, Peroxide, Iodine, Bedidine, Triple Antibiotic, Glyoxide, Hibiclense, Dial soap, and mouthwash.

It is important to clean your piercing.  Shower like normal, avoiding your piercing the best you can.  At the end of each shower rinse your piercing off thoroughly with water to moisten, loosen, and remove any debris.  

Avoid submerging your piercing in oceans, lakes, rivers, and pools.  Avoid putting 
cosmetic and hair products on your piercing.  Avoid spinning, rotating, or removing your jewelry, and never touch it with dirty fingers.  Avoid any activity that irritates the piercing.  Keep your piercing away from dirty clothes or bed sheets.  Avoid all body fluids from other people while your piercing is still healing.

One of the biggest factors in healing a piercing may be your health.  Eating well, getting enough rest, and lowering your stress levels are all important to being healthy.  Your body uses Vitamin C and Zinc to heal and support the immune system, consider taking a supplement.  

Clean, loose fitting, and natural fiber clothing works best over a healing piercing.  Elevating the head while sleeping may help reduce swelling of facial piercings.  Ice packs can be used to reduce swelling also.  Barbells in piercings need to be tightened after each shower.  Caffeine, alcohol, and aspirin thin the blood and may contribute to bleeding.

All new piercings require jewelry that is comfortable, allows for swelling, and natural movement of the body.  Downsizing to smaller jewelry may be appropriate after 2 weeks.  Your piercer will tell you what to expect.

Non-iodized sea salt solution is the only thing your piercer suggests applying to your new piercing.  Sea salt soaks can help promote healing and relieve symptoms of an iritated piercing.  Mix exactly 1/4 tsp of non-iodized sea salt with 8oz warm water.  Distilled water is best.  Without removing your jewelry, soak your piercing 2-3 times a day for 5-10 minutes.  Rinse with plain water afterward.  For tongue piercings, use this solution as an oral rinse and a compress for piercings 
difficult to soak.  Avoid table, kosher, and epsom salts.

New oral piercings may result in altered speech for several days.  To reduce the risk of dental damage, it’s important to wear jewelry that fits properly so remember to downsize. When healed, be sure to clean your tongue jewelry when brushing your teeth.  Never play with jewelry in your mouth.  Buy a new toothbrush after getting an oral piercing.  Smoking and drinking alcohol may irritate an oral piericing.  Clients with high blood pressure should consult a doctor before using sea salt soaks.