Express Salon
CAROUSEL HEALTH CENTRE
Unit 2, 22 Cecil Avenue
Cannington
Western Australia 6107
P: (08) 9356 9990
F: (08) 9399 9830
E: info@pozzestds.com.au
Body Piercing Info
Aftercare | Caring for your Piercings | Infections | Do's and Dont's
Redness/Appearance of a rash
Soreness
Irritation/itchiness
Possible migration
It is differentiated from infection by the absence of any discharge or weeping. Treatment is to remove the offending metal and re-introduce a different metal.
Metal allergies are rarely seen with implant grade surgical stainless steel jewellery (this is found in hip and knee replacements) Another option is niobium or titanium. Zircon gold (titanium based) is most suitable, provided the client doesn't have a history of negative reaction to it.
Use warm salty water twice a day (am & pm) for 2-3 weeks on all piercings. If swelling occurs take Nurofen (if you are not allergic) and this works as an anti-inflammatory. For all oral piercings do not smoke, consume alcohol, have hot & spicy foods, hard & crunchy foods for the first week. You will be required on some piercings to return to the salon for your downsize jewellery after 2 weeks, once swelling has gone down and for a check on your piercing. Always read your AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS carefully and phone the salon if you have any further concerns or questions.
Precious Metals - Understanding the Carat System
When dealing with precious metals, namely gold from 9 carat through to 22 carat for body jewellery applications, the term "carat" relates to the percentage of fine gold in the overall volume of metal. This is the percentage of fine gold in the alloy.
9CT GOLD 375/1000. The technical hallmark which is stamped on 9 carat gold pieces is "375" denoting that 375 parts in 1000 of the finished object is fine gold. In yellow gold, the majority remainding in the alloy, apart from the fine gold itself, is fine copper, with a lesser proportion of fine silver. Their proportion to each other gives the metal its colour. For example, more silver in the alloy, leads to a yellowier metal. More copper leads to a redder colored metal, which is how we make rose or pink gold.
9ct gold is 625 parts mix of other metals - 375 parts fine gold 14ct gold is 415 parts mix of other metals - 585 parts fine gold 18ct gold is 250 parts mix of other metals - 750 parts fine gold The presence of copper in any quantity can lead to a high level of oxidization on the surface, and this can lead to negative skin reactions, most reactions are probable due to the presence of nickel or zinc in the alloy, which is usually the case with low grade white gold alloys and some solders. Sterling silver is not recommended due to the ready development of an oxide surface on the outside of the jewellery caused by the presence of the copper. Sterling silver is most suitable for add-ons to the body -penetrating component, such as captive beads.
Infections are most commonly caused by bacteria entering the piercing due to the client or somebody else touching the piercing during the first few months of healing. Symptoms of infection include: *Redness and inflammation *An angry appearance *Pain and tenderness *Sensation of heat around the piercing *Discharge of pus *An abscess (pocket of infectious fluid trapped under the skin) Abscesses are prone to occur in re-piercing. They may also occur when jewellery is removed from an infected piercing. An effective initial treatment is to bathe the piercing using warm water containing 1-2 teaspoons of non- iodized sea salt. If it doesn't subside within 48 hours, consult a doctor. Mild infections can be treated with a topical antibacterial such as Pivodine-lodine applied daily for at least 5-7 days. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a doctor who may prescribe antibiotics.
Allergies
If piercing is troublesome most people assume straight away that it is infected. In fact, what may be happening is a reaction to either the cleaning agent or the metal of which the jewellery is made. Symptoms of a cleanser allergy are quite similar to that of an infection and can range from subtle (slight itchiness or tenderness) to the extreme (emitting a lot of fluid, rejection of the piercing, swelling, etc.) Usually any fluid emitted is clear and the tissue surrounding the piercing looks red/shiny. Reactions such as this usually begin with over cleansing of the piercing, perhaps too many different cleaning agents at one time. Sensitivity to cleaners can be cumulative with a reaction occurring in a person who had previously experienced no problems. Navels are especially sensitive to strong cleaners.
Inappropriate alternatives to aftercare routines
70% of alcohol used in ear care solutions is not suitable because it is an inefficient antibacterial agent and will also dry out and kill delicate new cells, facial toners also fall into this category.
Bath soaps that contain lye which is alkaline and will irritate healing skin.
DO NOT TOUCH your new piercing with dirty hands. Always wash hands well first. Preferably with anti-bacterial hand wash.
DO NOT USE alcohol-based cleaning solutions. They can slow healing and may cause skin irritations because of the alcohol content to a new wound.
DO NOT INSERT non sterile jewellery or jewellery made of metals other than those recommended by your piercer. Use 3161. Grade surgical grade stainless steel or Zircon gold (after site has healed).
DO RETURN to your piercer if any problems occur and for downsizing of jewellery. Especially for labret / beauty spot and tongue.
DO AVOID swimming & spas until the piercing is healed, public pools pose a risk of bacterial infection.
DO NOT SHARE jewellery with friends, even in healed sites.
DO BE AWARE that you may experience tissue rejection which means the piercing site may swell, the skin changes colour and the area becomes itchy. This is different from infection, where there is pus there is usually pain. Consult your piercer and doctor if this occurs.
Bourne Infections Hepatitis C - This virus is carried in the blood and can result in long- term illness affecting the liver. There is no cure or preventative vaccine.
Hepatitis B - This virus can result in long - term illness affecting the liver and is transmitted by blood-to blood contact and by sexual activity. A safe effective vaccine is available.
HIV/AIDS - HIV is the virus that results in the disease known as AIDS. It is transmitted through blood -to-blood contact and sexual activity. People are affected for life. As yet there is no cure.
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