NeilMed Piercing Aftercare
We recommend sterile saline solution for cleaning healing piercings. NeilMed’s fine mist delivers a gentle, sterile spray without harsh chemicals, making it our preferred aftercare product for fresh piercings
Healing Guides
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Body Piercing Aftercare
Read GuideEverything you need to know about cleaning, healing, sleeping, swimming, downsizing and caring for ear, facial and body piercings.
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Oral Piercing Aftercare
Read GuideAdvice on cleaning, swelling, eating, mouthwash, healing and caring for tongue, lip, philtrum and other oral piercings.
Jewellery Changes Made Easier
Jewellery changes during healing
Initial jewellery should usually stay in place unless there is a problem with its size, style or material. Many piercings need a professional downsize before they are fully healed once swelling has reduced. Any downsize or jewellery change during healing should be carried out by a qualified piercer. Once a piercing is fully healed, uncomplicated jewellery changes may be possible at home, but jewellery should never be forced through a tight, sore or resistant channel.
Common Questions
How often should I clean my piercing?
Use a packaged sterile isotonic saline wound wash while your piercing is healing. Check the ingredients: ideally the label should list 0.9% sodium chloride and water only, with no additives. Rinse away softened debris gently and dry with clean disposable gauze or paper products. Avoid over-cleaning, which can irritate healing tissue.
Can I use salt water?
Current Association of Professional Piercers guidance no longer suggests mixing your own sea-salt solution for routine piercing aftercare because homemade mixtures are often too strong. Use packaged sterile isotonic saline wound wash where available rather than a homemade mix.
When can I change my jewellery?
Leave initial jewellery in place during healing unless its size, style or material needs attention. Many piercings require a professional downsize before they are fully healed. Do not make routine jewellery changes yourself while a piercing is healing; see a qualified piercer for downsizing or any necessary change. Once fully healed, only change jewellery yourself if it moves through comfortably and never force it.
Can I swim?
Avoid submerging a healing piercing in pools, hot tubs, lakes, the sea or bath water while it heals. If water exposure cannot be avoided, ask your piercer whether a waterproof transparent film dressing is suitable for the location of your piercing rather than relying on rinsing afterwards as protection.
Is my piercing infected?
Normal healing can include some tenderness, localised swelling and a small amount of pale fluid that dries to a crust. A piercing professional can assess jewellery fit and common piercing-related irritation, but cannot diagnose an infection. If the area is becoming increasingly painful, hot or swollen, there is pus or blood, or you feel hot, cold, shivery or generally unwell, seek medical advice promptly. In the UK, NHS guidance advises an urgent GP appointment or NHS 111 if you think a piercing may be infected. Leave the jewellery in unless a doctor tells you to remove it.
What should I avoid?
Avoid touching your piercing with unwashed hands, twisting or rotating the jewellery, sleeping directly on healing ear piercings, using alcohol, tea tree oil, peroxide or homemade remedies, and changing your jewellery too soon. Keeping your piercing clean, dry and undisturbed gives it the best chance to heal.
What if I have a bump?
A bump is not a diagnosis and can have more than one cause. Pressure, repeated movement, unsuitable jewellery fit, accidental trauma and irritating aftercare can all contribute to problems around a piercing. If a bump is persistent, worsening or you are unsure what is happening, arrange a professional piercing assessment. If you have signs of infection or feel unwell, seek medical advice.