days 1-7

• swelling

• tenderness

• warmth

• minor bleeding or spotting

• bruising

weeks 2-8+

• crusties

• intermittent soreness

• itchiness

• piercing feeling “fine” one day and irritated the next

• mild swelling

• tenderness or soreness

• redness around the piercing

• bruising

• clear, white, or pale yellow discharge that dries into crusties

• persistent irritation

• excessive swelling

• jewelry embedding into skin

• large irritation bumps

• questions about healing or jewelry changes

• severe or worsening pain

• excessive heat around piercing

• fever or chills

• thick green, gray, or foul smelling discharge

• red streaking from the piercing site

irritation

• localized redness

• small bump

• tenderness

• clear or pale yellow discharge

possible infection

• severe swelling

• hot to the touch

• fever

• thick green discharge

• significant worsening pain

do not change your jewelry until your piercing is fully healed or approved by your piercer.

• sleeping on it

• over-cleaning

• makeup/skincare products

• hair getting wrapped around jewelry

• pets sleeping on pillows

• headphones

• phone screens

• hats & helmets
  
  

avoid makeup around the piercing during the early healing.
be mindful when washing your face or removing clothing.
do not replace your stud with a hoop until approved by your piercer.

more cleaning does not equal faster healing. over-cleaning is one of the most common causes of irritation. even when a piercing looks healed on the outside, the inside may still be healing. be patient, stay consistent with aftercare, and reach out if you have any questions.