GENERAL PIERCING AFTERCARE
Piercings are susceptible to infection during the healing period. Appropriate aftercare is crucial to promote healing and prevent infection. An appropriate aftercare regimen includes cleansing the piercing and jewelry regularly, usually two to three times daily. It is highly recommended that you cleanse your new piercing with both a skin cleanser and an antiseptic product. Cleansing is accomplished by using a skin cleanser that is safe and appropriate for use on broken skin. Cleansers intended for use on intact skin can damage dermal cells and impede healing.
PRODUCTS TO LOOK FOR:
SKIN CLEANSERS AND SOAPS
Provon Medicated Lotion Soap
Available in wholesale quantities from McKesson HBOC
Medical Group, 1-800-877-1919
Satin Antimicrobial Skin Cleanser
Manufactured by Care-Tech Laboratories, 1-800-325-9681
http://www.caretechlabs.com/
WOUND CLEANSERS
Techni-Care Surgical Scrub
Manufactured by Care-Tech Laboratories, 1-800-325-9681
http://www.caretechlabs.com
LIQUID ANTIBACTERIAL SOAPS
Brand names Dial Liquid, Almay Hypo-Care, Softsoap
Most orange-colored soaps can be irritating and drying with frequent
and prolonged use. Soaps that are low-pH, free of deodorants, dyes, and
moisturizers are suggested.
ANTISEPTIC PRODUCTS
Antiseptics and disinfectants are chemicals designed to kill and
inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Unless specified, antiseptic and disinfectant
products do not contain surfactants that help remove foreign materials
and thusly do not function as skin cleansers. Ingredients are intended to be
used for first-aid antisepsis and not for prolonged use.
Prolonged use has been associated with dry or flaking skin.
If these symptoms occur discontinue use.
Do not dilute; diluting with water will decrease efficacy and may
contaminate the solution bacteria.
Brand names Bactine, No More Ouchies, Pierced Ear Care Solution,
Sensitive Ears Solution
PRODUCTS TO AVOID!!!!!!!
ANTIBIOTIC AND MEDICATED OINTMENTS
Over-the-counter antibiotic ointments and creams containing any
combination of bacitracin zinc, Neomycin, and Polymyxin-B.
These products do not cleanse the piercing. Their petrolatum (oil)
based formulation can clog the piercing, making cleansing more difficult.
As determined by the US Food and Drug Administration, antibiotic
ointments are contraindicated for use in puncture wounds or for use beyond one
week. Prolonged use of neomycin encourages development of neomycin-resistant
strains of Staphylococci bacteria. Some people are highly allergic to bacitracin zinc.
CHLORHEXIDINE GLUCONATE (CHG) CLEANSERS
Brand names AC 2000, Bacticlens, Hibiclens, Hibiscrub, Hibitane,
Savlon, Spectro Gram 2
These cleansers are intended only for hand
washing and pre-surgical skin antisepsis and are very irritating and drying.
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
Hydrogen peroxide has limited antiseptic effectiveness and damages
dermal cells.
ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL ("RUBBING ALCOHOL")
Intended as an antiseptic for use on intact skin only. Isopropyl
alcohol has
limited antiseptic effectiveness and is very irritating and drying.
POVIDONE IODINE
Brand names Betadine, Triadine
Povidone Iodine is an antimicrobial antiseptic. Intended for
pre-operative skin antisepsis and as a first aid antiseptic. Contraindicated for
use in puncture wounds or prolonged use. Prolonged use may cause dermal
cells to lyse (over-saturate and rupture) as well as skin discoloration.
Used to cleanse skin prior to piercing.
Some people are allergic to povidone iodine; an allergy to shellfish
is a predictor. Prolonged use may cause an allergy |
