Troubleshooting Your Piercing

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Well, hopefully if you are receiving this booklet,

We have probably already discussed the different 

methods of care you should be practicing to fix whatever 

issue you may be experiencing. 

Below you will find a list of various issues and remedies you can follow that your piercer will mark off for you if you are being instructed to perform. We do understand that some of the 

solutions may be a bit disappointing to hear, but seeing as there are no easy fixes, we do promise to help in any way we can to ensure your complete satisfaction.

If the piercing was performed at an angle that is causing pressure on the piercing sites. (This can be determined by seeing if the piercing is sitting perpendicular to the tissue or not.) If this is the case, best option is to remove, allow time to heal, and redo at a later date. Sometimes this happens even to the best of piercers, as we are human. 

 If the issue is the piercing area not being dried enough, you can take a blow drier on a low cool setting (make sure it is set to cool, hot air can heat up the metal) and run it around the piercing site. Do this after cleaning and showering.

 If you have a newer piercing that happens to be on the side you find yourself sleeping on, you may want to try using a travel pillow as a donut for the ear to rest in, to alleviate the pressure off of your ear. If you are unable to effectively use the pillow, or another method of keeping your ear from being slept on, or you can’t control what side is being slept on, you may want to consider retiring the piercing as the only solution can’t quite be resolved.

Piercings want to be left alone! I know it can be hard to avoid fidgeting but this is a really big one that often causes the most issues. When we touch our piercings, we introduce the germs from our hands, and cause trauma and irritation. DO NOT CONTORT your piercing site or body part for whatever reason. I see this often when clients send photos to try to troubleshoot online. You do not need to push up on your navel piercing or fold your ear in. Best course of action? STOP TOUCHING YOUR PIERCINGS

Follow the aftercare instructions in the booklet given to you, or request a new one. There is no magic ointment or spray bought online that can help. Only use the recommended products used by your professional piercer, or visit the APP website for accurate information. If your piercer’s advice does not align with the APP website, you are likely being given false or outdated information.

Here, we use high quality metals when piercing. This is to ensure longevity and safety with our clients. But when cheaper studios use cheaper jewelry, it can often cause a variety of  reactions that aren’t just allergy related. Low quality jewelry tends to consist of mystery metals, have a low grade polish/finish, and tons of scratches and knicks that allow bacteria to build up on the jewelry in a way you can’t even see. Low quality jewelry can physically be harsh on a new piercing. Above shows the difference between the gentle smooth mirror polish finish of high quality jewelry and the rough careless finish of low quality externally threaded jewelry.

Yes, there can be a difference in price. Piercing is a luxury service and comes in tiers of quality. But the price is worth it when it comes to the metals being implanted in your body, and trusting the proper expertise of your properly trained piercer. 

If your piercing is acting up due to low quality jewelry, your only option is to upgrade.

- Cleaning should be done twice a day, no more no less really. Cleaning should be gentle, yet diligent. Not too rough with cleaning that the piercing
is being abused, and not too gentle to where it isn't being effectively done. The piercing shouldn't be caked with gunk. Follow the instructions given to you and remember, there is such thing as cleaning too much. If the jewelry style is difficult to clean around, ask your piercer for tips and tricks to successfully and safely clean your piercing

If your piercing is irritated from swimming in any u hygienic bodies of water (pools, baths, hot tubs, rivers,  lakes, oceans,  etc) cease immediately and continue to clean your piercing as instructed.  If it seems am infection may be present,  go to your doctor immediately. 

If you are experiencing or think you are experiencing infection symptoms, see your doctor immediately. Piercers are not medical professionals and are not authorized to offer medical advice or diagnosis.  

Swelling is likely to occur for the few first weeks or even months of getting a new piercing.  Certain OTC medication can be taken to help relieve tenderness and reduce swelling.  But should be taken 24 hours after your piercing service as some medicine can act as blood thinners.