CROSS CONTAMINATION PREVENTION: While the piercing is going through it?s first stage of healing it is like a portal into the body, so it?s important that the following steps be taken until the First stage of healing is complete: 1.No oral contact (including your own salvia) or exchanging of bodily fluids in/on or around the piercing. With genital piercings sexual contact should be gentle. Also for the first six mouths a latex barrier (condoms, dental damns. gloves and/or finger clots)should be used even if you are in a monogamous relationship. 2.Handle the jewelry only during cleaning and then only after washing your hands with an antibacterial soap and then only by the bead or ball. Avoid handling the piercing or jewelry after touching surfaces because it will increase the chances of cross contamination. You should wash hands then rinse and touch only the piercing. 3.Make sure that everything (clothing. towels. sheets. pillow cases. hats etc...) that may come into contact with the piercing are clean. Also avoid contact with shampoos. cosmetics, hair sprays etc.... 4.Do not submerge the piercing during the first stage of healing into any body of water (natural waters. hot tubs. swimming pools. etc....) other than your own clean bathtub. Swimming pools are a reduced risk if you are sure that it is maintained properly. Also wearing a water proof bandage over the piercing while swimming and cleaning the piercing after getting out of the water can reduce the risks. This does not insure that cross contamination will not happen, but it does reduce the chances. REMOVING JEWELRY: Until the first stage of healing is complete do not remove the jewelry for any reason. Once the first stage of healing is complete, remove the jewelry only to replace it. Do this for up to 2 to 3 years. I suggest for the first year that you have a professional change the jewelry. It can be a little tricky and often forcing the jewelry can tear or dislodge the piercing tunnel. The Axiom and most studios will change & sterilize the jewelry for free, regardless of where it was bought.. We strongly suggest that even with a healed piercings you have it auto calved before inserting the jewelry. Often other studios and retailers will display their jewelry open in a case and allow the general public to handle the jewelry. This makes the jewelry prone to collecting bacteria amid other contaminants. ABUSE AND IRRITATION: A good rule is, the more you baby it and the less contact with the piercing, the faster it will heal and the less problems you will have. During the first stage of healing avoid: 1.Clothing that are too tight. abrasive irritating and/or may limit oxygen flow to the piercings that are in contact with the piercings. WITH NAVEL PIERCINGS DO NOT WEAR PANTS THAT HAVE A WAISTBAND THAT IS IN CONTACT WITH THE PIERCING. 2. Sleeping on the piercings or other contact. 3.Using harsh cleaning agents like Alcohol. Witch Hazel. Hydrogen Peroxide. Hibiclens. Betadine. & Listerine(or other alcohol bases mouthwashes). 4.Using antibacterial and other ointments. They tend to block the flow of oxygen to the piercings, block the natural discharge and/or provide a place for contaminants to collect and breed. INFECTIONS : CAUSES: Infections are caused by contact with bacteria, fungi and/or other pathogen. This can be caused by contact with dirty hands,. oral contact (including your own salvia). Exchanging of bodily fluids, hair, cosmetics, oils, unwashed clothing/towels/bedding and/or submerging the piercings into Natural waters. hot tubs. swimming pools amid/or unclean bathtubs. SIGNS of Infection: Redness, discoloration, swelling, heat/fever, on or around the piercings, pain the is throbbing and/or shooting/travels, pus and/or discharge that is unnatural in color like grayish. yellowish and/or greenish. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO? First off contact your piercer so they can take a look at it. The two worst things that you can do is put off getting it taken care of and/or removing the jewelry. Both can cause the infection to spread if not taken care of and/or other problems. Whenever in Doubt see your doctor. Your Jewelry is ________ gauge ________/________ wide____________________________________________________ Your piercing was done by _______________ on __________ ______, 200____. Average healing time is_____months. The Axiom @ the Skin Kitchen/2706 Douglas Ave./Ste C/Des Moines, Iowa 50310 515-255-4430/cell# 515-991-8180 E-mail davo@axiompiercing.com/web site http://www.axiompiercing.com Aftercare Instructions for below the neck piercings version 8. January 27th, 2007 Copyright 1994-2007 The Axiom/David “DaVo” Wilkins