Hey Hootie and others!
I was browsing an old magazine today and they gave some awesome tips! Oh yeah, congrats on taking that step...I'm sure you'll love your piercing!!!!!!!!!
Here is what YM Mag said to do:
-Find a reputable piercer: Piercers are not regulated, so to find a safe one near you, write to the Association of Professional Piercers at 519 Castro St., #120, San Francisco, CA 94114
(Well, this part won't be much use to you now, but for future reference! And, I've probably passed by this Association...it's in my city!)
-Keep it clean: Your piercer should use a new pair of disposable latex gloves and a fresh-from-the-wrapper, sterilized needle for every piercing. If he or she doesn't, leave immediately.
again, for future reference
-Care for your piercing properly: Wash your hands well, then, without taking jewlery out, clean around piercing twice daily with an ear-piercing antiseptic, antibacterial soap, or antibacterial mouthwash. Holes can take four weeks to a year to completely heal (you may experience redness, pain, or swelling the first week).
-Watch for infection:
Excessive redness, swelling, discharge, throbbing pain, or a sensation of heat are clues that you're not healing properly. If any of these symptoms last more than a few days, call your doctor. IMPORTANT: Don't take out jewelry--you can make infection worse.
HTH you Hootie!! BTW, this is from the Nov '97 issue of YM (yeah, I keep old mags)
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