- Wash your hands before cleaning your piercing.
- Leave the piercing alone except for when you're cleaning it.
- Check daily, with clean hands, to make sure the threaded ends are tight ("Right-Tighty, Lefty-Loosy")
- Change bedding regularly.
- Wear clean, comfortable clothing that protects your piercing while you're sleeping.
- Showers are safer than baths. If you bathe in a tub make sure to clean the tub with bleach and rinse with water before each use and thoroughly rinse your piercing with water when you get out.
- Get enough sleep, and maintain a nutritious diet.
- Once swelling subsides you must downsize the initial jewelry to avoid damage or migration of your piercing. Return to your piercer for assistance.
- Oral piercings: Eat slowly and take small bites
- Oral piercings: Cold food and beverages are soothing and help reduce swelling