:: Common Sense & Troubleshooting ::

Common Sense Reminder ::

Some organic products may not be appropriate for some people, even when properly sealed. Allergic reactions are possible, and you should pay attention to your body. Some woods in particular are often the source of irritation. Any woods with a high tanic acid content, or which leave a bitter, burning sensation on the tongue should not be worn. Most rosewoods are also rather volatile, as is purple heart. Ebony works well for most everyone.

Pay attention to your new jewelry, and at the first sign of allergy, take it out! See Allergic Reactions section for suggested care.

In Case of Trouble ::

Allergic Reactions ::

No matter what materials you choose during stretching, allergic reactions are always possible. Human bodies are all unique, and are always changing. They can react to virtually anything, even if it is usually hypoallergenic, even if your friends can wear it, even if you could wear it last year. Changes in your health, environment, and lifestyle can also change your body's tolerance to foreign materials. As long as you keep an eye on your piercings, you should quickly realize what works for you.

If you suddenly begin to get excessive itching, swelling, rash, redness, heat or clear fluid discharge, take your jewelry out immediately! Put in something less reactive if possible (glass, implant grade steel, niobium, titanium), or leave the hole empty if your body insists. Soak your piercing in hot salt water several times a day until cleared up (1/4 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt to 8 ounces hot water in a glass). This will help draw out any fluids or chemical residue in the skin, and will calm the skin and help speed healing.

Avoid chemical soaps (including antibacterials) and solutions if you are having an allergic reaction. Adding extra chemicals may exacerbate the problem. Try Castille or glycerine soap, or Ivory, or irrigating it with saline. Milk-based soaps are sometimes helpful, as they soothe reactions to acidic compounds. Some people have luck using cortisone creams on allergic reactions; others find these products make them worse. Use your judgement and pay attention to your body's own reactions.

Tearing / Blow-outs ::

If you tear a piercing during stretching, you will usually know immediately. You will often get some bleeding, and the piece that was so hard to push through a moment ago suddenly slides easily. If this happens, soak the piercing in warm salt water as described above for a few days, until it seems better. Once it is no longer scabbing or crusty, start massaging the skin with jojoba oil, vitamin E or cocoa butter several times a day. This will speed healing and soften any developing scar tissue.

A blow-out is an uneven distribution of skin and/or scar tissue from stretching too far too fast. It may look like your piercing is turned inside-out. The soaking and massaging methods described above will come in handy here, but you may still end up with permanent scar tissue. Once healed, start your next stretch from the other side, so you are "tucking in" the excess tissue. And if you do tear or blow-out your holes, take it as a reminder to stretch more slowly next time.

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Infinite Body Piercing, Inc.