I just got a message from a woman I pierced a few weeks ago. She was given written and verbal instructions warning her to avoid sharing bodily fluids during the entire healing period. This is a reminder to everyone to FOLLOW ALL OF THE AFTERCARE GUIDELINES FOR THE ENTIRE MINIMUM INITIAL HEALING TIME! For the piercing she got, a VCH, I suggested 4-6 weeks as the minimum initial healing time:

Hey Elayne,

On 2/17, I had a VCH piercing done by you in Philly.  The piercing was healing really well and I thought it was healed too soon.  I always kept it clean with Provon, but never over-cleaned.  The piercing never came into contact with dirty hands and I always used paper tissue to dry.  Though, two weeks after I got the piercing, I had unprotected ORAL sex and the piercing may have been slightly abused.  I also didn't clean it immediately.  Unfortunately, then after it became sore and it swelled.  I began doing warm salt water soaks & it helped subdue the swelling.  Though it hasn't gotten any better and now I'm worried because there is a yellowish discharge coming from the piercing site.  It's very uncomfortable, but I've been dealing with it because I know it's my fault!  AND I love the piercing.  I really don't want to take it out.  Please HELP! K.

Hi K.,

Well, I won't lecture you as I can see that it was a self-punishing experience. You probably need to visit your doctor; you may need antibiotic treatment or some other kind or medication, depending on your diagnosis.

How often are you able to do the saline soaks? You may want to try a few extra each day as that may help with drainage.

Please keep me posted.

Sincerely,
Elayne

Elayne Angel, Author
The Piercing Bible--The Definitive Guide to Safe Body Piercing
Medical Liaison, Association of Professional Piercers

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