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Even the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) has updated their industry standard aftercare guidelines to list saline as the sole option under the suggested cleaning solutions!
For piercing care, in place of soap, I am advocating the use of Briotech spray. It is a non-irritating, natural broad-spectrum antimicrobial that does not cause antibiotic resistance. Substantial scientific research shows that it destroys far more pathogens than any soap—without drying skin or damaging delicate healing tissue. It actually does stimulate wound healing, and supports immune function. See the June 2016 issue of Pain Magazine, and my website for more information.
I do believe a once daily cleaning in the shower is appropriate and advisable for exposed healing piercings on people who engage in sweaty or dirty activities for work or leisure. A very mild fragrance- and dye-free, low- or pH-balanced soap should be used. Liquid soaps are safer than bars, which can harbor bacteria.
One product I have suggested is called “Naked,” an organic, natural, foaming liquid soap that was formulated specifically for use on piercings. Countless clients have used it
successfully over the years, so I can say with confidence that it does work well for many piercees.
Another option for healing piercings is Dr. Bronner’s Baby Mild/Unscented Pure-Castile Liquid Soap. It is a concentrate and should be pre-diluted before use at a ratio of fifteen parts water to one part soap. I advised clients to get a 16-ounce bottle of clean water, remove an ounce of the liquid, and replace it with an equal measure of the soap concentrate. If this mixture is placed into a foaming soap pump, it dispenses as a nice, rich lather, even though notably diluted.
Because your mentor is a proponent of a product so far removed from the accepted options, I highly suggest you do all you can to learn about industry standards, and get up to date with developments and advances in the field. Additionally, don’t just take my word or any other piercer’s as gospel. Do your own research and study different sources to educate yourself. Below is a list of resources that should prove helpful to get you started:
• The APP procedure manual is avail- able in print or by digital download from the APP website. If you do not already have a copy, this will be invaluable.
• The current and back issues of The Point, the quarterly journal of the APP, are a free to view or download.
• The APP website contains a FAQ with excellent information on a variety of piercing- related subjects.
• The annual APP conferences are absolutely amazing, and I cannot recommend them highly enough. You need not be a member to attend—though of course, I do suggest you become one if you are eligible.
• There are tons of informative blog posts on my site, piercingbible.com, and you can watch me doing anatomy consultations, showing precisely where I place piercings, and demonstrating how I perform them, using the “Videos” link .
• Archives of Pain Magazine issues containing my monthly columns covering a wide variety of piercing topics should be available on the company’s website.
I wish you well, and encourage you to continue asking questions and seeking answers in pursuit of professional expertise and excellence. O
PAINMAG.COM

