My lip ring piercing isn't healing very well

[CrazyCatLady]

I've been pierced everywhere, lots of times. Since I'm a good healer I usually do no more than keep stuff clean with soap and water or a few swishes of listerine if the piercing is in my mouth.

I got my lip re-done yesterday. Today it's pretty painful and a bit swollen. It's not red though.

Anything else I should be doing? Salt water? Bactine?

Thanks

[FireWithin]

I am a big fan of calendula and St John's Wort wash. This is just the tinctures you can get from a health food store. water it down. I usually do 1:10 tincture water ratio. I use it for all skin things.

[CrazyCatLady]

It's still slightly swollen, sore, and now I have some white/clear pus going on (sorry for the tmi).

Maybe this is normal and I just don't remember it? Any other tips/advice?

[loudmama]

I would call the piercer for suggestions. I'd be hesitant to try anything but what they recommend.

I just got my navel done on Friday, & the care recommendation is to soak the piercing in salt water made with 1/4 tsp sea salt w/o iodine & 8oz of hot water for 10 minutes. After that, wash thoroughly with a antimicrobial soap. Due this twice a day. I got the soap from the piercer, it is Nutribiotic.

For oral piercings the instructions say to rinse with antiseptic mouthwash after EVERY TIME you eat, smoke or drink anything other than water.

You may know this stuff already, so sorry if its not helpful.

L

[pianojazzgirl]

I'd say salt water is going to be a big help in keeping it clean. I'd be rinsing with it many times a day (def after every time eating or drinking and at other times as well).

Keep your immune system boosted too to help fight off any potential infection (extra vit C, vit D, probiotics, etc).

[WuWei]

lavender essential oil and/or coconut oil will help.

Pat

[CrazyCatLady]

Thanks for the salt/water "recipe". I knew I was supposed to be using salt water, but I couldn't remember the amounts so I haven't done it yet.

I didn't get any instructions from the piercer. He probably just saw me and my face full of piercings and assumed I'd know what to do .

It's still really irritated. Thanks for all the advice. I'm going to be very diligent about caring for it better until it heals.