This is a topic that is very controversial as each piercer has different ideas on what heals. Basically the skin needs time to form a tube of scar tissue around the piercing. If it is kept clean and free from dirt, germs and fluff then it will heal in roughly 4 to 8 weeks, though can take months for others. Everyone is different.

Use non-iodised salt water and an anti-bacterial liquid. You can use saline solution or make up your own by using 1 cup of boiled water and 1/2 tsp. of salt (sea salt is preferred by many).

Do NOT USE - Cotton wool, tissues or anything fibrous to clean your piercing - use your fingers - the fibres can enter the piercing and cause a splinter reaction which will cause the piercing to migrate.

Avoid swimming pools as the chlorine does not kill all of the germs and this is a place where infections can start.