Q: How are a jestrum piercing and a medusa piercing different? -Brielle P

A: The main difference between a medusa (aka: philtrum) piercing and a jestrum piercing is simply the direction. A medusa goes horizontally through the philtrum (also known as the little divot between your nose and lip) like a standard lip piercing. A jestrum piercing is a vertical piercing of the upper lip that goes through the lip itself without entering the oral cavity. (Think vertical labret on the upper lip!) We actually have a video that talks about this a bit more in depth (click here to watch) Thanks for your question!

Q: They say not to clean piercings with alcohol because it will dry it out. Saline solution is salt water, right? Won’t that dry out my piercing cleaning it with that? Or do I want to dry it out, just not too much? I’m so confused! Thanks -Brianna

A: The trouble with alcohol is how harsh it is. It can damage the fragile cells forming inside of the healing fistula, as well as drying out the skin to the point where it causes irritation and problems instead of fixing them. With wound wash, the saline gently draws out any pathogens or debris while the water flushes them away without damaging the healing skin. Rubbing alcohol is considerably stronger stuff than saline. You wouldn’t use saline to sanitize a surface and you should never put alcohol on a piercing. You do NOT want to dry your piercing out at all, the saline is just to keep it clean so it can heal properly on its own. Best of luck!

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Disclaimer: Body Candy is only here to give you fun and helpful advice and information when it comes to getting pierced. Always consult a professional piercer to make sure a new piercing is right for you!