I have to say I'm a big fan of oil as an aid in healing. I've used oil on all my piercings with great success. Of course, I live in a very dry desert. If you live in a very humid climate, using oil may not be for you.

And there are those who disagree with me, saying that the use of oil attracts dirt and germs to your piercing. There may be some truth to that, but since my normal post-piercing routine includes twice daily head-to-toe washing with antimicrobial soap, it doesn't seem to be a problem for me. I've never had an infected piercing, at any rate.*

For me, oil not only alleviates any dryness and flaking of the skin, but helps lubricate the piercing, reducing crusties and allowing the jewelry to move smoothly in the piercing if it wants to, without having the crusties pull on it, or pull through it.

I started off using almond oil, then experimented with olive oil and grapeseed oil, and finally, emu oil. Nowadays my first line of defense on any irritated piercing is a little emu oil. (Really pissy piercings get soaked.) I wonder if hemp oil would be good on piercings? I know lavender oil is one of the only essential oils which can be directly applied to the skin without a carrier oil. Jojoba is also a good, skin-friendly oil. Be sure to get fresh, good quality oil.

Tea tree oil is often touted as a good remedy, but I think it's too harsh for everyday application on normal healing piercings (plus it smells funky). Its best use is a medicinal application, such as an anti-fungal for overgrowth problems—possibly if you live in a very humid area or your internal chemistry is off because of poor diet, illness, etc.

Probably any good, food grade, skin nourishing oil can be used, but be careful if you have allergies or skin sensitivities. Oil goes bad quickly in hot weather, so make sure your oil is fresh and not rancid. You do have to make sure to wash your piercings regularly, though. So try it, especially if you have very dry skin, but don't forget to drink lots of water too. Just a tiny dab around (not IN) the piercing.

*Except for the one done with a GUN!