Piercing Precautions
Understand Possible Problems
Getting a piercing can carry health risks. Some people react to the metal in jewelry, especially if it contains nickel. An allergic reaction can cause itching, redness, or rashes at the site. Bacteria can enter a new piercing if hands or jewelry are dirty, leading to infection. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, pain, warmth, and pus-like fluid.
Other risks include keloids, which are raised scars that may grow larger than the original wound. Some piercings—like those in the tongue or mouth—can cause tooth or gum problems if the jewelry hits against teeth or gums. Swelling of the tongue can make it harder to eat, talk, or even breathe.
Using dirty tools or reused equipment can spread diseases carried in blood, such as tetanus, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C. Accidental pulling or catching of jewelry can cause painful trauma or tears. Below is a summary table showing common complications and signs:
| Complication | Signs/Symptoms | Area Most Affected |
|---|---|---|
| Infection | Redness, swelling, pus | Any piercing site |
| Allergic Reaction | Itching, rash, blisters | Area in contact with jewelry |
| Keloid | Raised, thick scar tissue | Earlobes, cartilage |
| Oral Problems | Chipped teeth, gum injury | Tongue, lip |
| Disease Transmission | Fever, other symptoms | Any, especially with non-sterile tools |
| Trauma | Torn or ripped tissue | Any where jewelry can snag |
If you notice signs of infection, allergic reaction, or a lump that grows after piercing, get medical care to prevent it from getting worse.
Make Sure You Are Prepared
Before making a decision, think carefully about why you want a piercing. Don’t let others pressure you into it. Avoid getting a body piercing on impulse, especially after drinking or using drugs. Make this health choice with a clear mind.
Talking to friends who have piercings can help. They may share tips about which studio they liked, how painful it was, the healing process, and any problems they had. Ask questions before booking to be better prepared. Consider:
- Is the piercing allowed at work or school?
- Do you have any health issues that might make healing harder?
- Are you ready to follow aftercare instructions for several weeks or even months?
Piercing is not temporary. Removing jewelry before the hole heals can cause it to close or get infected.
Demand Strict Hygiene and Professional Practices
Choosing the right place and person for your piercing helps prevent most complications. A professional, clean piercing studio is the safest choice.
1. Qualified Professional
Visit studios or shops where staff have proper training and experience. Don’t try piercing at home or let an unqualified friend do it.
2. Hygiene and Gloves
A professional piercer should always wash their hands and put on new disposable gloves before starting.
3. Sterile Equipment
Good piercing studios use a fresh, sterile, disposable needle for each new piercing. Avoid piercing guns, especially for cartilage, as they can’t always be cleaned well and might harm tissue. Staff should clean reusable tools in a heat sterilizer called an autoclave between clients. Ask to see how equipment is sterilized.
4. Hypoallergenic Jewelry
Choose jewelry made of safe materials, such as titanium, surgical steel, niobium, or 14-18k gold. Hypoallergenic jewelry helps prevent allergic reactions. Avoid nickel.
Common Safe Jewelry Materials
| Material | Allergy Risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Surgical Steel | Low | Widely used in studios |
| Titanium | Very low | Ideal for sensitive skin |
| Niobium | Very low | Safe and durable |
| 14-18k Gold | Low | Must be real gold |
| Plastic | Low | Not always recommended, may absorb bacteria |
5. Clean Environment
The studio should look and smell clean. Staff should wipe surfaces for piercing with disinfectant and change gloves between clients.
6. Local Laws and Licensing
Studios should follow local regulations and have a license. Licenses and certificates should be visible in the studio.
Care Steps After Getting Pierced
Proper aftercare helps prevent infection and supports healing.
1. Cleanliness
- Wash your hands with fragrance-free soap before touching the piercing.
- Use a sterile saline solution or an ear care solution to clean the site twice a day.
- Avoid harsh cleaners like alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or iodine since they can irritate the skin.
- For oral piercings (like tongue or lip), rinse your mouth with an alcohol-free antiseptic mouthwash after eating and before bed. Use a soft toothbrush to keep the area around the jewelry clean.
2. Leave Jewelry in Place
Keep the jewelry in place during the healing period, even if the area feels better. Removing it too soon can cause the hole to close or trap bacteria inside. Healing time varies:
| Piercing Type | Average Healing Time |
|---|---|
| Earlobe | 6-8 weeks |
| Cartilage (Helix) | 3-12 months |
| Tongue | 4-6 weeks |
| Navel | 6 months to 1 year |
| Eyebrow | 6-8 weeks |
3. Avoid Irritation
- Wear clean, loose clothing to prevent friction around fresh piercings, such as navel piercings.
- Avoid twisting or turning the jewelry except when cleaning.
- Do not apply petroleum jelly or heavy creams, which may trap bacteria.
4. Avoid Baths, Pools, and Hot Tubs
Stay away from swimming pools, lakes, rivers, and hot tubs while the piercing heals. Germs in water can easily enter the open wound.
5. Watch for Problems
Check daily for signs of infection. If you notice redness, swelling, hot skin, foul smell, yellow or green discharge, or if you feel feverish, seek advice from a healthcare provider.
6. Don’t Share Jewelry
Never share body jewelry with others, as this can spread bacteria, bloodborne viruses, or other infections.
Sample Daily Aftercare Routine
- Wash hands before touching piercing.
- Clean area with saline or aftercare solution in the morning.
- Avoid bumping or rubbing the piercing during the day.
- Clean again in the evening.
- Check jewelry fit and tightness (but do not overtighten).
Do not use over-the-counter antibiotic ointments unless told to by a healthcare provider. These products may not be necessary and can block air from reaching the piercing, which helps healing.
Quick Dos and Don’ts
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Clean with saline or mild soap | Use alcohol, peroxide, iodine |
| Leave jewelry in during healing | Remove or switch jewelry early |
| Avoid swimming until healed | Scratch or touch unnecessarily |
| Use hypoallergenic jewelry | Use nickel or low-quality metal |
| Check for signs of infection daily | Ignore persistent symptoms |
| Choose professional studios | Pierce at home or with friends |
