Even though body piercings are not as permanent as tattoos, you should still be cautious about where and how you receive them. After all, body art is a form of self-expression. There are numerous sorts and styles to pick from, not to mention body parts. And the pain, hazards, and recovery timeframes vary by piercing type. These criteria might help you make the best choice and prepare for a new piercing.
So, while obtaining a tiny piercing may appear simple, there is a lot to consider. It's crucial to go to a reputed studio with a clean environment and follow the aftercare recommendations carefully to avoid infection. After all, you want to be healthy, safe, and happy with your new body art for years to come.
Did you know only 7% of the population have piercings in other parts of their body aside from their ears? If you want your first piercing or another one in a different body part, this post looks at some of the details you should know before adding more holes to your body.
Piercings are Prone to Infection
Minor infections are the number one complication of ear piercings, and over 35% of people can experience some form of infection. Making sure your piercer is working in a clean and sterile environment reduces the risk of contamination. However, other lifestyle elements coming into contact with your new piercing can also introduce bacteria. Clothing, hair, even skin, along with creams and perfumes, are all irritants and can allow for an infection to take hold.
Allergic Reactions
Another factor to consider is that some people can have an allergic reaction to the metal used in the jewellery being put into their bodies. This is especially common with ear piercings, mainly because they are the most popular type.
Shop for silver helix earrings online; choose 9kt or 18k gold or surgical grade stainless steel or titanium. Metals containing alloys, nickel (which is the number one metal for allergic reactions from piercings), cobalt or white gold can all cause allergic reactions.
A Piercing Is A Wound
Keep in mind, when you get a piercing, you are essentially causing trauma to your body and creating a wound from which you will need to heal. The jewellery in the hole you make will stop the wound from healing completely, providing you keep it in place. But you need to expect some recovery time; pain and soreness is part of the process, so be aware of this before getting your new piercing.
Piercings Are Art
Initially, the placement and position of your piercing are essential, and a well-trained and experienced piercer can help you get the right spot. After this, once you have had your piercing completed, it is about showing it off. After all, people wear jewellery as a statement, so consider when choosing what and where you want to create your mark.
Cleanliness is Next To Godliness
You may have heard this from well-meaning family members over your lifetime. But when it is said concerning piercings, there is no such thing as too clean. Cleaning your new addition regularly can help you avoid any infections and damage to your piercing and the wound caused by it.
Use sterile antibacterial products designed specifically for this purpose and pay attention to changing shapes or appearance to identify a problem. Move the earring or bar regularly to avoid it sticking in place and to retain comfort.
Pass on Ointment
New thinking suggests this way of thinking is out of date. You would apply antibiotic ointment to a wound; why not apply it to your new piercing as well? Because ointment does not rinse the piercing as effectively as a saline wash, dust or other irritants in the air may actually adhere to the goo, making their way into the piercing later in the healing process.
Piercers Are Unregulated
There are currently no laws or regulations as to who can perform piercings. If you go to a national brand, chances are they will have some training programme in place for employees carrying out this procedure, especially on children.
The best way to find reputable piercers is to ask around family and friends who will undoubtedly have stories about good and bad experiences.
Remember, while studios may impose their own age restrictions, legally, there is nothing in place to stop anyone from walking into a piercing studio at any time. Most businesses require parental consent for under 16s legally; they can do the piercing even if it is a morally grey area.
You Should View Piercings as Permanent
Never go into this thinking it is ok if it goes wrong or you don't like it as you can remove it. Having a pat of your body pierced is essentially mutilating your skin, and you will never be 100% able to undo this. You may find the hole will close over time if you remove any jewellery, but you could be left with a scar.
If you are not ready for this reality, maybe you need to think about whether or not this is for you. This is why many people advise against getting tiny babies' ears pierced. Their bodies are only just beginning to be formed and are still underdeveloped. Due to this, what looks good on a baby may look out of shape or position on toddlers and young children. If you remove the piercing, they will forever have a reminder of this on their ears, for example, and in the future, it could interfere with newer attempts to re-pierce the ears or result in damage complications.
When it comes down to it, it is your body, and you are within your rights to treat it how you see fit. That being said, it pays to be fully informed about any decisions you are making concerning changing your body permanently to choose the best option for you and avoid any excess damage and complications down the line. This will allow you the best possible chance of healing so you can enjoy your new piercing for many years to come.
*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.