Evidence suggests that body piercing, long ago was practiced in North America, South America, Africa, India, Aleutian Islands, Indonesia, Bavaria and Egypt. Today the art is practiced on a huge scale with expertise. Professionals undergo training for knowing all the features, methods and the process as a whole of body piercing. Piercing of sensitive parts like the tongue, the male genitals, the female genitals, tragus of the ear etc can cause a lot of complications if proper care is not taken. Several precautions should be strictly followed whilst the actual process of piercing and more importantly the after-period.
The after-period or healing period of piercing is a crucial one. Utmost care should be taken in this period. The ear lobe takes about six to eight weeks to heal, while the ear cartilage takes 4 months to a year to heal. The nasal septum takes six to eight months to heal. The lips take two to three months to heal, while the tongue takes about four weeks. The nipples and the belly button take about six months to heal. Piercing heals forming epithelial cells inside of the pierced portion. Warm water should be applied before rotating the jewelry as the epithelial tissue is sensitive and can easily break. During the healing period, the jewelry should not be removed as there are chances of the piercing getting shrunk if the jewelry is removed. Warm water and pure saline can promote formation of a tough fistula which will eventually lead to quick healing of the pierced portion.
In case of tongue piercing, spicy food should be avoided and an antiseptic mouthwash should be used. Ibuprofen is a good chemical for quick healing of tongue piercing. Ice is a coolant for the tongue and should be used extensively. For ear piercing, good quality rings should be used. In case of irritation, Isopropyl alcohol should be rubbed on both sides of the ear twice or thrice a day. Dangling earrings should be avoided as they have a possibility of getting caught somewhere and can tear the pierced earlobe. In case of a naval piercing, a person should avoid wearing clothes that promote moisture or build up friction. Cotton or linen clothes in light fabrics should be used. Many other restrictions should be followed for a painless and peaceful after-period.