The body piercing has become very popular among men and women. Many body parts can be used for piercing. Some of the popular sites for piercing are ear, nose, lips, tongue, cheeks, nipples, navel and eyebrows. Some people develop various problems from the body piercing. They include infection at the site of piercing, tearing of the skin, skin allergies due to the jewelry, scarring of the piercing site and damage to the underlying nerves and blood vessels.
It is said that prevention is always better than cure. It is always better if you take some precautions to avoid the problems from the piercing than to treat them. Here are some guidelines about the prevention of body piercing problems.
Self-piercing or piercing from the un-experienced piercer is unsafe as well as dangerous. Always choose the skilled and experienced person for the body piercing. Check that the piercer is following the safety standards. The equipments used for the piercing should be properly sterilized. An appropriate use of jewelry is very important. The piercer should wear the disposable gloves. He should wear a new pair of gloves for each procedure. Make sure that the piercer has washed his/her hands before putting on the gloves. Check the cleanliness and hygiene of the piercing studio.
It is essential to get a tetanus shot before undergoing the procedure if you have not had it since last 10 years. It will prevent the possible infection during the procedure.
Selection of appropriate jewelry is very important to avoid the problems due to metal allergies. The jewelry should be made from the non-toxic metals like 14 or 18 carat gold, titanium, niobium, surgical steel or approved acrylic products. Strictly avoid the jewelry made from nickel as many people are allergic to nickel.
Don’t allow to use the piercing gun. It can’t be completely sterilized. It can cause serious injury to other tissues. Always consider the emotional or social risk of having the body piercing.
If you are already infected by HIV, Hepatitis B or C, you should inform it to the piercer. The piercer will take more precautions to protect others from the infections. You should use the sterilized jewelry and should not share with others.