Posted by Piercing is a body modification that involves puncturing or cutting the human body. Piercing creates an opening for implants or jewelry. Although many people opt for this type of body modification, it can be harmful to the skin and the surrounding areas. Here are some precautions to take before getting a piercing. Aftercare is also an important aspect of piercing. A well-cared-for piercing can last for years.
Complications of piercings
Body piercings have many potential complications, from infection to contact dermatitis. Some metals can even transmit diseases such as HIV and hepatitis. Ensure that needles are sterile before using them on new patients. Poor “aftercare” can also lead to problems. Different types of piercings require different methods for healing and proper care. Below are a few common complications and how to avoid them.
Hypertrophic scarring is common in the ear lobe and can be painful. Treatment for hypertrophic scarring involves intralesional steroid injections and surgical excision. Despite the fact that these treatments are effective, keloid often recurs in patients who are predisposed. To minimize the risk of keloid formation, you should consult your doctor if you are considering getting your ear pierced.
A study published in the Journal of Oral Medicine in 2009 examined the prevalence of tongue and lip piercings. Although there is no single cause of oral piercing, it can lead to adverse effects to the mouth. Piercings can cause gingival problems and tooth fractures, as well as interfere with oral hygiene. The authors concluded that oral piercing is associated with an increased risk of a number of serious conditions, including generalised gingivitis and 3-4 mm recessions of the gums.
Depending on the type of piercing, complications may occur immediately after the procedure. However, if you are aware of these risks before getting pierced, you will be better prepared for any possible complications that may arise afterward. If you experience any of these conditions, consult your family physician immediately. It’s best to avoid any complications if possible. However, there are some risks associated with body piercing, including keloids (raised fibrous scar tissue) and infection.
Aftercare of piercings
To minimize the risk of infection, use Anti-Bacterial soap. This antiseptic will kill bacteria, which may cause an extended healing phase. Do not use Listerine as it is also high in alcohol, and may irritate the piercing. Use a non-alcohol saline solution. You can also use Betadine soap, which contains iodine.
Clean the area regularly, ideally twice a day. You can use a non-woven gauze or cotton swab to clean it. Rinsing thoroughly afterward should avoid the possibility of infection. Always use disposable paper products when cleaning your body. Avoid using tissues as they can harbor bacteria and cause friction. Use saline instead. The saline solution may form a crust on the jewelry.
To help the healing process, you can make a simple sea salt solution. Mix one-fourth teaspoon of sea salt in a cup of warm water. You should never reuse this solution. The solution may be contaminated if left out for long. Do not add extra salt to it because it may irritate the piercing. Your piercer should give you specific instructions regarding aftercare. If you are unsure, ask for a sterilized needle.
Aftercare of piercings requires careful attention to prevent infection and promote healing. Cleansing the piercing with a sterile saline solution is important to minimize discomfort. Ideally, you should soak the piercing in the solution for five to ten minutes several times a day. Using sterile saline solution is safe and non-irritating. Do not use contact solution, as it contains additives which are not recommended for wound care.
Precautions to take before getting a piercing
There are a number of precautions to take before getting a piercing, including the fact that you should avoid alcohol and drugs that impair judgment. You should also avoid taking aspirin or excessive caffeine 24 hours prior to the procedure. In addition, you should avoid using recreational drugs, aspirin can lower blood sugar levels. Taking these precautions can help you enjoy your new body adornment without any worries.
The site should be clean before a piercing procedure. You can clean it with a cotton pad soaked in rubbing alcohol. Cleansing the area is important because it can cause infection. You should also avoid scratching the piercing site afterward. To prevent infection, you should also avoid swimming and using harsh soaps or face washes. If you must, use petroleum jelly on the site to keep it clean.
The most important precaution you should take is to wash your hands before touching the pierced area. Your hair holds on to everything you come in contact with throughout the day. Your hair contains your morning’s shampoo and conditioner as well as dirt and bacteria. These germs and bacteria can easily get transferred to your piercing. Make sure to practice good hygiene after getting a piercing.
Although body piercing is generally safe when performed by a trained professional, there are still some risks involved. Around 20% of all piercings result in infection. Bacterial infections are the most common problem, but allergic reactions, bleeding, and skin tearing may also occur. These complications can be painful, or even lead to scarring. According to a recent study by dermatologists at Northwestern University, these risks are minimal when you take proper precautions before getting a piercing.
Healing time of a piercing
The healing time for a piercing varies according to where you get it done. Lips and tongue are the fastest to heal, but the hood and tongue webbing require between eight and ten weeks to heal. Other piercings take a longer time to heal than those in other areas of the body, such as the eyebrow. If you have a navel piercing, expect to wait between six and eight weeks for it to fully heal.
The healing time of a lip piercing is usually quicker than that of cartilage or mucous membrane piercing. To speed up the healing process, try applying sea salt to the area to drain the wound and use glycerin soap to clean the jewelry and the surface of the piercing. A sea salt bath also helps the healing process. Sea salt soaks also help the piercing drain and prevent infection.
Another way to speed up the healing time of your piercing is to follow the instructions of your piercing manufacturer. A multi vitamin like Zinc may help the process, although it is important to take it with food. Although it may cause an upset stomach or wooziness, zinc can help you heal faster. For the first few days, use a pantiliner to keep it clean.
After a piercing, wash the area thoroughly with a fragrance-free antibacterial liquid soap. Do not leave the soap on the area for longer than 30 seconds. Rinse it gently, and try not to rub the crusted scab. This can cause bleeding. After cleaning, it is best to dry the area with a clean, plain white napkin or paper towel. Avoid using towels or bar soap since they tend to catch jewelry.
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Materials used for piercings
There are several types of body jewelry, and each of them has different pros and cons. Stainless steel and titanium are two of the most popular metals, but other materials can be used as well. Natural materials are also available, including glass and jojoba oil. Some materials are more porous than others, and require extra care to maintain their appearance. For this reason, they are not recommended for initial piercings or newly stretched piercings.
Silicone is a popular material for body piercings because it is flexible, cheap, and long-lasting. It can be worn during swimming or showering, and it comes in many different colours. Another popular material is enamel resin, which is a durable, smooth coating for metals. Unlike paint, it does not fade under ultraviolet light. Silicone is also very flexible, making it easy to adjust and clean.
Bioflex is another popular material for body piercings, especially those that require flexibility. Bioflex has a non-stick surface and is suitable for initial piercings. Because of its flexibility, bioplast is a safer option than metal for piercings. PTFE is also available in many different colors, which makes it easier to match the aesthetics of your body. It is also non-stick, which is a plus if you are worried about the appearance of your body piercing.
Surgical steel is another popular material for piercings. It is cheaper than titanium and can be easily sterilized. It is also non-porous, making it a good option for healing ears. Surgical steel is slightly heavier than titanium, but does not corrode, is a good choice for people with sensitive skin. Although stainless steel is stronger and cheaper, it does contain small amounts of nickel, which may cause an allergic reaction.