Body Piercing Infections

Body piercing, a type of body art has been a part of many cultures since several centuries. Nevertheless, it was only in the recent past that it became popular worldwide, especially gaining immense popularity in the last few decades. The most popular among the different types of body piercings include ear, tongue, navel and nose piercing, while nipple and genital piercings are said to be the least common type of piercings. Different people have a variety of reasons for getting a piercing done. While body piercing has cultural significance for some, there are people who do it to assert themselves as a part of a particular group. Many youngsters opt for body piercing because it looks cool and also sometimes to rebel against their parents. Nonetheless, in the frenzy of adorning their body in a novel way, people often become oblivious to the possible piercing infections. Let us know more about the different body piercing problems and the ways in which we can try to prevent them from occurring.

Infections after Body Piercing

• Most piercing infections occur because of poor care of the piercing after it is done. Each type of piercing has a set period of healing time, and it is very important to follow the instructions of the piercer very carefully to avoid getting infected. When an area is pierced, it is common to notice swelling and sometimes little bleeding too in that part of the body. However, this does not stay for a long time. On the other hand, if proper care is not taken, the pierced area is prone to get infected by some kind of bacterial infection, and the swelling as well as bleeding would persist. Scarring may also occur on the tissue of the skin that has been pierced.
• The way in which the piercing is done can also lead to infections. Many piercers use the gunshot method for body piercing. This is a very unhygienic method, because the same instrument is used for everyone which increases the risk of getting infected by dangerous diseases like hepatitis, HIV, tuberculosis, etc. Make sure the equipment used for piercing is sterilized before use.
• Jewelry used for body piercing can also be the source that gives rise to infection. After the piercing is done, the jewelry worn during the healing period should either be stainless steel, platinum, 14 or 18 carat gold, titanium or niobium. Infections are bound to arise if you wear cheap jewelry during this period, and also if the jewelry is too tight.
• Tongue piercing is a little more riskier than nose and ear piercing, because it can cause oral and dental problems. Tongue piercing infections include gum problems, chipping of the teeth, difficulty in eating, etc. If the jewelry for tongue piercing is not worn properly, there are chances of the person swallowing it.
• Women who get their nipples pierced do not risk damaging their milk producing glands of the breasts. It would be safer to remove the piercing, as it may injure the baby's mouth and tongue. Soft barbell piercings cause no harm to the mother or the child. One has to avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing for at least the first few months after getting this piercing done.

Precautions to be Taken

Now, as you know about the complications after body piercing, you must have surely realized the importance of taking the appropriate precautions to stay away from the infections.

• Proper aftercare has to be taken during the healing process as it will reduce the risk of getting any type of infection. You should not allow any person to touch your piercing as there is high risk of bacterial transmission. Even before you touch the piercing area yourself for cleaning it, do not forget to wash your hands with anti-bacterial soap. Clean the piercing at least 2 - 3 everyday as per the instructions given by the piercer. However, do not overdo this as it can cause damage to the piercing.
• Before you do your piercing, research well about the piercing expert in your area. Choose the one who is reputable and experienced. Check the studio before you actually get the piercing done, to know about the instruments used, and also to see whether hygienic conditions are maintained by the piercing expert.
• There have been many cases where a piercing infection has occurred because people do it themselves or get it done by their friends at home itself. One must remember that under no circumstances should a piercing be done at home. Only an expert should be trusted to get the piercing done to prevent any type of complications.

As you are now aware of the possible piercing infections, I am sure that you will take extra care before and after the piercing is done. It is necessary to remember that, though it is really cool to show off your piercing to your peers, nothing is more important than your health, and you have the responsibility to take care of it.