Piercings

Are you thinking of getting a shiny new bellybutton ring? Is it time for you to move on to new territory and explore body jewelry in other, more interesting places? Or are you simply one of those people who want more and more of something that they love? No matter what the situation is – if you’re in the market to have any area of your body pierced, whether new or familiar – here’s what you should definitely know before taking the plunge.

There are three basic styles of body jewelry and many variations on those styles. The three styles are a bead ring (fig.A), captive bead (fig.B), and circular barbell/barbell (fig.C). There is never any need to cut body jewelry for removal. Even momentary removal of jewelry from a healing piercing can result in amazingly rapid closure […]

Allergic Reactions: • Problem: Metal Allergy • Cause: Inferior Jewelry used (contains too much nickel or other irritating alloy) • Indications: Tissue appears to “retreat” from the offending metal Patient may present with complaints of itching, burning and/or tenderness S/he may feel virtually no discomfort, even though the piercing seems highly inflamed In addition to […]

Placement: • Problem: Piercing is placed too shallow or the jewelry is too small (gauge/thickness) • Cause: Result of poor initial piercing placement Inappropriate jewelry selection (length/diameter) • Result: Body will work the jewelry towards the surface and eventually be ejected • Indications: Jewelry can be seen through the tissue Jewelry encompasses less than 1/4-5/16” […]

Infected Piercing: • Problem: Piercing has been contaminated by pathogenic microorganism(s) • Causes: Most Common: Piercee has touched piercing with dirty hands or otherwise contaminated piercing (exposure to bodily fluids, dirty water, etc.) Piercing done with inappropriately sterilized tools, needles, jewelry Piercing done with unclean, ungloved, and/or contaminated gloved hands • Indicators: Piercing exudes thick, […]

Jewelry: Size/Style • Jewelry in a healing piercing should be of appropriate length or diameter. Too tight/small jewelry will not allow for air and blood circulation, some movement during cleaning, and for the expulsion of normal exudate from the wound. It may imbed, and can increase the possibility of swelling and other complications • Jewelry […]

For You and Your Healthcare Professional

The following information is based on a combination of vast professional experience, research, extensive clinical body piercing practice, and common sense. It has been compiled with the input and assistance of medical professionals who are trained, experienced piercers.

Choosing a piercer shouldn’t be a hard thing. Taking your time and following a few basic guidelines will make finding a quality piercer much easier. If you are lucky and live in a well sized city you will have a few options on where to go to get your piercing. Smaller cities may not have […]

Should you wear jewelry in your visible piercings to a job interview? The answer is ambiguous – Take it on a case by case basis, and use common sense. Some corporate environments frown upon anything that might distract or possibly offend others. There is still somewhat of a stigma that accompanies piercings and tattoos in […]

With so many terms for piercing just for the ears alone, it can be confusing. For simplicity sake, take a look at the graphic that shows the location for the following: Industrial, Forward Helix, Rook, Daith, Tragus, Conch, Earlobe, Anti-Tragus, Anti-Helix or Snug, and Helix. When shopping for body jewelry knowing these terms will help […]