Body Piercing: Do’s and Don’ts
Body piercing is making a huge comeback nowadays, and it is definitely becoming one of the major elements of body accessorizing, aside from tattoos. Having a piercing done is an experience that varies from person to person, simply because everyone reacts and heals differently. It is particularly popular when it comes to younger generations of people, however, there are certain risks that accompany the process which need to be carefully thought through. Always have in mind that piercing is not a natural thing for your body and that it may reject it, so make sure that you always maintain good personal hygiene and clean it with appropriate products if you decide on taking this step. Here is what you need to know about body piercing.
Body Piercing as a Fashion Trend
Apart from people piercing their bodies just for the sake of piercing, this practice has been taken to a completely new level by the most prominent designer houses and brands when it comes to the fashion industry. They are drawing inspiration from the cultures of African tribes, where body piercing is a legit part of their tradition and customs. However, there are often extreme cases such as lip, ear, and nose stretching that can often be seen in such tribes. On the other hand, designers have added a touch of luxury and sophistication to this accessory, thus making it more wearable and appropriate for glamorous events and top-notch outfits. This ancient practice is spiced up with some urban details this way.
Body Piercing Do’s
Your safety is the most important, and you should find an experienced piercer who is skilled and knows exactly what he or she is doing. After getting a body piercing you need to take care of an open wound – keep it away from dirt and debris which can cause an infection and possible complications. Your piercing should be regularly cleaned with proper products. Besides that, you should be ready to deal with a little bit of pain for a few days – it is perfectly normal, because your body needs some time to heal after the process. Your piercer should always be at your service, which means that you can contact him if you think that some complications are about to happen. It is also good to know that piercings in certain areas of your body will take longer to heal – the greater the blood flow to a particular part, the faster it will recover. Lips, ear lobe, and tongue should heal in the shortest period of time, whereas nose and outer ear cartilage will take longer to recover.
Body Piercing Don’ts
When it comes to the things you must not do when you are freshly pierced, the list is pretty much straight forward. First of all, you shouldn’t change the jewelry before the wound has fully healed, which ranges from six weeks to six months – depending on the body part. Even though you should take care of your piercing and clean it regularly, don’t overclean it. It will cause your skin to be constantly wet, which is a perfect place for bacteria to grow. Aside from that, you should not pick your piercing and play with it – it is normal that the area is a bit crusty, so make sure not to damage that. You should also avoid applying certain beauty products, such as perfumes or lotions, to the pierced area. In case of an infection, you should immediately call your piercer – don’t just let it go with the flow. Deal with them as soon as you notice changes, and everything will be just fine.
Being one of the hottest trends when it comes to the fashion industry, body piercing is definitely something that is very popular among the young people all over the world for a good reason. It’s stylish, it’s funky – it’s smokin’ hot! All you have to do is to make sure that everything is done in a safe and health-friendly way. A piercer who knows what he is doing can do wonders, so find him and enjoy your new body accessory in the best possible way.
About the Author
Peter Minkoff is a beauty & fashion editor for Shlur magazine from UK living in London and occasionally in Brisbane, Australia. After graduating from Australian Institute of Creative Design, he worked as a stylist for few fashion events around UK. Beside beauty and fashion, he loves reading, making DIY cosmetics and traveling around tropical destinations. He plans to create a business for beauty & style advising.
Dr.Amrita Basu
May 19, 2016A well though out post with helpful tips.One other thing that many overlook is the sterility of the needle used to pierce.
View CommentDiseases like Hepatitis B ,Hepatitis C and HIV can spread through use of shared needles and unsterile setup.
Anna
May 18, 2016Great article for those considering additional body piercing outside of ear piercings. I had my belly button pierced in college and I could not agree more with your advise on not removing or replacing the jewelry until the wound is healed. Great post!
Anna ||
View Commentrebecca
May 18, 2016I have 7 holes in each of my ears in various places and previously had my belly button pierced. Best advice out there is to go to a quality piercer not just some shop in the mall and never get anything pierced with a gun. Other than that, just as you mentioned cleanliness is key. I have an autoimmune disorder and only had an infection once when I had a flareup when I several new piercings.
View CommentNya
May 18, 2016This advice is really useful and important for people who might be considering get a piercing done. I personally have none, but it’s always good to know, just in case I want one some day.
View CommentIzabela
May 18, 2016I only have ears pierced. I don’t think I would be able to handle more as I can’t cope well with pain.
View CommentCarrie
May 18, 2016I have my belly button pierced but haven’t worn anything in it since I got pregnant with my son! I also have my earlobes done! I don’t think I can handle anything else.
View CommentMarie
May 18, 2016It is absolutely important to keep it clean! When I got my tongue pierced, that was a bit of a pain in the behind but obviously so important. An extra little tip: when they tell you to cover a piercing with a bandaid to keep it from falling out in your sleep they definitely mean the whole bandaid not just the sticky part! Lol! 😉
View Commentalison
May 18, 2016I only have my ears pierced and I think that is good enough for me. I have seen a lot of infections and it makes me cringe! This is a good list of things to do and don’t do when you get piercings!
View CommentSarah Ella (Mumx3x)
May 18, 2016I have a few piercings, ears twice in each ear plus the the top of my left ear, belly button and tongue. Keeping the piercings clean is a MUST! Fiddling and playing with a piercing after it’s just been done is something to certainly avoid. Great post, thank you for sharing.
View CommentAmy Scott
May 18, 2016I have just two piercings, both in my ear lobes. I don;t think I could pierce anything else. For me it becomes inconvenient and too prone to infection. Great article, many youngsters get it done without a second thought!
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