While piercings symbolize gender differences in most cultures it’s considered by many millennials as one of the most happening ways to adorn the human body. For many, a piercing and a tattoo feature right next to each on their list of “the most rebellious things to do”. Although piercings take much less time than a tattoo, the both of them demand a thorough understanding of risks, precautions and care protocol.
Be proactive when it comes to enduring pain in the name of a makeover. The following tips will guide you to avoid nasty complications so that you that don’t regret your decision of getting pierced.
1. Be Wary Of Any Signs Of Allergy
If your skin becomes itchy, red and swollen after getting a piercing done indicates that your skin is reacting to the nickel content in the jewelry. Nickel is often added to strengthen gold but has a notoriety for causing distressing skin allergy. You can instead wear jewelry made of non-allergic metals like niobium, titanium or some kinds of stainless steel to prevent allergies.1
2. Seek Immediate Medical Help For Infections
Some amount of pain around the piercing is quite natural until complete healing occurs. However, if you experience a fever, with redness and swelling around the pierced body part, rush to the doctor. Skin infections can spread and cause life-threatening complications if left untreated.
3. Take Extra Care Of Oral Piercings
Piercing the tongue, lips or cheeks is not only a risky fashion choice but also potentially dangerous one. Many a time, people who get barbells, rings, and studs in the mouth end up chipping or cracking their teeth and suffering major oral health issues. In extreme cases, the piercing could limit you from breathing, eating or talking properly.
As the human mouth is teeming with bacteria, you should brush your teeth twice daily and use anti-bacterial mouth rinses to prevent any chance of infection.2
4. Get It Done By A Certified Expert
Bloodborne diseases can spread easily from equipment like guns, and needles that are used for piercing. Make sure you get the piercing from a place where disinfection protocol is followed properly. The piercer must be certified professional who wears gloves and uses sterile needles for the procedure. Your risk of getting infected with hepatitis B and C, tetanus, HIV or any bacterial infections become extremely low if you get it done in the safest manner possible.
5. Avoid Carelessness And Move Mindfully
Body piercings can easily get caught in clothes leading to accidental injuries Once you get a piercing, be careful while wearing clothes and have the adequate presence of mind to avoid getting hurt until complete healing has occurred.
6. Take Proper After Care
Ask your piercer about how to care for your new piercing. Regardless of where you get it, don’t fiddle with it every time. Refrain from going for a swim in water bodies until the piercing has healed. Wash the piercing, except for mouth piercings, with salt water or mild soapy water twice a day. In about six weeks, your piercing would have healed.3
Don’t get a piercing if you already have a poor immunity or conditions like diabetes. Regardless of where you get your piercing, make sure you re doing it with absolute conviction. Don’t let anything or anyone force you into getting a piercing. If your post-piercing period is an uneventful one without any health complications, you will definitely consider it as a good decision for the rest of your life.
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