Piercing – what should be considered?

Piercing has a long tradition in many cultures and has been experiencing a real renaissance for years. A ring in the navel or jewellery in the nose is undoubtedly eye-catchers – but they also harbour risks. Anyone who wants to undergo such beauty procedures must, therefore, consider health aspects. Compliance with specific hygiene rules is the essential prerequisite for excluding risks.

Piercings – what are the dangers?

Piercing is associated with some health risks:

• When selecting the material, attention must be paid to high purity. Pure titanium, high gold or platinum are recommended. Alloys containing nickel or other base metals can cause allergies and should not be used.
• Piercings leave open wounds. If the rules of hygiene are not observed, there is a risk that viruses or bacteria can get into the wound.
• Improper insertion of a piece of jewellery also risks damaging blood vessels or nerves.
• Proper wound care with a sterile bandage prevents purulent wound inflammation.
• In rare cases, a so-called keloid, an excessive scarring, can occur after about six weeks. The piece of jewellery must then be removed immediately and should no longer be used at this point.

 

Where should you avoid getting pierced?

According to many experts, a piercing in the navel, the eyebrows, or a plug in the nose is justifiable if it is inserted professionally.

Piercing the lower lip or tongue is more problematic as it can cause damage when eating, drinking or swallowing. These piercings lightly touch the inside of the teeth when swallowing. Since we swallow hundreds of times daily, teeth can be crushed this way.

Piercings in the intimate area are often desired to improve sex life. However, they also lead to more complications, such as infections. There is a risk that such an infection will spread to the genital organs. In the worst case, infertility can result. Such an infection can also lead to chronic inflammatory bowel diseases. In addition, such piercings can lead to painful wounds and injuries. Experts, therefore, warn against genital piercings.

Piercing in the oral cavity: what should be considered?

Lip piercings and tongue piercings are trendy. However, dentists point out the risks. Because tongue and lip piercings can damage the teeth and the periodontium. The possible consequences include inflammation, pain and damage to nerve tracts.

For example, a tongue piercing that constantly hits against the teeth can lead to irreparable cracks in the tooth enamel, which makes the teeth sensitive to pain and also promotes tooth decay and irritation of the dental nerve. A piercing in the lower lip, on the other hand, presses against the gums and can lead to their receding. In one study, the test subjects had deep pockets in their gums after just a few months. Over time, gum recession can cause teeth to fall out.

 

Eight tips for getting piercings

When getting piercings, you should observe the following tips for the sake of your health:

1. A prerequisite for uncomplicated healing is a sterile procedure for inserting the piercing, sterile instruments, and materials.
2. First, the skin in the entry and exit area of ​​the puncture canal must be carefully cleaned and disinfected.
3. The ring is then inserted under absolutely sterile conditions. Therefore, all instruments used and the ring to be used must be sterile.
4. All required instruments may only be removed from the sterile packaging immediately before the procedure.
5. The use of sterile gloves is also required. Before putting on the gloves, a hand disinfection lasting at least 30 seconds must be carried out.
6. Even if a plug or other form is used later, a ring that ensures the puncture canal is lined with skin is best to begin with.
7. After inserting the jewellery, the wound must be cleaned, disinfected and covered with a sterile bandage. Careful wound care is necessary for a good and fast healing process.
8. A separate room with a sink, soap, disinfectant dispenser, and disposable towels is also necessary for hygienic work.

Conclusion:  If you want to get pierced, go to a professional who can assess the risk and guarantee a professional, sterile procedure.