Body piercing as we know can be performed by inserting a piece of jewelry through the skin virtually anywhere on the body from the earlobe to the private parts. After the piercing site is cleansed, a sterile piercing needle is rapidly inserted through the body part, and the jewelry is then threaded into place. Most piercings are not done with any topical anesthesia. Healing times for body piercing vary by physical location and range from 2 weeks to 9 months. Naval piercings can take up to 9 months to heal because of friction and tight clothing. Facial piercings of the ears, eyebrows, lips and tongue heals more rapidly, usually within 6 to 8 weeks.
Persons with increased vulnerability to infection and those who have an increased likelihood of hemorrhage may be at greater risk of complications. About a fourth of those with body piercing report some form of complication. Common complications include local infection, keloid formation, traumatic tearing, dental fractures, and allergic reactions. Allergic contact dermatitis is the most common local reaction to piercing and usually results from a jewelry choice. The skin surrounding the piercing appears erythematous and crusty. The patient should be instructed to replace brass or nickel with surgical-grade steel, titanium, or 14- or 18- karat gold jewelry. More rare piercing complications that have been reported include human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C virus, tetanus, and systemic bacterial infections. Genital piercings can cause condom breaks and diaphragms to become more easily dislodged during sexual activity.
Superficial infections tend to have a benign course and respond well to local treatment, including warm, moist packs and application of over-the-counter topical antibiotic ointment. Oral fluoroquinolones have been used effectively in treating more extensive nasal, auricular cartilage infections. Generally, if a piercing is infected, it is not advisable to remove the jewelry because this may promote abscess formation. Instead, the jewelry should be left in place and rotated gently daily. The site should be washed/rinsed daily with mild soap and water. Although rare, serious abscesses or unresponsive infections after piercings may occur, necessitating intravenous antibiotic treatment infectious disease consult.
If regret hits, most body piercing sites will eventually heal with jewelry removal. The exception is large-gauged ear piercings. These must be surgically closed.
Below are Elements to Evaluate When Contemplating a New Piercing:
An autoclave should be used to sterilize all nondisposable equipment after each customer. Instruments and supplies that cannot be sterilized with an autoclave should be disinfected with a commercial disinfectant or bleach solution after each use.
Sterile needle should be used for all piercings
A piercing gun should be used unless the part of the gun that touches the skin is sterile and has never been used before.
Use appropriate hypoallergenic jewelry. Metal jewelry containing nickel, cobalt or white gold can often cause allergic reactions. Suggest consumers use surgical-grade stainless steel, titanium, 14-or 18-karat yellow gold, or a metal called niobium, especially for initial piercings
