Piercing Safety
Basic piercing safety -- checking the piercing studio out, asking the right questions, etc -- is much like that for getting a tattoo.
The studio must be clean, tidy and well tended. Make sure that the equipment is properly sterilised using an autoclave. New medical gloves should be used for each person; they should be disposed of immediately after the piercing is completed or if there is any chance of a breach.
Avoid studios using a piercing gun and be sure that they use the correct jewellery (barbell or captive bead ring).
The problem with piercing guns. First and foremost, piercing guns are usually made of plastic and plastic can't be sterilised in an autoclave. They can be wiped down with antiseptic pads but that isn't enough protection against infection. Secondly, piercing by gun is essentially shooting a blunt instrument through the tissue. This will inevitably course more tissue damage and the inserted jewellery will leave no room for the wound to heal properly. Finally, the training to use a piercing gun is minimal and leaves you open to all sorts of problems (not least, the possibility that the piercer will hit a nerve).
Find a good, well qualified body piercer that is trained to use a needle for piercing. Once you've checked out the studio, talk to the piercer. Ask to see their portfolio and talk to them about what you want and where. Ask them about potential problems and what they do to ensure you won't suffer from any of them. Take your time; getting pierced isn't like getting a tattoo but it still needs to be taken seriously.
Talk to people who've been pierced recently, that will help you find a good studio and get some idea of pain levels and cost involved.
If you have any doubts at all, don't use that studio. Even when you go to get your piercing, if you have any concerns, politely take your leave. It's not worth the risk.
|
