A PIERCING is essentially an open wound.
As with any open wound, careful precautions need to be in place to minimise the risk of infections.
GettyExpert offers his five tips when having a new piercing to reduce infection risk[/caption]
Davida from Boy’s Don’t Cry in London and Matthew Harris, co-owner of Metal Morphosis, also in London, discuss some of the biggest no-no’s when it comes to new piercings.
1. Cleaning it
Not cleaning your new piercing is a sure-fire way of getting an infection, the experts warn.
Speaking to Sun Health Davida advises: “First you should use warm water and antibacterial soap.
“The next step is using a saline solution and washing the new piercing twice a day”.
Hands and fingers should also be clean before touching your new piercing to avoid any nasty infections, Davida states.
2. Twist a new piercing
When a piercing is brand new, many will be prone to the odd twist here and there – thinking it will help, but experts warn strongly against this.
“That’s a fallacy. You don’t have to twist,” Matthew told the Daily Mirror.
He added: “One of the main reasons for not twisting it every day is because you’re normally twisting it with your fingers.”
He added that because hands contain germs and bacteria, when you’re twisting your jewellery, your risk of infection is high.
Instead you should use a cotton bud for cleaning rather than your hands, he adds.
3. Swapping for a hoop too soon
Fans of hoop earrings may be inclined to wear them in the early days while the piercing is still healing, but this can increase infection risk, the experts said.
This is because this type of jewellery is not suitable for body tissue that is still healing.
The risk lies in their shape, which can aggravate the piercing when the ring moves.
Davida advises waiting at least six weeks before introducing hoop jewellery to your new piercing.
4. Using a piercing gun
A gun may be a common way to get a piercing, but they are also shrouded with controversy among the piercing world.
Risks include shattering the cartilage or blunt force trauma, the experts said.
The Association of Professional Piercers warn “it can result in significant pain and swelling for the client” including “scarring” and “auricular chondritis, a severe tissue disfigurement”.
“Cannula’s or American needles are my preferred choice when it comes to piercings,” adds Davida.
5. Wearing ‘fashion’ jewellery
Trendy jewellery needs to be carefully considered as certain metals could increase your risk of infection, the experts warned.
Nickel is one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis, with Denmark even banning the sale of nickel-releasing objects on the skin – but gold can hold a risk too.
Gold plated jewellery can also be a culprit as it contains either silver or brass.
Titanium is the preferred type for new piercings as it contains no nickel and is lightweight.
The 6 tips you must know when it comes to new piercings
According to the NHS, you can lower your risk of infections by:
1. Choosing a qualified, experienced and licensed piercer
2. Cleaning your piercing twice a day
3. Using warm, salty water to soften any crusting
4. Gently turning the jewellery while cleaning the piercing
5. Using a clean paper towel to dry the piercing
6. Gargling with salty water or an alcohol-free mouthwash if you have a mouth piercing.