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MATERIALS
Stainless
Steel
316L Surgical Steel
There
are several grades of stainless steel used to create body jewelry, but only a
few are desirable. Our jewelry is made using only top quality 316L implant grade
surgical steel unless otherwise noted. This grade of steel is designed for
prolonged contact with the body and has extremely low reactive characteristics.
Be sure to check the grade of steel when shopping elsewhere - if the prices are
very low than you may be buying a cheaper grade of material that could irritate
your piercing or promote infection.
Titanium
Titanium is the least reactive of any metal used for body jewelry - ideal
for those sensitive to other materials. It is extremely durable, light weight,
and comes in a variety of anodized colors. High polished titanium looks almost
exactly like polished surgical steel. Titanium will not oxidize, rust, or
corrode under normal use. We use only the best 6AL4V grade material in all of
our titanium body jewelry. For information on black finish jewelry, please
continue below.
Acrylic
/ Lucite
Acrylic jewelry is light weight and great for
healed piercings. You don't have to worry about any nickel, and for people with
allergic reactions to most metals, this is a prime choice material. You should
be aware that acrylic should never be worn in new or unhealed piercings as it
does have small pores that can trap bacteria. Acrylic cannot be autoclaved and
should not be cleaned with alcohol or other harsh chemicals as it will ruin the
jewelry. Be careful with your acrylic balls! If you try to thread them down too
far the threads can strip. Acrylic is very fragile and brittle and will shatter
under stress.
PTFE
PTFE (Monofilament nylon and teflon) is a 100% safe flexible material that is
becoming very popular for surface piercings and also for piercings where more
flexibility is needed (the navel during pregnancy or for surgeries). It has a
"non-stick" surface and can be used in initial piercings. It can also
be autoclaved.
Niobium
Niobium is an elemental metal (not man made)
and is slightly heavier than 316L stainless steel. If you are allergic to
stainless steel, niobium is a good alternative, but most people prefer titanium
because it is much lighter and about the same price.
Gold
Only gold of at least 14k or higher is
appropriate for body jewelry. 14k is the best as it is strong enough to maintain
the threads for barbell etc. The higher grade of gold, the softer it gets. Lower
grades than 14k could result in migration, rejection, or develop permanent
reactions to gold.
Sterling
Silver
Silver should never be worn in new or unhealed
piercings. It is safe to wear in healed piercings for short periods of time.
Silver tarnishes quickly and when worn in a new piercing, the tarnish can be
deposited into the skin causing it to darken or turn grey, often permanently.
Silver is very soft and is easily scratched. Scratches in the jewelry surface
can easily irritate even a healed piercing and trap bacteria, encouraging
infection.
Getting Pierced
- General Information
You have decided to have your body pierced and you are asking yourself, "I
want it done now, so where do I go?" In this era of bloodborne diseases you
MUST be very careful who you have perform your piercing! This guide is brought
to you by the The Association of Professional Piercers to assist you in making a
better-informed decision regarding your piercing because: IT'S YOUR CHOICE!!
These questions will help you pick your piercer and piercing studio. These are
meant to be guidelines and can aid you in having a safe piercing experience.
See their autoclave (sterlizer) and spore tests.
This is the most important thing you need to do when checking out ANY potential
piercing studio. If they don't have an autoclave run away! ("Dry Heat"
is NOT considered appropriate for sterilization.) Ask to see their spore test
results. A spore test is the only way to know the autoclave is working properly.
If they don't run regular spore tests, don't let them pierce you! Does the shop
reuse needles? This is one of the most important things you MUST check.
Does the studio resterilize used needles?
Make sure you see the piercer place the used needle in a sharps container. NEVER
let a piercer use a needle on you that was soaked in a liquid. All needles
should be in individual packages and should be opened while you are present.
Does the studio seem clean?
Check it out! Is the piercing studio immaculate: the walls washed, carpet
vacuumed? Are the staff bathed and neat? Is the restroom kept clean and tidy? If
you feel they are not, walk out! Every good studio should have 5 separate areas:
the counter, waiting room, piercing room(s), bathroom, and a separate
sterilization room.
Ask your friends where they got pierced.
Here are a few questions you should consider: Does their piercing look like a
piercing you would want? Did they have any problems or infection during healing?
Was the staff at the piercing studio able to help them if they had any
complications? Would they get pierced there again? Use your instincts. If you
don't feel comfortable with the studio or the piercer you should leave.
Repeatedly we hear "I should have listened to my gut feeling." So
listen to it! If the studio seems more interested in your money than your health
that is a sign to leave the studio quickly.
Are they piercing with ear piercing guns?
If you are going to have a body piercing and the studio is using an ear gun, run
away! Inform your health department! A number of states have made it illegal to
use a gun on body piercings. Plastic ear guns can't be sterilized in an
autoclave and therefore don't meet the criteria for APP piercers use of sterile
disposable equipment.
Ask questions of the staff and the piercer.
When responding to questions do they seem knowledgeable? It takes a long time to
learn what jewelry is optimal for each piercing. Ask the piercer how long they
have been piercing and how they learned. It takes even longer to acquire the
ability to correctly place and skillfully perform the piercing. Make sure the
piercer is well-informed. Check to see any certificates or plaques the wall.
Don't be mislead into believing piercing is easy. Look at his or her piercings
and peruse their piercing photo portfolio. Do you like what you see? If not,
leave. You can be injured by a poorly performed piercing!
Check the studio's jewelry selection.
There are lots of different types of piercings so there should be a variety of
different types, styles and sizes of jewelry. The studio should not insist on a
certain style because that is the only thing they have in stock! When referring
to size of jewelry there are two measurements. One is the width (of a ring) or
length (of a bar) called the "diameter" of the jewelry. The other is
the thickness of the jewelry, which is the "gauge." As a general rule;
jewelry no thinner than 14 gauge should be used below the neck. This is because
of a likelihood of migration and cutting. The smaller the gauge number the
thicker the jewelry.
Do they have an aftercare sheet?
All professional studios should give you an aftercare sheet explaining how to
take care of your piercing. Read this sheet BEFORE you have the piercing done!
If it tells you to clean your piercing with ointment or hydrogen peroxide, the
studio is clearly not keeping up with the industry standards and you should be
concerned with the quality of piercing you would receive.
Does the studio have a license to operate?
Many cities and states do require that the studio have a license. In most cases
the license means that the studio meets minimum requirements and has passed some
sort of inspection. To find out if your area has established standards and
inspections, call your local Health Department. If the studio is illegally
unlicensed do take the time to report them. Chances are they are not performing
safe, hygienic piercings and could be endangering the health of piercees in your
region.
Check to see the studio's age requirements.
Many states have laws regarding the minimum age for piercing minors with
parental consent. Even if the law allows it, many piercers feel certain
piercings are not appropriate for minors. If the studio is more interested in
making money than upholding sound morals and ethics use your judgment. Please
understand the studio's right to enforce its own age limitations.
See the piercing rooms and set-up?
Ask if you can watch them set-up for a piercing. Even better is to ask to
observe a piercing being done. (Not all piercing studios will let people watch,
but you can ask.) At least make sure you can see them set up for YOUR piercing.
During preparation the piercer should first wash and glove their hands. The
equipment should be sealed in individual sterilized packages and placed on a
tray. The piercer should change gloves if they touch anything in the room other
than you and the sterile equipment. If you are not satisfied with the set up,
walk away!
CLEANING
SOLUTIONS
A
mild liquid antimicrobial/germicidal medicated soap such as Provon or Satin, and
water. Inferior alternatives include products such as Almay Clearly Natural,
Hypocare, NutriBiotic; or other mild, fragrance- and color-free liquid
antibacterial soap. These should possibly be diluted with distilled or bottled
water, depending on product strength. Also, mild non-iodized (no iodine) sea
salt soaks as described below.
SALT
WATER SOAKS
Mild
sea salt water soaks are strongly suggested at least once a day to accelerate
healing and increase your comfort. This may also help to reduce irritation in
the area. Dissolve a pinch (1/4 teaspoon) of sea salt into one cup (8 oz.) of
warm or hot water in a clean cup. Distilled water is optimal. A stronger
solution is not better as you can burn your piercing with too much salt. Invert
it over the area to form a vacuum and soak directly for a few minutes. For
certain placements it is easier to use a clean cotton ball or gauze pad soaked
in the salt water and applied to the pierced area. Follow with a clear water
rinse or splash then pat dry with paper products. Salt water soaks help to
stimulate air and blood circulation which facilitates healing. You can do a
brief salt water soak before your daily cleaning(s) as well as several
additional times a day. It is particularly advisable to soak before you do
anything active, as it will prevent crust from being pulled inside the piercing
as you move around. Salt water is the only additional product (other than the
cleanser and water) we suggest you use to care for your piercing. One soak per
day should be for at least a few minutes. Additional soaks can be brief (1
minute or so) and still be effective for soothing the area and removing matter.
CLEANING
INSTRUCTIONS
Body
piercings need to be cleaned once or twice daily, every day, for the entire
initial healing time. Most people clean morning and/or night, in the shower. Do
not clean more often as this can irritate your piercing, and possibly delay your
healing. For once-a-day cleanings, do it at the end of your day. Optimal
frequency will depend on your skin sensitivity, activity level, and
environmental factors. Before cleanings wash hands thoroughly with liquid
antibacterial soap and hot water. If you wish, you may wear disposable latex or
vinyl gloves and/or also use a hand sanitizing gel. Never, never touch healing
piercings with dirty hands. This is vital for avoiding infections. Prepare the
area for the cleansing by rinsing or soaking with warm water and be sure to
remove any stubborn crust using a cotton swab and warm water. Never pick with
fingernails! This step is important for your comfort. Apply a small handful of
cleaning solution to the area with your clean hands. Cleanse the area and the
jewelry, and gently rotate the jewelry back and forth a few times to work the
solution to the inside. (You do not need to rotate your jewelry during the first
several cleanings). Allow the solution to cleanse there for a minute. You may
bathe normally, just don't purposely work anything other than the cleanser onto
the inside of the piercing. Rinse the area thoroughly under running water, while
rotating the jewelry back and forth to completely remove the cleanser from the
inside and outside of the piercing. Gently pat dry with disposable paper
products such as gauze or tissues, as cloth towels can harbor bacteria. Please
try to be patient. Each body is unique, and healing times can vary considerably.
If your piercing is tender or secreting you should continue the care regimen,
even if it is past the stated average healing time range.
WHAT
IS NORMAL
Bleeding,
bruising, discoloration and/or swelling is not uncommon. Any break in the skin,
including a new piercing can bleed or bruise. These are not indications of any
complication. Reduce intake of aspirin, alcohol, and caffeine. For
above-the-neck piercings try sleeping with your head elevated above your heart
(prop up on some pillows) to limit overnight swelling. Studies show
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory products such as Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.)
can help minimize swelling. Some tenderness or discomfort in the area of a new
piercing is not unusual. You may feel stinging, burning, aching or other
unpleasant sensations off and on for several days or longer. During healing
there may be some itching. Secretion of a fluid which contains blood plasma,
lymph and dead cells is perfectly normal. It is fairly liquid, whitish-yellow in
color and forms a crust on the jewelry at the openings of the piercing. This is
not pus, but indicates a healing piercing. Once healed your piercing may secrete
a semi-solid white malodorous substance from the oil glands called sebum. This
is not pus, but indicates a healed piercing. Piercings may have a tendency to
have a series of "ups and downs" during healing by seeming healed and
then regressing. Try to be patient, and do keep cleaning during the entire
initial healing time, even if the piercing seems healed sooner. Tightness is
normal. Do not expect jewelry to swing freely in most body piercings, even after
they are thoroughly healed.
WHAT
TO DO
Wash
your hands prior to contact on or near the area of your healing piercing! Leave
the piercing alone except for when you are cleaning it. It is not necessary or
advisable to rotate the ring while healing except during cleanings. Leave the
starter jewelry in during the entire minimum initial healing time! (Assuming
your initial jewelry is appropriate in terms of metal content, style, and size.
Inappropriate jewelry should be changed out by a professional.) Those with
captive-style rings or barbells (straight, bent, or circular) can change the
bead/ball portion of the jewelry at any time. Check twice daily with clean hands
to make sure the balls are screwed on tight on threaded jewelry such as
barbells. Both balls tighten to the right. If you like your piercing leave
jewelry in at all times. Even old, well-healed piercings can shrink or close in
minutes after having been there for years! This varies from person to person,
and even if your ear lobe piercings stay open without jewelry your body piercing
may not! Contact your piercer if your jewelry must be temporarily removed (such
as for a medical procedure). Monofilament nylon or another inert non-metallic
substance may be able to be inserted to maintain the piercing until jewelry can
be reinserted. Make sure your bedding is clean and changed frequently while you
are healing, especially if pets get into your bed. Wear clean, comfortable,
breathable fabric clothing in the area of a body piercing. A multi-vitamin
mineral supplement containing zinc and vitamin C may help boost your body's
healing abilities. Take it with your morning meal according to package
instructions. Get enough sleep, eat a nutritious diet, avoid undue stress,
recreational drugs, and alcohol consumption. The healthier your lifestyle, the
easier it will be for your piercing to heal. Showering is safer than taking a
bath, as bath tubs tend to harbor bacteria. To bathe safely, clean your tub with
a bleach product before each bath, and rinse the tub before you fill it. Also,
be sure to do a running water rinse on your piercing when you are done in the
tub. In the event that the piercing drains a thick pus discharge instead of the
normal liquid secretion, you may wish to see a physician for evaluation and
possible antibiotic treatment. If you do have an infection, the jewelry should
be left in the piercing to allow for drainage of pus. If the jewelry is removed,
the holes can close up, resulting in an abscess. LEAVE YOUR JEWELRY IN !
WHAT
TO AVOID
Don't
use alcohol, peroxide, Betadine or Hibiclens as they are overly strong and
drying which can hinder healing. Don't apply any ointment such as Bacitracin,
Neosporin or any triple antibiotic ointment on your piercing. These prevent
oxygen from reaching the wound and form a sticky residue which can cause
complications. They are not designed for use on healing piercings. Don't over
clean. Cleaning more often than once or twice a day is NOT better. This can
delay your healing and irritate your piercing. Don't use too many different
products; select and use only one cleaning solution (such as Provon or Satin)
plus sea salt. Avoid oral contact, rough play, and contact with others' bodily
fluids on or near your piercing during healing. Don't use bandaids on a healing
piercing. They limit air circulation and the adhesive can irritate the
surrounding area. Avoiding sleeping on a piercing during healing is advisable.
Don't hang charms or any object from your jewelry until the piercing is fully
healed. Avoid submerging your piercings in water such as pools, lakes, jacuzzis,
etc. unless you feel confident that the water is clean enough for you and an
open wound (which is what your piercing is while it is healing). Most bodies of
water harbor large amounts of bacteria. If there is sea life, motor oil or
children in the water it is not clean enough! If you are going to be in water of
questionable cleanliness, use a breathable, non water-permeable wound sealant
such as Tegaderm or Clean Seals (available at drugstores and pharmacies) before
you go in, to protect yourself and prevent dirty water from getting inside your
open wound. Cleaning afterwards is not likely to be effective in preventing
infection. Exercise during healing is fine, just "listen" to your
body. Try to avoid activities that put undue stress on the area. Your own sweat
and bodily fluids are not harmful to your piercing, provided you clean daily as
directed.
HINTS
FOR PARTICULAR AREAS
NAVEL
Avoid
tight, cinching belts and waistbands and inflexible clothing on the area during
healing. A hard, vented eye patch (sold at pharmacies) can be applied under
tight clothing (such as nylon stockings) or secured using a length of ace
bandage around the body (to avoid irritation from adhesive). This can protect
the area from restrictive clothing, excess irritation, and impact during
physical activities such as contact sports.
EAR
/ EAR CARTILAGE AND FACIAL
Shield
piercings from hair spray and avoid getting lotion, make up and other foreign
substances in piercings. Make sure pillow cases are clean and changed
frequently. Clean your telephone receiver with a disinfectant and avoid contact
with public telephones.
NIPPLE
It
is advisable to sleep in a cotton tank top or tee shirt especially if you have
any pets that get on or in your bed. Many women find sleeping in a bra or sports
bra to be comfortable with a healing nipple piercing.
GENITAL
Sexual
activity isn't prohibited, it must be hygienic. Listen to your body! If
something feels sore, it means you need to ease up or stop for the time being.
Use condoms (without Nonoxynol 9) and dental dams and for all sexual contact to
prevent sharing of bodily fluids. This is required even if you are in a
monogamous relationship. It is mandatory for your health and safety during the
entire minimum initial healing time. Pleasure Plus condoms have extra room for
jewelry. Use water- based lubricants such as KY Jelly.
CLEANING
SOLUTIONS
An
alcohol-free antimicrobial or antibacterial mouth rinse should be used according
to package instructions. Two examples are Tech 2000 and Biotene. These may be
available in the oral medications section of your local drugstores. Check with
your piercing studio; many studios sell these products for your convenience.
Also: Mild sea salt water rinses. Dissolve a pinch (1/4 teaspoon) non-iodized
(iodine-free) sea salt to one cup (8 oz.) warm to hot distilled or bottled
water. (Avoid hot water for the first few days.) If you have high blood pressure
or heart problems, you will need to eliminate the sea salt, and use only plain
warm water rinses. Rinse mouth for 30-60 seconds with solution (see Cleaning
Solutions above) after meals during the entire minimum initial healing time. Do
not use more than 4-5 times daily and use it over intervals spaced throughout
the entire day. Rinse mouth briefly (10-15 seconds) with the mild sea salt
mixture (see recipe above) no more than twice a day. If you are cleaning too
often, the top of your tongue will start to turn a white to yellowish color.
Continue to clean your piercing, but reduce the number of times you are cleaning
it per day. A new soft bristled toothbrush should be used, to help minimize the
introduction of bacteria into your mouth.
CLEANING
INSTRUCTIONS
Rinse
mouth for 30-60 seconds with solution (see Cleaning Solutions above) after meals
during the entire minimum initial healing time. Do not use more than 4-5 times
daily and use it over intervals spaced throughout the entire day. Rinse mouth
briefly (10-15 seconds) with the mild sea salt mixture (see recipe above) no
more than twice a day. If you are cleaning too often, the top of your tongue
will start to turn a white to yellowish color. Continue to clean your piercing,
but reduce the number of times you are cleaning it per day. A new soft bristled
toothbrush should be purchased, to help reduce the bacteria that is introduced
into your mouth.
WHAT
IS NORMAL
Swelling
of the area is perfectly normal during the first part of healing an oral
piercing. It can be greatly reduced by gently sucking (rather than chewing) on
clean ice. Chipped or shaved ice, or small cubes are best. The majority of the
swelling usually lasts for only 3-5 days. Any new piercing can bleed off and on
for a few days. There can also be some bleeding under the surface resulting in
temporary bruising or discoloration. This is perfectly normal and not indicative
of any complication. Some tenderness or discomfort in the area of a new piercing
is not unusual. You may feel aching, pinching, tightness or other unpleasant
sensations off and on for several days or longer. Don't be alarmed if you see a
fairly liquid, yellowish secretion coming from the piercing. This is blood
plasma, lymph and dead cells which is perfectly normal. All healing piercings
secrete, it just looks different inside the mouth as it doesn't have a chance to
dry and form a crust as it does on ear or body piercings. This is not pus, but
indicates a healing piercing. Plaque may form on tongue jewelry, commonly on the
bottom ball and/or post. Scrub your barbell with a soft bristled toothbrush
(gently during healing). If you are diligent with oral hygiene the jewelry will
not need to be removed for cleaning, and it can usually be left in even for
routine visits to the dentist. Piercings may have a tendency to have a series of
ups and downs during healing by seeming healed and then regressing. Try to be
patient, and do keep cleaning during the entire initial healing time, even if
the piercing seems healed sooner. Each body is unique, and healing times can
vary considerably. If you have any questions, please contact your piercer. Once
initial swelling is down, having your piercer replace the post portion of bar
style jewelry with a shorter post may be wise. Jewelry which fits more closely
is less likely to irritate your mouth or get between your teeth and be bitten.
If you like your piercing, leave jewelry in at all times. Even healed piercings
can shrink or close in minutes after having been there for years! This varies
from person to person, and even if your ear lobe piercings stay open without
jewelry your oral piercing may not! Keep following the care procedures during
the entire minimum initial healing time, even if the piercing seems healed
sooner.
WHAT
TO DO
Try
to sleep with your head propped up on pillows during the first few nights of
healing; keeping your head above your heart will help to avoid much initial
overnight swelling. An over-the-counter, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory such as
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.) taken according to package instructions can
reduce discomfort, and it can also help to diminish swelling the first few days.
Check twice daily with clean hands to be sure the threaded ends on your jewelry
are on tight. To clean hands, wash them carefully with liquid antibacterial
soap. If your hands aren't freshly washed, don't touch yourself above the neck
during the initial healing time. Replace your toothbrush and make sure to keep
it clean so that everything that goes into your mouth is hygienic while you are
healing. A sensitive type of toothpaste may be less irritating to your mouth
during healing than a usual, stronger variety. Try to go slowly when you eat and
to take small bites when you are getting used to your new jewelry. Cold foods
and beverages feel great and can help diminish swelling. Drink plenty of
liquids, especially bottled water. Get enough sleep and eat a nutritious diet.
The healthier your lifestyle, the easier it will be for your piercing to heal.
WHAT
TO AVOID
No
oral sexual contact including French (wet) kissing or oral sex during the entire
initial healing period, even if you are in a monogamous relationship. (If you
had a large cut you would not allow anyone to spit into it! This is essentially
the same thing.) Avoid chewing on gum, tobacco, fingernails, pencils,
sunglasses, etc., during healing. Don't share plates, cups or eating utensils.
Reducing smoking or quitting is highly advisable when healing an oral piercing.
Smoking increases risks and can lengthen the healing time. Avoid undue stress
and recreational drug usage. Stay away from aspirin, large amounts of caffeine,
and alcoholic beverages for the first several days. Alcoholic beverages include
all beer, wine and hard liquor. These can cause additional swelling, bleeding
and discomfort. Refrain from eating spicy, salty, acidic, or hot temperature
foods and beverages for a few days. Do not play with the piercing for the
initial healing time beyond the necessary movement for speaking and eating. The
mouth withstands a lot of trauma from normal speaking and eating. Try to avoid
other disturbances such as excessive talking, actively playing with the jewelry,
or clicking the jewelry against your teeth. Undue stress on the piercing can
cause the formation of unsightly and uncomfortable scar tissue, migration and
other complications. Even after healing, excessive play with oral jewelry can
result in permanent damage to teeth, gums, and oral structures. Metal is harder
than the human body; be gentle. Do not use Lysterine or other mouthwash which
contains alcohol. It can irritate the area and delay healing. Don't use too many
different products; select and use only one cleaning solution (such as Tech 2000
or Biotene) plus sea salt.
ORAL
PIERCING HINTS AND TIPS
Some
piercees will carry a spare ball in their wallet or purse. This is particularly
advisable if you wear non-metallic balls such as acrylic, which is more fragile.
If you break or lose a ball, a small piece of clean pencil eraser can be
press-fit onto the post as an emergency measure to keep the jewelry from coming
out until a replacement can be obtained. On barbells/labret studs you may change
the ball portion of the jewelry at any time, but the original post should remain
until initial swelling is down.
TONGUE:
Try
to focus on keeping your tongue level in your mouth to avoid biting on the
jewelry as you eat. Your mouth is likely to feel uncoordinated at first, but
this will pass. Try eating small bites of solid foods by placing food directly
onto the molars with clean fingers or a fork. Food that is already in the back
of the mouth doesn't have to get moved there by your tongue. Gently brush your
tongue and jewelry when you are healing. Once healed brush tongue and jewelry
thoroughly to keep plaque away.
LIP
/ CHEEK:
Be
cautious about opening your mouth wide when you eat, as this can result in the
backing of the jewelry catching on your teeth. Take small bites and go slowly at
first. The outside of the piercing may become somewhat red or pink during
healing and this is normal. Refer to the Aftercare Guidelines for Body and
Facial Piercings sheet for instructions on how to care for the exterior surface
of such a piercing.
DISCLAIMER
These
guidelines are based on a combination of vast professional experience, common
sense, research, and extensive clinical practice. This is not to be considered a
substitute for medical advice from a doctor. Be aware, however, that many
doctors have no specific training or experience regarding piercing and may not
be educated on how to best assist you. Copyright © 2000, by the Association of
Professional Piercers, any changes or deletions are strictly prohibited and must
be approved in writing by the APP.