BA2

Can I get HIV or Hepatitis from piercings?

Yes! Piercings should only be done by individuals formally trained in piercing. HIV and the Hepatitis virus can be transmitted from one person to another when piercing equipment is not properly sterilized.

Where are the common piercing locations?

Ear piercing has been a common practice for many years. Additional locations include the nose, eyebrow, lip, tongue, nipples, navel and genitals.

How old do I have to be?

Most reputable piercers will require that you have parental permission or be over age 18.

Will it hurt?

Yes. There is usually a brief, sharp pain. Sometimes ice packs will be used to anesthetize or numb the site. Piercing some areas of the body are more painful than others. Afterwards, the area around the piercing may be tender for several days to several months depending upon the location.

Will it bleed?

Usually there is very little bleeding unless you have been taking aspirin or drinking alcohol. The amount of bleeding will depend upon the location of the piercing.

How long does it take to heal?

Most piercings will completely heal in 6 to 8 weeks. Tongue piercing will usually heal in about 2 weeks. Some piercings of the nipples, navel, and genitalia may take up to several months to completely heal. Keeping the piercing clean and free of irritation will speed the healing process.

Are there reasons that totally prevent me from getting a piercing?

Several medical conditions make it dangerous for you to get a piercing. These include Diabetes, Hemophilia, and any type of Blood disorder that could prevent you from healing in a normal fashion.

Are there other reasons that might prevent me from getting a piercing?

If you play contact sports, you will need to consider if the piercing will become irritated or injured during play.

If you must wear tight fitting clothes over your piercing, you will need to consider if the piercing will become irritated or inflamed.

If you frequently swim in public pools you will have a greater chance of the piercing becoming infected.

If you work at a job that requires a lot of bending and lifting, some piercings may become irritated from the frequent movements.

How do I find a qualified piercer?

Most piercers work in a studio and often offer tattooing services as well. A visit to several studios can help you decide which studio and piercer is best for you. Things to look for:

Is the studio clean?
Does the piercer use disposable needles?
Are instruments and jewelry sterilized with an autoclave (a medically approved device to sterilize surgical instruments)?
Does the piercer wear new latex gloves for every customer?
Is the studio and established business - has it been around for a significant period of time?
Is the piercer a member of an organization of piercing professionals?

If your questions are not answered, go elsewhere.

If you decide to pierce . . .

Follow the "After Piercing" instructions exactly as given by the piercer.
Keep the piercing clean to reduce the chance of infection.