Around 12% of males and 72% of females in the U.S. have at least one piercing. They can be a fun and exciting experience for first-timers or veterans alike. You get to choose where on your body you want the modification, what type of jewelry you want, and how to style it.
But it’s crucial to ensure you avoid the piercing mistakes that can make your experience a literal pain. This will help ensure that your piercing session goes as smoothly as possible.
If you’re thinking about getting your first piercing or are just curious about the process, read on for tips on avoiding the most common mistakes. By following these simple guidelines, you can make sure you get a fantastic piercing—without any nasty surprises down the road.
Read our article now to learn more about avoiding these common piercing mistakes.
Doing It Yourself
One of the most common piercing mistakes is trying to do it yourself or having a friend do it for you. These methods can lead to infection and other complications.
Piercings should only be performed by trained professionals to properly pierce your skin and handle sterilization procedures. If you’re not sure where to go, ask around for recommendations or look for piercing shops with good online reviews.
Not Asking Questions
Another piercing mistake is not asking your piercer enough questions. This can include forgetting to ask about aftercare instructions or not asking about the type of jewelry that will be used.
Before getting a piercing, ask your artist questions about the process and what you can expect later on. This will help ensure that you are as prepared as possible for the piercing experience.
Going to the Mall
Going to the mall is a less-than-ideal way to get a piercing. These shops are less expensive, but they may not have the same level of experience or cleanliness as a professional piercing studio or the best tattoo shops.
Do your research before you go to get pierced. The best body piercings and modifications come from a professional shop.
Look for a reputable piercing shop with good reviews, the proper permits (depending on the state), and a bloodborne pathogens certification.
Picking the Wrong Place for a Piercing
When it comes to piercings, it matters where you get pierced. Some areas of the body are more prone to infection than others; some spots take longer to heal and are harder to take care of.
Do some research on where you want to be pierced and the risks before making a decision. You’ll want to be satisfied with the chosen area, as it will become a part of your style and persona.
If you’re unsure where to get pierced, ask your piercer for advice on the best piercing placements. They can help you decide which types of piercings will work for you.
Twisting or Playing With Jewelry
Once you have a new piercing, it’s important not to touch or play with the jewelry. This can irritate the piercing site and lead to infection, especially if your hands are dirty. In the most severe cases, you could even damage the piercing, cause scarring, or have to abandon the piercing altogether.
If you must touch your piercing for adjustments, make sure you wash your hands thoroughly first. Otherwise, leave it alone and let it heal. This is the best way to ensure it recovers appropriately.
Premature Earring Removal
Removing an earring is all too tempting for many people. You may have found another piece of jewelry you can’t wait to wear. But it’s important to resist the urge and let the piercing heal first.
If you remove a piercing before it’s healed, you run the risk of infection and other complications. The piercing often won’t heal correctly and must be re-pierced, costing you more money. Leaving your earring in and allowing it to heal is worth it. Then you can wear your new earrings all you like.
If you still don’t have any ideas for your future earrings, visit a site like bodypiercejewelry.com and decide on what styles you like.
Leaving Earrings Out Too Long
While you shouldn’t remove your piercing too soon, you don’t want to leave the jewelry for too long either. This can cause the piercing to close up as the skin heals around the jewelry.
If you want to take a break from wearing earrings, consider using retainers. These are clear or flesh-toned plastic devices that fit into the piercing and keep it open while you’re not wearing earrings.
Improper Cleaning of Your Piercing
Your piercing is an open wound, so it’s important to keep it clean. But you don’t need to overdo it. Cleaning your piercing too much can lead to irritation and delay healing – especially if you use the improper solution.
Gently wash your piercing twice daily with piercing aftercare solution or saline water. Use a cotton swab to clean around the piercing, being careful not to touch the jewelry itself. The best tattoo parlors will thoroughly explain everything you need to know about caring for your piercing.
Misdiagnosing Piercing Bumps
You may notice a small bump around your piercing. This is normal and usually nothing to worry about. However, if the bump is large, red, or painful, it could be an infection.
If you’re concerned about a piercing bump, see your piercer or doctor for diagnosis and treatment options. Don’t try to pop or drain the bump yourself, as this could worsen the infection.
Additionally, don’t diagnose yourself with a problem you don’t actually have. Many piercings leak clear liquid (known as lymphatic fluid) during the healing process, which can be mistaken for pus.
Using Hair Products
Hair products, such as conditioner, hairspray, and gel, can contain chemicals that irritate piercing sites. To avoid this problem, keep your hair away from your piercing while it heals.
If you must style your hair near the piercing, tie up your hair to keep it from touching the jewelry. Being mindful of your hair product use will prevent infections and other piercing complications.
Avoid Piercing Mistakes by Using Our Tips
Now that you know how to avoid piercing mistakes, it’s time to start your next piercing adventure. Use our tips to ensure a safe and successful piercing experience. With a little planning and care, you’ll be sporting beautiful body jewelry in no time!
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