Piercing

Body piercing has become increasingly popular recently. Ten or twenty years ago piercing was mostly limited to ears, occasionally noses, and safety pins in a few other locations (by a punk cohort). The current trend in body piercing sees rings, studs and bars being inserted in upper ears, eyebrows, necks, lips, tongues, nipples, navels and genitals.

State and Territory Health Departments in Australia are responsible for approving the hygiene and sterility of body piercing establishments and their processes.

If you are considering having a piercing done, it may be wise to read on and check out some of the facts for yourself. It is better to be safe than sorry! By asking a few questions before you get the piercing you can help make sure the risks are lower.

So what should I ask?

Do they use a sterilising unit?

Sterilisation is when all living bugs, germs and viruses are removed from the equipment that will be used to perform a piercing. It is very important to ensure that the equipment does not carry disease or blood borne viruses such as Hep C and HIV/AIDS.

Many places use prepacked sterilised equipment. If so, make sure everything that is used to penetrate your skin is in sealed bags and opened in your presence.

If the equipment is not prepacked, it is important to find out whether the piercer you have chosen has a sterilising unit called an Autoclave. Only an Autoclave ensures appropriate sterilisation.

Do they reuse needles?

Does the studio resterilise used needles? If you are contemplating having a piercing you need to ask this question, it is very important. Make sure that the studio does not use needles that have been soaking in liquid. All needles should come in their own packaging and should only be opened in front of you.

Is the studio clean?

Remember a studio like all other establishments should have a commitment to being clean and hygienic. Everything should be clean. If you think it is not up to standard, then trust yourself and do not get a piercing there.

Ask your friends where they got their piercing done

Ask your friends where they got theirs done, did they have any problems or infection during healing, does the piercing look like something you would be happy with? Would they honestly get another pierce there again and did they feel they were given enough information by the studio about after care? Did your friend ask about sterilisation or disposal of the equipment?

Ask questions of the staff and person doing the piercing

Remember having a part of your body pierced is a very important decision and can have some negative health effects if done poorly. So do not be afraid to ask the piercer and staff some questions. It may help you to make an informed decision.

Ask yourself does this person seem knowledgeable? Not all pieces of jewellery are suitable for some piercings. Talk to the piercer about how long they have been doing this and how they learned. Check for any certification if possible. It takes a long time to acquire the ability to correctly place and skilfully perform a piercing.

Do not be led to believe that piercing is easily done. With the complex nature of some of the piercing we have done today it is increasingly important that those performing a piercing are informed and skilled. If you do not like anything you see, then leave, trust your instincts and find a better place to have it done. You can suffer injury through a poorly performed piercing.

So, what are we getting pierced?

Tongues, Lips and Cheeks

Although popular, these can be some of the more dangerous areas of the body to get pierced. Complications can include infections, speech impediments, breathing problems, increased tooth decay and broken teeth. Infections can result in blood poisoning, toxic shock syndrome, a blocked airway, as well as the risk of diseases like HIV and Hepatitis.

Eyebrows, Noses, Ear Lobes and Upper Ears

Infections in the area around the eyes and nose can result in serious complications. Pierced ear lobes have been around for hundreds of years. Recently, the trend is towards piercing the upper ear. Piercing the upper ear means that the stud must pass through the cartilage that gives your ear its structure. Infections in the cartilage of this part of the ear can cause a ‘cauliflower’ appearance of the ear (not unlike what some boxers experience). Piercing the side of your nose can be very painful, and can cause difficulties if you have a cold or runny nose. Also, choose jewellery carefully to avoid bits that could be inhaled.

Nipples and Navels

Nipple piercing in women can create scar tissue that may cause difficulties in breast-feeding in later life. The nipple is very sensitive and therefore can be very painful to pierce. Bellybuttons also should be pierced with care and watched constantly. The moist, warm nature of the navel makes risk of infection a little higher.

Genitals

Piercing genitals is a decision that should not be taken lightly. An infection here is not only painful, but can be very serious. It is really important to try and get some advice from a medical practitioner before considering piercing of the penis, labia, clitoris, foreskin or scrotum.

HIV and Other Diseases

There are also significant risks of transmission of diseases like Hepatitis B and C and HIV/AIDS. Unsafe piercing studios and piercing by friends or relatives in unsterile conditions can result in injury or disease transmission. Recent reports have highlighted the dangers of infection and septicaemia resulting in death in extreme cases. It is essential that any sign of infection is treated seriously and promptly.

Ask Your GP

It is also important to remember that you can talk to your GP before you decide to have any area of your body pierced. They will be able to:

discuss the risks with you;
warn about possible allergies;
tell you how to make sure that the piercing studio is safe;
talk about how to care for your piercing; and
show you what to look for and what to do if something goes wrong.

Some GPs are happy to do piercing for their patients in a clean, sterile and safe environment. Remember they can also give you another opportunity to discuss this decision further. Of course, make an immediate appointment with your doctor if there are any problems associated with an area that is pierced that might indicate infection or complications (such as bleeding, pain, weeping or swelling), or that you are worried about.

Produced by The Commonwealth Bank and AMA Youth Health Advocate Program.

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