The trend of body piercing at sites other than the ear lobe has grown in popularity and social acceptance in the past decade. The tongue, lips, nose, eyebrows, nipples, navel and genitals are now being pierced so that jewelry can be worn at these sites. Ear lobe piercing involving the soft lower part of the ear is still the most common and the least likely to cause complications.

Complications of body piercing include bleeding, swelling, localized infections, infections that spread to other parts of the body, poor cosmetic outcome with keloid formation (tough, thick scar tissue) and local reactions to the metal in the jewelry. At some sites, the jewelry can cause tearing of the tissue, or the jewelry can become embedded in the skin. Swelling and tooth fractures are common problems after tongue piercing. Genital piercing can cause problems with sexual performance and increased condom breakage. A "high" ear piercing involves the cartilage and is more dangerous than an earlobe piercing. There is more risk of infection with high ear piercing, and these infections are harder to treat and more likely to cause a physical deformity. If you are considering getting a body piercing, there are some general rules to help make it a better and safer experience.

Choosing a Piercing Studio

A professional with an established reputation should do the piercing. Do not do the piercing yourself, or have a friend attempt the piercing. Sterilizing a needle over a flame does not really sterilize the needle! Never rush into having a piercing, and select the body site and jewelry carefully. Make sure the studio has its own autoclave and ultrasonic cleaner. Does the artist wear new gloves for each client? Does the artist always use sterile, disposable needles, never a gun? Piercing guns cannot be properly sterilized in an autoclave. The earring studs are not as sharp as good piercing needles and will cause more trauma to the skin.

Choosing the Right Jewelry

Jewelry should be stainless steel,
14-karat or 18-karat solid gold, titanium or niobium only -- gold-filled, gold-plated, and sterling silver are not acceptable.

If you are sensitive to metals, monofilament nylon or Teflon may be used.

Do not use jewelry with nicks, scratches, or irregular surfaces.

Jewelry that's too thin can tear out or become embedded in the skin, but jewelry that's too thick can cause an abscess or keloid scarring.

Care After the Piercing

Be sure your hands are clean before touching your piercing and clean the piercing with a mild antibacterial soap twice a day during the entire healing period. Rinse with water and rotate the jewelry several times during each cleaning.

For tongue, lip, and cheek piercing:

Rinse your mouth with an antimicrobial mouth rinse at least five times daily.

Brush your teeth, tongue, and jewelry with a new, soft-bristle toothbrush.

Use a new toothbrush monthly.

Avoid all oral sexual contact including French kissing for 6 weeks.

For ear piercing, disinfect your telephone.

For body piercing, change your sheets and pillowcases weekly.

Remember that your piercing site should be treated as an open wound until it is fully healed. You should avoid swimming and hot tubs during that time.

Healing Times for Piercing

Earlobe: 4-6 weeks

Ear Cartilage (High Ear): 2 months to 1 year

Tongue: 4-6 weeks

Eyebrow: 6-8 weeks

Nostril: 2-3 months

Lip and Lip Area: 6-8 weeks

Cheek: 2-3 months

Nipple: 2-6 months

Navel: 6 months to 1 year

Most female genitalia: 4-8 weeks

Most male genitalia: 3-6 months

If your piercing is infected, the skin around the area may be red and swollen.

It might hurt to touch your piercing, and there may be a yellowish, bad smelling fluid coming from the hole.

If you have a fever or any of these symptoms, you should see a healthcare provider. Do not remove the jewelry. Some infections can be treated with antibiotic creams, but most infections need oral antibiotics and some infections require surgical treatment.

Body piercing is a big responsibility, careful thought, planning and research are needed before the piercing. Special care is required for an extended period of time after the piercing.

If you are considering getting a piercing, or if you suspect your piercing may be infected, you can get more information from your primary care provider or the clinical staff at University Health Services. Call 863-0774 for an appointment.