Body piercing is a popular form of body art. There are several people who would disapprove or disagree to this statement due to the dogmatic principles of society. But, body piercing continues to be a dominating feature in many parts of the world. This form of creativity on the body is not only eccentric and funky but it also manages to grab the attention of young and old alike! Body tattooing and piercing are timeless characteristics that have been embraced by most communities. For example, in ancient Rome, piercing of the nipples was common and in ancient India, piercing of genitals was practiced. Body piercing may be fashionable but it comes with several side effects that lead to the growth of microbes in the pierced area. Thus, neglecting the basic standards of proper care has too many risks associated with it. Read the following section for a better idea on how you can maintain and treat a body piercing.
Body Piercing Post Care
Body piercing indeed requires aftercare! Read this article to learn more about body piercing after care and body piercing post care.
Body Piercing Aftercare
- If you have been pierced recently then you must pay lot of attention to the pieced part of your body, as even the slightest negligence could have severe repercussions. If it has been done less than two days ago then you are going through the healing stage. At this time, it is advisable to keep away from astringents, creams, herbal pastes or any other external applications.
- The pierced area should always be free of dust, dirt and all kinds of body fluids to avoid infection. Hence, you must always make sure that the piercing is cleaned regularly – this avoids fungal and bacterial reservoirs from developing.
- During the initial days, it is usually not recommended that you, or anyone else, touch the pierced area. As your wound is fresh and your skin still recovering, prodding or feeling the pierced area will only aggravate the pain and sometimes, may lead to pus formation.
- Getting yourself pierced is a painful process. Wait until you are completely healed before changing your jewellery. Some doctors suggest that when you rotate the stud placed on your body, atleast once a day, the hole becomes bigger and there is more breathing space. But, before doing this, make sure you have cleaned and sterilized your fingers.
- The most common error that people commit is cleaning the pierced area with alcohol whenever there is bleeding. The bleeding might be halted by this but there are chances of scar formation. Vaseline is another product that is unadvisable as it provides perfect moisture conditions for microbial growth. It is believed that you must keep the area as dry as possible.
- Before you go for a swim or wash your face, make sure that you cover the area with a water-proof bandage. Tanning oils, lotions, sprays, cosmetics and deodorants should not be applied directly over the pierced area. Usage of a good anti-septic liquid soap can raze the germs from your skin.
- If you are opting for any medications/treatment for the piercing, make sure that you consult a doctor for advice.
- Body piercing has quite a few side effects that must be nipped in the budding stage. Infections are a common occurrence, but it is also normal. However, the process of healing must not take more than a month. If it does, visiting a doctor becomes mandatory!
- Due to poor maintenance and cleanliness, areas around the piercing could get allergic reactions. In most cases, they cause itchiness, patchy and flaky skin and appearance of redness etc.
- Piercing involves the penetration of a needle into your body. If this instrument is unsterilized, it could lead to fatal conditions such as HIV.
- Keloid is another type of condition that involves scarring of the tissue. In such events, make sure that you dismantle the pieces of jewellery from the site of infection. Keep it this way until the scar vanishes. There is no need to emphasize the fact that visiting a medical expert is essential!
As the famous saying goes 'prevention is better than cure'. So, ensure that you take sufficient measures to keep your skin and body healthy. Have a safe and happy piercing!