Tongue piercing

Belly piercing

The Dangers of Body Piercing

Body piercing has been around for centuries in different countries and cultures. In the West its popularity has fluctuated but it is clear that at the moment body piercing is becoming increasingly popular, fashionable and more sociably acceptable in both men and women. However, as well as being fashionable there are a number of dangers associated with body piercing that many people either aren't aware of, or underestimate, therefore piercings should be undertaken with much thought, consideration and care with the correct advice and done professionally.

At the moment body piercers do not need a license although they must register with the Environmental Health Department. If you are considering getting a piercing make sure you check that the place you go to is registered if only because this means that they are regularly subjected to inspections and registrations which minimizes the risk of complications, and it is more likely to have insurance cover should anything go wrong.

Some of the problems or complications associated with body piercings are:

• Irritation
• Pain
• Swelling
• Loss of sensation if nerve endings are damaged
• Scarring
• Allergic reactions
• Deformities
• Excessive bleeding if a large vein is pierced by mistake.

Piercings are so popular that it is estimated that 1 in 10 adults are pierced in places other than their ears:

• 33% in navel
• 19% in nose
• 13% in ears
• 9% in tongue
• 9% in nipple
• 8% in eyebrows
• 4% in lips
• 2% in genitals
• 3% in other places.

However according to research released by experts at the Health Protection Agency and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine a third of these people have problems while 13% require medical attention. Among 16-24 year olds alone it is thought that 1 in 100 piercings leads to a hospital admission due to complications creating a substantial burden on the NHS. The piercings that are most likely to cause problems are:

• Tongue (50%)
• Genitals (45%)
• Nipples (38%)

Tongue piercings cause the most problems because if the jewelery becomes loose it can cause breathing problems or block the air way, also if the jewelery is accidentally bitten it can break or chip teeth so that you require reconstructive dental work, and it can cause gum recession. Lip and tongue piercings are at particular risk of infection due to food debris that gathers in the mouth which harbors bacteria.

Health and Safety:

• Body piercers must wear gloves and a new pair for each customer.
• Equipment should be properly sterilized.
• Jewellery should be sterile.
• Single-use disposable, sterile needles should be used.
• The area should be numbed although anesthetics are not usually given.
• Guns should only be used to pierce ears and not other parts of the body.
• The premises must be kept in hygienic condition.

If you feel that your piercing has gone wrong and become infected, scarred or not healed properly because of something the piercer did or did not do, such as failing to use sterile equipment or keep a hygienic environment, you may be entitled to compensation towards any medical treatment you required to resolve the problems and towards any discomfort or embarrassment that you suffered while the piercing was recovering. It may be helpful to take photos of any damage for use as evidence.

Aftercare and Treatment:

The basic procedure for any piercing is pushing a hollow needle through the skin, the underlying tissue and then the skin on the other side. This is an invasive procedure creating a wound that is open to infection and like any surgery requires aftercare and healing time. Correct aftercare and treatment instructions should be given to you by the piercer so that you can look after your piercing and avoid infections.

The body actually heals more quickly if it is left alone and usually takes about 30-90days (1-3months); twisting and turning the jewelery doesn't help because it disturbs the new skin growth. New skin can grow quite quickly once the piercing has been protected from infection and irritants including:

• Facial products containing certain chemicals.
• Shape or size of jewelery.
• Friction or motion of jewelery.
• Pressure on the jewelery such as sleeping or lying on it.
• Tap water- the fluid can cause ulceration of the wound bed.

Firstly simple things such as eating a balanced diet including Vitamin C and minerals, especially zinc, can help keep you healthy and fight off infections.

Hot compresses, such as a hot liquid or a heat pad set to medium, can be placed on the piercing for 10-15minutes once an hour until bedtime as this increases blood circulation which carries nutrients and oxygen to fuel the new skin growth and it helps build the immune response. However, an absorbent pad such as gauze should be placed between you and the compress so that it doesn't become sweaty.

Healing process:

In the first week small dry scabs should form (these should be left intact); you should avoid putting soap, tap water, make up or skin products on the piercing. After about 1 week the inside of the piercing sheds the dried scabs and cellular waste material leaving growing new skin which is delicate. Jewelery shouldn't be moved or changed until solid healthy skin has developed in the healed area; otherwise the delicate new skin will be damaged causing scars to form. Protective barriers such as occlusive dressings and 3M Nexcare Tegaderm can provide a moist healing environment that protects the piercing while you are bathing or swimming. This should be removed roughly every 72 hours so that perspiration does not build up underneath.

Often the jewelery can cause problems because it is poor quality or you are sensitive to it and have allergic reactions. Cheap nickel or brass commonly triggers allergic reactions and in some cases antibiotics may be needed. Alloys of gold, copper, silver and trace metals can also be irritating and prevent complete healing, therefore it may be better opting for more expensive but good quality jewelery such as titanium which is inert and used in internal surgery. If you catch an infection then you must eliminate the reservoir which is often the jewelery.

The American Society for Testing Materials or ASTM was originally set up 100years ago by engineers to standardize steel used in railways. Now it is used for standardising many other things as well. A standard is a document which is developed and established within consensus principles of an organization which meets the requirements of ASTM procedures and regulations. It is usually developed by the people who have a stake in the standard's development or use. It is recommended that titanium used in jewelery should meet ASTM standard F67, F136 or better, whereas steel should meet ASTM F138, F1537 or better and it should only be worn temporarily and only in healed piercings. 24 karat gold and platinum alloyed with Iridium or Ruthenium are biologically inert but they are heavy, soft and easily scratched and damaged.

To receive advice and help for your situation call Free phone 0800 652 4321 or 01642 252828. Alternatively, visit the website at mackssolicitors.co.uk and complete the online claim form. Macks Solicitors will be happy to give you free expert advice on making a compensation claim for the extra expenses and for your emotional and physical injuries. Making a claim through Macks Solicitors will not cost you anything and you will get to keep 100% of any compensation you are awarded.

The Piercing Trend of Body Jewelry

When it comes to piercing, traditionally most of us will think of ear piercing. But today there are people who are piercing a lot more than their ears. Lips, noses, tongues, belly buttons and a few places we won't mention here are being pierced these days.

Body piercing is the art of puncturing or cutting a part of the human body, to create an opening in which jewelry may be worn. Piercing has been practiced in nearly every culture all over the world for hundreds of years. This body art is reflected in many cultures for various reasons which may include religion, spirituality, fashion or eroticism. In the United States body piercing, that is piercing body parts other than ears, started in the early 70's, but has become most popular over the past ten years.

In the united states there are a select group of people that have come to appreciate the beauty of body jewelry. It has become a very popular trend with teens and young adults. However, caution should be taken when deciding to wear body jewelry as there is a possibility of infection. You should not use any type of fake gold or other jewelry made from base metals as they will be likely to corrode when exposed to body fluids. There are metals which are safe to use such as surgical implant stainless steel and surgical implant titanium. A professional may also suggest other safe metals.

If you prefer not to go through the trouble of body piercing, but still want to keep up with the trend, you may consider wearing certain types of jewelry which will make it look as though piercing has been done. The following are a few examples of such jewelry.

-Clip-on earrings that can also be worn as a naval ring.

-Magnetic earrings look as if the person is wearing a stud.

-Stick on earrings have adhesive backs which stick to the ear lobe.

-Ear cuffs are curved metal bands that press against the ear.

-Spring hoops stick to the ear by means of a spring force.

Wearing body jewelry can be fun and fashionable if certain precautions are taken before and after piercing. If you are willing to go through the trouble of body piercing which may include some pain, which varies in different individuals, then you are among the select group of people that will appreciate the fashion statement that is made with this type of body art.

Tongue piercing

Female Body Piercing - Nipple Piercing

Nipple piercing is an increasingly popular form of female body piercing. This type of piercing is not only aesthetically pleasing, but considered to be physically pleasing also, as it is known to increase the sensitivity of the nipple, thus increasing the sensual and pleasurable sensations felt when the area is stimulated.

Another factor that makes pierced nipples worth considering is the feelings of empowerment many women gain after having a nipple pierced. Nipple piercings are also one of the few types of female body piercing that are very easily concealed, making them that much more private, personal and exciting.

The piercing is done through the base of the erect part of the nipple. Care should be taken to ensure the piercing does not penetrate the areola, as this can lead to a breast tissue infection known as mastitis. Piercing is done with a needle, a clamp is often used also, but is completely optional. Any angle can be pierced through the nipple and one nipple can also accommodate multiple piercings.

The jewellery used for nipple piercing is typically barbells or rings, but the use of most types of jewellery is possible. Any rings used should be of a large enough diameter to allow for initial swelling, otherwise irritations and other complications may occur. Jewellery such as nipple shields can be an excellent way to showcase the breasts, whilst still easily concealed beneath clothing or lingerie.

A concern many women have with this type of female body piercing is potential issues with breast feeding. So it is worth noting that as long as all jewellery is removed from the area prior to feeding, breast feeding with nipple piercings is completely safe.

Inverted nipples can be corrected and kept in an erect position with the help of a nipple piercing.

As with any female body piercing, always ensure your piercer is an experienced professional, and make sure any questions and concerns you may have are discussed prior to piercing.

Female Body Piercing - Nipple Piercing

Nipple piercing is an increasingly popular form of female body piercing. This type of piercing is not only aesthetically pleasing, but considered to be physically pleasing also, as it is known to increase the sensitivity of the nipple, thus increasing the sensual and pleasurable sensations felt when the area is stimulated.Another factor that makes pierced nipples worth considering is the