Body piercings are very popular among men and women and there are several areas of the body used for piercings. Some people with piercings do not develop any problems. The ears are usually the common area for piercings and heal without any problems. Piercing other areas of the ears that involves the cartilage that gives the ear shape can create a wound that is hard to clean, takes time to heal and susceptible to become infected than the earlobe area.
Other areas such as the mouth and tongue, eyebrow, nose, navel and the genital area are also common areas for piercing and these parts has its own normal healing time and problems.
Body piercing can develop issues such as infection of the pierced area, infection of the mouth or lips that can cause chewing or problems with swallowing or swelling. Infections on the nipple can cause scarring of the breast tissue and incapable of breastfeeding in the future. Tearing or splitting of the skin which can result to formation of scar tissue. Jewelries placed on the mouth or lips can result to chipping or cracking of the teeth, development of gum problems and difficulty swallowing or chewing. Body piercing can damage some underlying blood vessels or nerves and problems with the type of jewelry used and allergies to metal.
Symptoms
- The skin near the pierced area becomes pale or cool.
- The affected area becomes numb or tingly.
- The pierced area starts to bleed, but oozing small amounts of blood is normal.
If the symptoms become worse, seek medical help immediately
Care for a body piercing
- Clean the body piercing regularly using water and soap. Apply a washcloth to wash out the new piercing in order to keep grime, dirt and bacteria away from the wound. Make sure to clean the piercing after going outside, exercising, cooking and cleaning.
- Rinse the piercing using saline solution at least twice every day. Mix 1/8 tablespoon of non-iodized sea salt in a cup of distilled water and stir until completely dissolved. Submerge the pierced part of the body in the solution or soak a clean cotton swab in water and apply it to the pierced area for at least 20 minutes twice every day.
- Wash hands before touching the pierced part of the body in order to prevent infections.
- Avoid taking a bath in pools, hot tubs or gyms at least for 2-3 days after the piercing in order to prevent moisture and bacteria from contaminating the wound and cause an infection.
- Apply a cold or ice pack on the pierced area to reduce the swelling and bruising. Just remember to avoid applying ice directly on the skin in order to prevent damage on the tissue. Wrap the ice pack in towel before applying on the pierce area.
- Elevate the body piercing area above the level of the heart in order to lessen the swelling.
- Use an antibacterial mouthwash if piercing is on the mouth or tongue at least 3-4 times every day to promote fast healing of the area. Avoid smoking, spicy foods and drinking alcohol until the piercing is totally healed.
If the individual experiences symptoms such as fever, muscle or joint pain, chills, nausea or vomiting seek medical help immediately.
FACT CHECK
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_piercing