Piercing pointers

Some pointers on piercing

If you are considering a piercing, for an earring or for something more exotic, here are some things to think about:

Before you pierce
✓ Only get pierced if it’s something you want.
✓ Learn what to expect and how to take care of the specific kind of piercing you are considering.
✓ Find a reputable piercing studio or ask your physician. Don’t attempt to pierce yourself or have a friend do it at home.

What to look for in a piercing studio
✓ Staff welcomes questions, answers them patiently and is willing to show documentation.
✓ Piercing area is separate from reception area, is clean, has smooth work surfaces, and has a sink. Furniture is covered with paper that is replaced after each customer.
✓ Staff observes infection control precautions, uses clean gowns and surgical masks, washes hands before putting on surgical gloves. Once gloved, piercers should not touch anything but you, the instruments or the jewelry, without changing gloves.
✓ Needles and bandages are sterile-packed, used only once and then discarded in a biohazard container.
✓ An autoclave, inspected at least monthly, is used to sterilize all non-disposable instruments, which are then stored in sterile bags.
✓ Jewelry is sterile-packed and non-allergenic.
✓ Studio dosn’t use a “piercing gun,” even for earrings.
✓ Studio provides thorough “after care,” including detailed directions for cleaning and care and access to advice and assistance in case a problem develops.

Text and illustrations by Kevin T. Boyd

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Acupressure for piercing pain
Here are lists of acupressure points for pain in the most common pierced body parts, including Ear, Tongue, Mouth, Lip, Face and Sex organs on PointFinder.org.
If this is your first time, please read the instructions. Don’t use acupressure to replace standard emergency procedures or licensed medical treatment. If you are seriously injured or have acute symptoms seek urgent medical treatment.

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