Thinking about getting pierced? Whether you have been considering getting a particular piercing for two years or two minutes (plenty of clients love the walk-in-factor for the nature of the impulse - myself included), the allure of new bod-bling is unmatched. However, we want your new piercing to be viable long-term, and come with a happy, ideally unproblematic healing period! Let’s review some common lifestyle factors to decide whether or not a piercing is ideal for you right now.
Bulleted information majority is courtesy of Axiom Piercing - visit the link to read their blog article more in depth:
(Thanks for this great compilation of fantastic, easy-to-read info!)
1.) Chronic health issues that affect prolonged healing or blood clotting:
Diabetes, Ischemia, Venous stasis and other circulatory diseases: These conditions affect the delivery of nutrient-rich blood to growing tissue. This causes prolonged healing which allows the piercing to remain an “open wound” for longer, which may increase your chance of developing an infection.
Hemophilia, Anemia, and other blood clotting disorders: Causes prolonged blood loss where bleeding lasts much longer. Consult with your physician prior to getting pierced.
Anticoagulation Medication or other medications: (read above). Consult your doctor about any medications you take to see how they may affect getting pierced or healing a piercing long-term!
Keloids, fibrosis and other scarring disorders: If you develop raised scars from cuts or abrasions you have a higher chance of developing increasing scarring that may require medical intervention for removal (such as for keloids, which may be genetic and are more common in those with darker skin pigmentation). *NOTE: these are not piercing/irritation bumps which they are commonly misidentified as!
Immunocompromised conditions such as cancer, radiation therapy, or AIDS: When your body has a reduced ability to fight off foreign invaders or pathogens, you have a higher possibility for developing infection as well as prolonged healing time.
Alcoholism, drug addiction, smoking. obesity: Prolonged healing time and increased risk of infection.
Drug use: You WILL NOT be pierced if you are intoxicated! Most substances thin your blood and increase sensations/emotional state; this can lead to increased pain and nervousness which, in turn, can cause excess movement/jitteriness and make you more prone to passing out during your procedure - this is dangerous as it increases the chances you or your piercer will sustain a needlestick injury!
MEDICAL
MRIS: If you are required to remove your jewelry for an upcoming surgery, procedure, or check-up, it is recommended you wait until afterwards to get pierced to avoid closure from temporary jewelry removal. (Read bullet #3 below for more information)
Plastic Surgery: https://www.lynnloheide.com/post/plastic-surgery-and-piercings
2.) Pregnancy & Nursing
You CANNOT get pierced if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. Your body experiences drastic levels of stress and a strained immune system during this time. In a worst case scenario, if an infection enters into your bloodstream, you risk spreading it to the fetus.
It is recommended you wait at least 3 months after delivery before getting pierced so your body has time to recover and stabilize your immune system.
If you plan on getting nipple piercings - it is recommended you wait at least 3 months after the cessation of breast milk production (safepiercing.org)
3.) Military & Employment: Be mindful of your job’s policies on visible piercings. This may include a specific style or quantity. Consider daily duties or tasks at your job: (e.g., tongue piercings may want to be avoided in jobs that require heavy vocal communication where you need to speak frequently and clearly; you may want to avoid specific piercings in locations that will be subject to constant friction such as bending over or lifting objects; if you work in unclean environments where your piercing may be affected - such as mechanics, coal mines, etc. you increase your risk for irritation).
Though quality glass/clear retainers and skin-tone jewelry does exist that you can swap between, it is safer to have a piece of jewelry left in your piercing during the entirety of its healing period! In some cases, you may even be able to get pierced with these pieces initially! Ask your piercer.
4.) Sports and Exercise: Be mindful of sports or competition policies as well as safety concerns (such as accidental snags or bumps/impacts - as these can be traumatic!) Avoid any extremes motions or friction that may come from protective equipment or tight uniform/clothing. (If you swim for sports or exercise, refer to bullet #6 below).
5.) Sexual Activity: Be gentle. You MUST use a barrier of protection to prevent sharing bodily fluids during healing!
(Read more from Elayne here, https://www.piercingbible.com/blog/exercise-sex-after-vch-vertical-clitoral-hood-piercing )
6.) Vacation, Swimming, and Travel:
While it is ideal to wait until your piercing is fully healed before submerging it into unclean bodies of water where you may encounter microbes that could cause infection (pools, rivers, oceans, baths, etc.) - you must wait a MINIMUM of 4 months before swimming. Waterproof dressings, such as Tegaderm may be used temporarily. Regardless, any time you submerge an unhealed piercing, you put it at risk for infection.
“If you wouldn’t drink the water, don’t put your piercings in it either.”
Change in climate, air pressure, and humidity can cause an increase of swelling. Heat increases bacterial growth.
Avoid environmental contaminants such as sand or dust.
Be mindful of the use of skin products such as bug sprays or sunscreens - do not allow these products to enter into your piercings, as they may cause irritation.
7.) Skin Conditions:
Lynn says it best, so I'll leave it to them -
Psoriasis:
EDS:
Obviously, this list is not complete: always refer to your piercer (or doctor) if you have questions regarding the specifics of your lifestyle. While this list is not “hard and fast” on whether or not you are “allowed” to get pierced, it is best to take a responsible, informed approach when making your decision. Piercings are commitments - some may take up to a year to fully heal and require upkeep and dedication to ensure they become a viable, long-term fixture in your body.
HAPPY HEALING! 🌸
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