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THE PRACTICE OF PUNCTURING
OR CUTTING A PART OF THE HUMAN BODY, CREATING AN OPENING IN WHICH JEWELLERY MAY BE WORN, OR WHERE AN IMPLANT COULD BE INSERTED
CHOOSING YOUR PIERCER
Performing body piercing is not easy; it takes time and dedication to acquire the ability to safely and skillfully perform the procedure. Piercing is a hands-on profession that must be learned through practical experience, which generally involves trial and error. Sound instruction ideally involves a lengthy apprenticeship with a qualified mentor (though many piercers are self-taught).
It is advisable to inquire how long your piercer has been piercing, how they learned, and what they do to keep their knowledge-base current – such as taking continuing education courses on anatomy, aftercare, aseptic technique, etc.
You’re in safe hands with our team of expert piercers. Our amazing team members have been in the industry for years, and are here to make you feel comfortable during your piercing experience. We’re a family of passionate artists with positive vibes who simply want to share our passion with the rest of the world.
KNOW THE RISKS
Piercings breach the skin, which means that skin infections and complications are possible, including:
- Skin infections. Infection at the pierced site. Whenever the skin's protective barrier is broken, local skin infections from staph or strep bacteria are a risk. Of all the body sites commonly pierced, the navel is the most likely to become infected because of its shape. Infections can often be treated with good skin hygiene and antibiotic medications. With this type of infection, jewelry generally does not have to be taken out. This helps prevent the hole from closing and promotes drainage of the infected area.
- Allergic Reactions. Nickel allergy is a very common and a potentially serious risk of piercing. Therefore, jewelry containing nickel must be avoided. It is important to know that some gold jewelry contains nickel. A reaction often requires the jewelry piece to be removed. Steroid creams can then be used to help stop the reaction. Poor quality jewelry can also cause the same problems as nickel. And teens are frequently on a tight budget, which means they may buy jewelry that is poor in quality. Here at Valhall we only use titan jewely which is the safest and most allergy-free material for piercing jewely that can be used.
- Bloodstream infections. With any piercing, there is the danger of this type of infection, including the hepatitis B or C viruses and tetanus. These types of infections are commonly caused by contaminated piercing equipment. It is important to be up to date on immunizations, especially hepatitis B and tetanus, before having anything pierced.
- Dental trauma. Tooth chipping (or fracture) is the most common dental problem related to tongue piercing. Lip or tongue jewelry can also cause gum problems and damage to the enamel; the jewelry can also become loose and be swallowed. Researchers have also found that, in some cases, the jaw bone may be affected requiring oral surgery to preserve the teeth. Infection of the mouth or lips may cause speech, chewing, or swallowing problems or swelling that can block the throat.
- Keloid formation. Contact your piercer immediately if you see signs of keloid formations starting. Keloids are overgrowths of fibrous tissue or scars that can occur in some people after even minor trauma to the skin. In addition to aesthetic concerns, patients with keloids may have itching and tenderness. Treatment options for keloids include: surgical excision, corticosteroid injections, cryosurgery (freezing), pressure dressings, radiation, and laser therapy. Those prone to keloid formation should probably not get piercings. Teens with a chronic medical condition or those who take daily medication (e.g., those with diabetes mellitus or taking corticosteroids) may be at a greater risk of complications from body piercings and should check with their doctor before getting pierced.
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