Body piercing has been in vogue in our culture from times immemorial. But now it has moved to a different level with people becoming more adventurous and wanting to make a statement. The common areas being the ears, nose, navel, etc.
it is usually done under all aseptic precautions under local anaesthesia. After care is very important and the healing period for piercings may vary between 3 months to a year depending on the area involved.
Though this is a simple procedure, it has to be done with proper knowledge of the anatomy and under proper aseptic conditions to prevent any complications. The most common complication is a keloid formation and the second being infection.
Infection in the ear cartilage is a devastating complication as the whole ear cartilage could die leaving behind a shriveled, deformed ear.
Points to remember :
1. Read about the procedure and assure yourself that you want it. Remember that once done it's going to be there for life if not the jewelry, at least the scar.
2. Always go to a qualified professional or a surgeon. Most importantly if the centre looks unhealthy or dirty ...Walk right out.
3. Allow the piercing to heal properly before you change the ornament.
4. Clean the piercing regularly as advised and don't neglect any signs of infection or pus
5. "Spin" the ornament (turning the jewelry to allow the ointment to reach all areas of the piercing) as advised regularly.
6. Look for jewelry where the gems are mechanically set into the metal rather than glued. Glued jewelry cannot be sterilised
Remember you can rush yourself and the surgeon but you cannot rush your body to heal! So, give it proper time according to the area.
Daily Care Routine:
· Do not touch your piercing unless you are cleaning it.
· While healing, your piercing will need to be cleaned once daily.
· Cleaning more often than this will harm your piercing.
· You will need to use an antibacterial soap (e.g. Dettol Liquid Soap).
Cleaning:
1. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and wet the piercing with luke warm water.
2. Put a few drops of antibacterial soap on the piercing and work them into a lather with a cotton bud(ear bud).
3. Try to loosen any crusted discharge and tease it off the jewelry and your skin with the cotton bud.
4. Leave the antibacterial soap on the piercing for a few minutes while moving the jewelry back and forth( spin), allowing the disinfectant to penetrate the piercing.
5. Rinse with water and air dry thoroughly. Do not dry with a towel, which may get entangled and pull on the jewelry and may also carry bacteria.
So the best way to have a beautiful body accessory is to be educated about the procedure, knowing what you want, taking care to get it done by qualified professionals, using proper medical grade jewelry and not neglecting any problems that may arise.
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