ody piercing is, like tattooing, a popular form of body modification among college students. Students may pierce their noses, ears, nipples, navels, lips, and genitals. These piercings are safe when done by knowledgeable, trained piercers using sterile equipment and well cared for by you, following the aftercare instructions your piercer will give you.
Do's
- Ask friends and acquaintances for piercer recommendations
- Check out a piercing studio before committing to getting pierced or spending money
- Ask to see their autoclave
- Meet a piercer and make sure you feel safe with them
- Ask for written aftercare guidelines
- Purchase aftercare products (saline solution, anti-microbial soap, etc.) in advance
Don'ts
- Get a piercing while drunk or high
- Touch your piercing with unwashed hands
- Get a piercing with a piercing gun
- Ignore the aftercare guidelines
- Change the jewelry before the date established by the aftercare guidelines
Risks
Because piercing equipment pierces the skin and comes into contact with blood, unsafe or nonsterile piercing equipment can spread HIV and/or Hepatitis C, both of which are lifelong, chronic illnesses.
