Piercings have been going around for centuries and further on. It is possible to get them on almost every body part. From your ears to your feet, it is possible. There are different types of piercings you can get it, for example a helix piercing or a belly piercing.
Not only are piercings popular in modern times but they have been in different cultures. In various cultures (Native American cultures) piercings have been used to show visions and in different rites. Often they are used in tribes as a sign for different characteristics like prosperity. Lip and tongue piercings have been more common in African cultures.
What is a piercing exactly?
A question you might want to ask yourself is: what is a piercing exactly? A piercing is some form of body modification. A sterile needle has to be used to puncture the part in which you want the piercing jewel to be inserted. You have different types of piercings:
Ear piercings
An ear piercing can be punctured through the cartilage or the earlobe. Some examples of cartilage piercings are a tragus piercing, helix piercing or even a daith piercing has been pierced through the cartilage. A cartilage is the harder part of the ear which is still quite flexible.
Oral piercing
An oral piercing includes the mouth area. There is a possibility to get a piercing in your tongue or on your lips. Tongue piercings are one of the more dangerous types of piercings. There are muscles in your tongue that might be damaged after getting a snake piercing. The only safe tongue piercing is the one in which it has been pierced right in the middle, between the two muscles. Lip piercings on the other hand are more safe and visible than tongue piercings. µ
Other facial piercings
A nose piercing has been mentioned in various cultures. It has become more known in modern culture but has also been associated with rebellious activities as a teenager. It is often a piercing that is known to be “unprofessional” compared to an ear piercing, which can be seen as more casual and easily hidden.
Other than a nose piercing, there is also an eyebrow piercing which has the same prejudices as a nose piercing, it can be seen as even more rebellious since it is always visible, even when wearing a mouth mask.
Body piercing
Under body piercings we can understand that there are many possibilities on various body parts. A belly piercing is one of those. There is also a dermal piercing.
A dermal piercing can be placed almost everywhere. From your neck to the upper part of your foot. It is different than the conventional piercing. When placing a dermal piercing, piercer often need to slide in the base that will remain in the skin. Ever wondered how to get a permanent necklace jewel on your chest? Well, a dermal piercing can be an option for that.
How to take care of a piercing?
Aftercare is very important if you want to prevent any irritation, infections or rejection. For example, when using alcohol to clean up your piercing, your body will possibly reject the freshly pierced piercing as it sees it as a foreign substance touching the piercing wound. This is why we recommend using a sterile saline solution to clean your piercing daily.
Other than that, it is recommended to avoid any pressure on the piercing by sleeping on the other side. Pressure might cause the piercing to either grow crooked or get irritated faster. Salt water in general will help the piercing during the healing process. Be sure not to touch your piercing with unwashed hands. Touching your piercing in general during the healing process will introduce more bacteria, which might cause an unexpected infection. An infection is not a pretty feeling you can have.
Not only do these physical actions have an impact on the healing process, but also your mental state. The more stressed you are, the slower the piercing will heal. The human body works in mysterious ways but it does have a plausible reason.
Important to know
Before getting a piercing, choosing a licensed piercer studio is very important. The environment and way they set the piercing should be done in a sterile, safe way. If the piercer does not give you the tips and advice you need, if they do not use sterile packed needles and gloves, it is a big red flag. Be sure to inform yourself enough based on reviews and observational skills. It is better to be safe than sorry!