Piercing FAQ
AN INTRODUCTION TO SAFE BODY PIERCING
From Body Art Catalog
When considering any type of piercing you must be convinced that
you really want it (or them) and you must be prepared to be
patient during the healing time and look after the new piercings
by keeping them clean and not misusing them in any way. In the
case of nipple piercings, even the slight pressure of articles
worn in an inside jacket pocket can cause irritation to delay the
healing on the side where the pocket is. A navel piercing can be
delayed in its healing if waistbands or belts are irritating it;
even spending long periods sitting bent over will make the
healing time longer.
So, any piercing anywhere will heal better and quicker if it is
treated with care and consideration. A piercing is a small open
wound and as such it is subject to infection while it is healing.
Your piercer should give you information on the care of your new
piercings, but certain general rules apply:
Before touching your new piercings, always wash your hands
thoroughly. Don't fiddle with your new piercings unnecessarily,
it will only slow down the healing process. ln the early stages,
when a certain amount of liquid is seeping from the wound and
forming a scab-like crust, be careful not to accidentally push
any of that crust into the piercing as it can scratch and damage
the new skin which is forming. The crust should be removed once
or twice a day, either by soaking in the bath or shower (a small
amount of antiseptic in the bath will do no harm) or by
dissolving it away using a solution made up of one measure of '20
volume' hydrogen peroxide (available from any chemist or pharmacy
and one measure of sterile water. Apply this solution very gently
using a cotton bud. As only a very small amount is used, either
mix a teaspoonful at a time or keep a larger amount sealed in a
plastic container. This hydrogen peroxide solution should only be
used for a week or two at the most, as overuse can damage the new
skin as it is forming. A more gentle form of treatment, which
many people find just as effective, is to bathe the piercings in
a very dilute salt solution, using approximately one teaspoon of
salt to a litre of distilled or boiled water. The selection of a
piercer to do the piercings you want can be a problem: Obviously
you want a person who you can entrust with your body and who is
patient, sympathetic and observes strict cleanliness. 'Word of
mouth' is probably the most common way of finding a good piercer,
but just one successful piercing experienced by the individual
making that recommendation may have been a lucky fluke. Contact
with one of the piercing clubs will help to put you in touch with
a reliable piercer but you should still check that person s
expertise for yourself by asking the questions listed here.
Correct answers will not guarantee a successful piercing, but
they should help in your assessment of a potential piercer.
Q) Are you registered with the Local Health Authority?
A) Yes.
[SM. Not likely in North America]
Q) What form of sterilization do you use?
A) An autoclave.
It is important to sterilize all instruments and jewelry which
might have been in contact with blood or other body fluids.
'Sterilizing' liquids, for example those used to clean babies'
bottles, cannot kill organisms such as those causing hepatitis or
AlDS but heat can. This is why dentists, beauty therapists,
chiropodists and tattoo artists, for example, use autoclaves to
sterilize all their instruments.
[SM. Many piercers use a pressure cooker instead of an
(expensive) autoclave. If you don't like this ask him/her to use
a new (sterile) needle.]
Q) What kind of piercing instrument do you use?
A) For most piercings, a special hollow piercing needle of the
same gauge as the jewelry being installed is the only suitable
instrument. Disposable ear piercing guns are very good for ear
lobes and some people's nostrils, but they are completely un-
suitable for most other piercings. This is because they install a
very fine, short sleeper with a butterfly clip to hold it in
place. There are stories of nipples being pierced successfully
with these guns, but in most cases the sleeper is too tight and
therefore starts to work its way out by cutting through the flesh
like a cheese wire. This can result in a nipple being almost cut
in two by the action of the sleeper being pushed towards the
surface, just as the body rejects a splinter or other foreign
body.
[SM. The only other place one might use a gun is the tragus. The
really bad thing about guns is that they pierce with a stud.
Studs are very bad when it comes to healing a new piercing.
*Always* use a ring with a new piercing].
Q) What form of anaesthetic do you use?
A) Some people feel that an anaesthetic is unnecessary and
interferes with the experience of being pierced. Others find it
impossible to con-template a piercing without the assurance that
it will be painless. Injectable anesthetics ensure that the area
to be pierced will be completely numb, but it can seem absurd to
use a needle to inject an anaesthetic to prevent you feeling the
needle doing the piercing. In addition, in Britain at least
injectable anesthetics can only be applied by qualified medical
practitioners.
Analgesic liquids, sprays or ointments are normally used to
anaesthetize mucus membrane areas, such as the inside of the
mouth, inside of the nose, penis, clitoris, clitoris hood and
inner labia. These are very safe and effective but can take a
long time to take effect as they are absorbed through the skin.
On other areas the most commonly used anaesthetic is ethyl
chloride spray, which freezes the tissue, but great care must be
taken as too much can cause frostbite. It is therefore very
important that only skilled operators should use ethyl chloride.
The main advantages of anesthetics are that pain is minimized,
the piercee is less nervous and he or she is therefore less prone
to flinching while the piercing is in progress. Nevertheless, the
administration of and recovery from all types of anaesthetic is
uncomfortable. This should be borne in mind when contemplating
any piercing. [SM. A bit of ice is sometimes a safe and easy way
to reduce the pain of a piercing] Basically, there is no
completely painless method of piercing but different people
interpret pain in different ways, and just because one person
says that their piercing hurt dreadfully it does not necessarily
mean that you will find it very painful at all. If you decide
that you do not want the piercing after it has been done, the
ring or barbell can quite easily be removed. It will heal up
remark- ably quickly and usually any small mark or scar will very
soon disappear completely.
If, however, a piercing is actually rejected by your body - in
other words the piercing moves towards the surface of the skin as
it heals (and this can happen with some people and some
piercings) - then you will be left with a scar, which will become
less noticeable as time passes. If rejection seems to be
happening, discuss it with your piercer as he or she will want to
know and will probably be able to suggest ways of improving the
situation. Often a change of jewelry will put things right, but
sometimes the only course of action is to remove the jewelry as
soon as possible and allow the piercing to heal over. If a person
who has had a piercing reject decides to try again and have the
same piercing re-done, the second time it may well behave
perfectly unless, of course there was some fault in the original
piercing technique, placement or jewelry which is repeated when
the piercing is tried once more.
People are different and their bodies behave differently. Some
people have no trouble at all, no matter how many piercings they
end up with, while others find that their piercings take a very
long time to heal. If you do find that you are having problems
with a piercing and it seems to have an infection or won't heal
up, you should re-contact your piercer and explain your problem.
If the piercer cannot deal with it, then it is always wise to
consult a doctor. Piercings which have been kept clean very
rarely become infected, but it can happen, particularly if you
are run down or ill (for example with influenza) but a short
course of suitable antibiotics can generally clear up any
infection within a few days. If you are unwilling to ask your
usual doctor, then your piercer might be able to put you in touch
with a sympathetic doctor. In cases of infection, simply removing
the jewelry may cause more problems than it solves because the
external part will heal over very quickly, thus cutting off the
outlet for any matter that may have formed inside. The jewelry
itself, providing that it has been sterilized (if previously used
and thoroughly cleaned, is very rarely the source of an
infection.
Some people, however, are allergic to the metals used in 9 carat
gold jewelry (pure gold is too soft to hold its shape properly
and even 18 carat gold cannot hold a fine screw thread properly).
Most people have no problems with the high-quality gold used in
body jewelry, even in new piercings, but surgical quality
stainless steel is particularly inert and is the safest possible
option for a new piercing.
In general, sleepers, ball closure rings and barbells are the
most suitable pieces of jewelry for new piercings. The great
advantage of ball closure rings over other types of rings is that
it is difficult for them to come open by accident. It is almost
impossible to open ball closure rings of 2.5mm gauge or thicker
without a pair of circlip pliers: This makes them particularly
suitable for genital piercings. Barbells are in general very
secure, but care must be taken when tightening the balls: Do this
with dry, un-greasy fingers - a ball which has not been securely
fastened can easily come loose and drop off.
It is unwise to change the jewelry before the piercing is fully
healed. Until a piercing is well established, changing jewelry
should be done with care so that the newly healed piercing will
not be damaged. The gentlest way of doing this is to push out the
old piece of jewelry with the new jewelry, keeping them in
contact all the time to prevent the piercing closing up. If this
follow through' method cannot be used and a somewhat blunt ended
barbell is to be inserted, then a tapered rod with an indentation
in the blunt end into which the barbell can be located will make
the insertion much easier. In addition, lubrication using a
mildly antiseptic ointment such as Savlon will help the jewelry
to slide into place easily.
Some piercings behave better when newly done by using a thinner
gauge than would be used for other piercings, but you must take
your piercer's advice on this matter. Remember that, once healed,
a piercing can always be gently enlarged to take whatever gauge
jewelry the wearer wants.
Enlargement to a thicker gauge can be done using tapered rings or
by coating sleepers or other jewelry with increasingly thick
coats of clear nail varnish. Two similar sets of jewelry are
necessary for this method: The set of jewelry not being worn is
painted with one even coat of nail varnish and allowed to dry for
at least 12 hours. The coated jewelry then replaces the jewelry
being worn and the pieces which have been removed are then
painted with 2 coats of nail varnish and allowed to dry for at
least 24 hours. Using this method, and replacing the jewelry no
more than once or twice a week, a piercing can be very slowly
enlarged. As the coats of nail varnish get thicker, the drying
time must be lengthened accordingly so that all the solvents in
the varnish can evaporate before it is introduced into the
piercing.
[SM. The use of teflon tape is also very good for this purpose as
teflon is completely inert and the tape has no hard edges. Using
the tape allows the same piece of jewelry to be used to engage
the piercing]
Body jewelry does not need to be removed for sex - quite the
reverse. If left in place it greatly enhances sexual activity
and, if the correct jewelry is worn, will not be in any way
harmful to either partner. However, common sense must always be
exercised and body jewelry and Publications Limited cannot take
responsibility for any accident, injury, illness or inconvenience
resulting from any use of body jewelry.
FEMALE GENITAL PIERCINGS
INNER LABIA
Healing time 1-2 weeks.
Probably the most popular of all female genital piercings . Rings
pierced through the inner labia heal very quickly and after a
com-paratively short time the jewelry can be removed for long
periods without causing the piercings to heal over. Labia
piercings should not be made too close to the outer edge of the
labia, otherwise the thin web of flesh may be too weak. Usually,
for comfort and hy-giene, these piercings are done through the
upper (front) part of the labia. They can, of course, be done all
the way down but the lower ones can be uncomfortable while
walking, particularly while healing. Rings are best in a new
piercing but barbells can be worn in healed labia piercings.
However, care should be taken to ensure that the barbell balls
are fully tightened so that they cannot be loosened by the action
of walking.
OUTER LABIA
Healing time 4-6 weeks.
Again, outer labia piercings are best done in the top (front)
half of the labia, though it is possible to pierce all the way
down their length. Healing time is longer than for the inner
labia because of the greater thickness of the tissue. Barbells
are the most suitable jewelry, particularly during healing, as
they tend to move around less than rings while walking, etc. As
with inner labia, jewelry can be removed if required and the
piercing itself is not really obvious unless it is actually being
looked for.
(ARD: The amount of inner or outer labia present varies greatly
with the individual. The inner labia is of more tender skin,
usually connected to the prepuce, or clitoral hood, in a "V"
formation. The outer labia is the flaps covering the entire
genital region. It looks and feels like the rest of the body's
skin, with pubic hair growth. Usually, one or the other is
pierced.)
CLITORIS HOOD or PREPUCE
Healing time 1-6 weeks.
Providing that the hood of the clitoris is reasonably well
developed it can be pierced horizontally or vertically, either
with a barbell or a ring. Women with particularly plump upper
thighs can find the vertical piercing much more comfortable than
the horizontal, which may have a tendency to twist. This piercing
tends to be sexually stimulating and causes little inconvenience
while healing. However, the presence of jewelry in both a
clitoris piercing (see below) and a clitoris hood piercing may
cause discomfort by nipping the flesh in between the two pieces
of jewelry.
(ARD: A vertical hood piercing is best done with a needle
acceptor tube inserted between the hood and the clitoris. The
vertical piercing stimulates the clitoris directly - the jewelry
is in constant contact with the clitoris. The horizontal piercing
stimulates the clitoris more indirectly - the jewelry rests on
top of the hood; with a bead ring, the bead is usually placed to
rest on the tip of the clitoris hood.)
CLITORIS
Healing time 2-8 weeks.
This is a particularly erotically stimulating piercing which
heals fairly quickly. Some women have reported that they were
unable to orgasm during intercourse until they wore a clitoris
ring. However, due to variations in anatomy, clitoris piercing is
not suitable for every woman. Some clitorises, even when not
erect, are hidden under the clitoris hood and jewelry through a
clitoris piercing can be placed under permanent tension by
pressure from the clitoris hood. In addition to being extremely
painful, this pressure will usually cause the piercing to move
towards the surface and eventually be rejected. Some professional
piercers will not perform clitoris piercings because of these
possible complications. The most suit-able jewelry for a
horizontal clitoris piercing is usually a small ball closure ring
of around 9mm internal diameter. A small barbell can also be worn
although this is more common in vertical piercing.
MALE GENITAL PIERCINGS
PRINCE ALBERT
Healing time 2-3 weeks.
Probably the most popular of all the male genital piercings. Said
to have originated during the 19th century as a means of securing
the penis to the leg, thus avoiding too visible a bulge when
wearing tight trousers. Success rate of this piercing is
virtually 100%. Once healed, after a period of about six months
the ring can be removed for several days without the piercing
contracting too much for re-inserting the ring. This is a very
pleasurable piercing for both partners. Perhaps the only
disadvantage is that one's 'aim' while urinating tends to be a
bit off course due to the presence of the ring in the urethra.
[SM One has to learn to sit down all the time, a certain amount
of 'urinal' justice for women] A ring, or a version of a ring is
the only practical jewelry for this piercing. A barbell is
impractical because both ends cannot be held to tighten up the
ball ends of the barbell unless it is long enough to have both
balls outside the glans, but this can be uncomfortable due to the
rod passing through the piercing diagonally. I have never heard
of any cases of a Prince Albert ring - provided that it is a
strong ball closure ring- causing any problems with either
condoms or caps.
FRENUM
Healing time 3-5 weeks.
Probably European in origin. This is a simple but effective
piercing of the loose piece of flesh beneath the penis head. A
small ring, or barbell can be worn, or a larger ring which goes
through the piercing and encircles the glans fitting snugly in
the groove behind the glans when the penis is flaccid.
AMPALLANG
Healing time 8-10 weeks
Again, a pleasurable piercing for both partners. Said to have
originated in Borneo. This horizontal piercing through the glans
of the penis behaves better, heals faster and is stronger if the
barbell passes through the urethra. The urine of the wearer (so
long as he is healthy) is sterile to him and thus is regularly
cleansing the piercing. If the piercing passes through the
urethra, it is in fact two piercings but done as one, thus the
healing is faster. A very enjoyable piercing for both partners.
Provided the removable ball-end of the barbell is well tightened,
no damage should be caused to either condoms or caps. If the
wearer of an ampallang has a foreskin it should be worn retracted
during the healing period. If the foreskin is worn down over the
ampallang a) air cannot get to the piercing and b) the pressure
of the foreskin often pushes the bar at an angle and can cause
discomfort and can also cause the piercing to heal at an angle.
It is not advisable to remove the barbell before at least a year,
and then not for long. The piercing will contract very quickly
making the replacement of the barbell very difficult, if not
impossible. A slim, gently tapered insertion rod as a lead-in to
the barbell can be very useful to those who may need to remove
and reinsert the ampallang barbell from time to time. If the
jewelry, is removed before healing is complete. the piercing will
begin to heal almost immediately leaving, when healed, only a
very small and almost invisible indentation in the surface of the
glans.
APADRAVYA
Healing time 8-10 weeks.
This piercing is mentioned in the Kama Sutra and is vertical
through the glans. As the barbell passes through the urethra, it
is difficult to carry out this piercing accurately unless the
entry point is made through an existing Prince Albert piercing. A
barbell is most usually worn through this piercing: A ring would
need to be of very large diameter. This piercing behaves very
much like the ampallang and the advice about the ampallang
concerning the fore-skin applies in this case as well, as does
the advice about the removal of the jewelry.
(ARD: The placing of both the Ampallang and the Apadravya is ex-
tremely important. The piercer must be sure to avoid piercing the
cavernosum, the tissue surrounding the urethra which expands with
blood flow to create an erection.)
DYDOE
Healing time 5-7 weeks.
Dydoe piercings are usually done as a pair - one on either side
of the glans, through the edge of the glans. These are primarily
for circumcised men and are said to return sensations which may
be lost with the foreskin. Unless the ridge of the glans is well
developed, these piercings tend to be a bit weak where they
emerge at their higher point. On an uncircumcised penis these
piercings can migrate during healing due to pressure from the
foreskin. Barbells with small balls seem best for these
piercings, certainly while healing, but some men prefer small
rings through their dydoes.
REVERSE PRINCE ALBERT
Healing time 6-8 weeks.
This piercing is in fact a 'half' apadravya and has the advantage
of being less 'rigid' than the apadravya as a ring is used
instead of a barbell. This piercing combines well with a Prince
Albert, the two rings overlapping in the urethra without
discomfort. As with all these genital piercings, if proper
jewelry is worn, there should be no damage to either condoms or
caps.
(ARD: This piercing enters the urethra and exits through the top
of the glans.)
FORESKIN
Healing time 5-6 weeks.
Used in ancient Rome on male slaves to enforce chastity. The
foreskin is usually pierced on each side. While healing, one ring
is worn in each piercing. Once healed, a single ring or barbell
can pass through both piercings. Depending on the preferences of
the wearer, several piercings can be made through the foreskin
al-though, because swelling can result for a few days after
piercing, it is not really advisable to have more than two done
at a time. A ring or a short barbell worn through each piercing
in no way hinders the retraction of the foreskin. Foreskin
piercings can be enlarged fairly easily if done gradually and
with patience.
HAFADA
Healing time 6-10 weeks.
This scrotal sac piercing is said to have originated in Arabia,
where a ring is inserted through the left side of the scrotum
when a youth achieves manhood. A ring is more practical than a
barbell during healing, but once healed either ring or barbell is
equally effective. The piercing is most successful when done
through a forward fold of skin as there is less chance of it
being rejected. These days it is usual to have a piercing on each
side of the scrotum rather than just one. Several hafadas can be
worn, inclu-ding piercings done through the central 'seam' of the
scrotum but it is not advisable to have too many of these
piercings done at the same time because this tends to delay
healing. Some piercers prefer not to perform scrotal piercings on
the grounds that puncturing the scrotum can create a passage for
air or water, which might carry bacteria, to enter the abdominal
cavity, although we have not heard of any case of a person having
problems of this nature.
[SM It really is not a good idea to pierce right through the sac;
to be safe, Hafada piercings should only be through the skin]
PUBIC
Healing time 6-8 weeks.
Visually a pleasing piercing but can be slow to heal and can also
be rejected during healing, particularly if the pubic area tends
to be a little fatty. A ring is best in this piercing but, once
healed, a barbell can be worn if preferred. A pubic piercing
stands more chance of success if placed very slightly above the
base of the penis where it joins the body.
GUICHE
Healing time 6-8 weeks
Said to be a fairly common piercing for the male natives of the
South Pacific. The positioning of this piercing, through the
ridge of skin between the anus and the back of the scrotum, makes
it inappropriate for men with certain jobs or hobbies, such as
cycling, horse riding, motor-cycling, etc. Usually a ring is worn
through a guiche piercing which can be very arousing if gently
tugged or stroked. A little 'nagging' may be experienced during
healing, but any discomfort can be minimized by wearing a pad of
tissue over it. Once healed, this piercing does not cause any
discomfort - quite the opposite in fact.
OTHER PIERCINGS
NAVEL
Healing time 8-10 weeks.
Usually the ridge of skin directly above the navel is pierced,
although this depends upon the construction of the individual's
navel. A ring, or even better a curved barbell, is preferable to
a straight barbell, especially during healing but many people
have no problems wearing a straight barbell once healing is
completed. This can be a particularly difficult piercing to heal
as it can easily get irritated by belts and waist bands or even
by sitting or bending. Anyone unwilling to stop wearing tightly
waisted clothing during the healing period should probably not
consider trying this piercing as pressure from clothing can cause
it to move, be rejected or migrate towards the surface of the
skin. Once healed, it is no trouble and can be very decorative.
NIPPLES
Healing time rather variable, usually about 8 weeks but can be
much longer.
Nipples are usually pierced horizontally, but they
can also be pierced vertically or even diagonally. Vertical
piercings sometimes tend to 'walk' a little while healing and can
end up being slightly diagonal. Care in the placement of nipple
piercings is very important, particularly when both are being
pierced. Some nipples have a tendency to twist as they become
erect, so before a piercing is made it is worth checking the
positioning both when the nipples are cold/erect and when they
are warm/relaxed. It is important that the piercing is made
through the center of the nipple. A horizontal piercing made
above the center of the nipple will cause the nipple to droop
under the weight of the jewelry, while a piercing made below the
center of the nipple will cause the nip-ple to point upwards.
Normally the piercing is made at the base of the nipple where it
joins the areola. Sometimes male nipples, if very small, are
pierced slightly below (behind) the actual nipple if it is felt
that otherwise the piercing may be too close to the surface of
the skin and could therefore reject, but this is mainly an
aesthetic decision. The build up of new tissue around the
piercing usually causes the nipple to increase in size and
further piercings can then be made behind the original one if
desired. Female nipples can (but do not always) take longer to
heal than male nipples, probably because of hormone induced
changes which are part of the menstrual cycle. (ARD: It has been
suggested that women have their nipples pierced just before the
onset of menstruation.) There should be no problems with breast
feeding following nipple piercings: Some women keep jewelry in
their nipple piercings throughout breast feeding, others remove
their jewelry and, al-though some find that their well
established nipple piercings accept jewelry easily after a period
of breast feeding, others find that their piercings have healed
up completely after only a few weeks of breast feeding. It is not
advisable to have nipple piercings immediately before or during
pregnancy, or while lactating. For both men and women, nipple
piercings improve erotic sensitivity and the newly pierced nipple
should be no more than a little tender for the first few days
after piercing. Nipples tend to behave better and heal a little
quicker if a straight sleeper bar is used while healing takes
place. Sometimes a ring can be painful and/or cause the piercing
to descend a little or become distorted because of the movement
and curve of the ring while healing takes place . When selecting
rings to be worn in healed nipple piercings, choose those with an
internal diameter approximately equal to (or greater than) twice
the length of the piercings. Problems could be caused by wearing,
for example, rings of less than 19mm internal diameter in a
piercing 12mm long. There are some people, both male and female,
who have trouble with the healing of their nipple piercings and
find that the piercings continue weeping for a long time: Very
often a change of treatment to look after them will bring about
their healing. Those individuals who have particular problems
with the healing of their nipple piercings should probably avoid
rings completely and stick to straight barbells, with or without
U-shaped stirrups.
NOSTRIL
Healing time 6-8 weeks.
A stud or short barbell is usually worn in this piercing, but a
ring can also be used. Healing is improved if the piercing is
made slightly larger than gauge of the jewelry to be fitted. It
is un-wise to remove the jewelry too soon as the piercing tends
to 'shrink' very quickly, thus making it difficult to re-insert
jewelry without discomfort. Special Indian nostril studs (which
have a spiral shaft instead of a back to hold them in place) can
be used but they can be difficult to put on and remove.
[SM Not after a bit of practice]
EAR
Healing time for the lobe, 4-6 weeks. Other parts of the ear
usually take longer to heal.
The ear lobe, the most usual part of the ear to be pierced,
generally behaves well and heals quickly with either a ring or a
bar-bell. Other parts of the ear which have cartilage between the
two layers of skin, including the ear rim and tragus (the lump in
the middle of the front part of the ear), behave much better
during healing if the piercing is made of a slightly larger gauge
than the jewelry. The skin each side of the cartilage shrinks to
fit the jewelry while the piercing through the cartilage remains
as it was when first pierced. Some piercers prefer to use a
dermal punch which removes a small core of cartilage from the
piercing so that the skin can form a tube of scar and tissue
around the jewelry more easily. Too many piercings done at the
same time are not advisable; this tends to be uncomfortable and
the healing generally takes considerably longer.
SEPTUM
Healing time 4-5 weeks.
This piercing in the central part of the nose is done through the
thin web of skin beneath the central nasal cartilage. Either a
'U' shaped sleeper (worn with the 'U' shape upwards) or a very
short plastic stud is worn during the healing period. The new
piercing in the septum is not visible . Once the piercing is
healed either a ring or a tusk shaped barbell, which are in no
way uncomfortable, can be worn.
LABRET
Healing time 5-6 weeks.
This piercing, through the middle of the lower lip (usually about
1 3mm/ 1/" beneath the red part of the lip) occurs frequently
among the people of certain South American tribes, in Kenya,
Zambezi and Northern Cameroon and can have a symbolic meaning.
The ornamentation of the mouth may stress the importance of
'speaking' in one society rather than 'hearing'. Some tribes
enlarge the labret so that a huge plug or disk can be worn. When
first pierced, a plastic stud with a disc on the inside and a
very small plastic bead on the outside is probably the most
suitable sleeper to use. The lip may swell slightly for a day or
two and the tiny bead can be moved outward to accommodate any
swelling. This is not an 'uncomfortable' piercing while healing
but it is difficult to get used to: There is a tendency to fiddle
with the inside back of the sleeper with the tongue. Once healed,
a stud with a flat disk back and a screw-on front is worn. It is
important that the stud is exactly the right length . Too short
and the back tends to sink into the soft flesh inside the lip;
too long and it can catch on the teeth. This piercing, if no
jewelry is worn, does leave a visible mark just as an ear lobe
piercing does: This should be considered, particularly by women.
In men with beards there is no problem: The piercing is invisible
if no jewelry is worn. For men who shave it is advisable to shave
as close to the stud as possible during healing. Once healed, the
stud can be removed for shaving.
OTHER PIERCINGS
People have at various times tried a number of other piercings -
including eyebrows, tongues, lips, ankles, between fingers, etc.-
but these are relatively untried and should be treated with great
caution. Many people are happy to experiment with piercings which
they do no intend or expect to be permanent. Some people have ex-
perimented with surface skin piercings, for example on the neck
or upper arms: These piercings can be moderately successful on
the older person whose skin has become slack and lost its
elasticity, but they will migrate towards the surface and soon be
rejected by a younger body with more elastic skin. Just because
you have read about a piercing does not mean that it is
desirable: It may just be someone's fantasy. Even if you have
been able to discuss an un-usual piercing with someone who has
it, and they have experienced no problems, you cannot be sure
that they are not either more willing to bear discomfort than you
might be or that they will not experience problems in the future.
In general, common sense and the recommendations of your piercer
should be given greatest weight when you are considering any body
piercing.
We would like to thank Mr. Sebastian for his help in the prepara-
tion of the information above. Every care has been taken to
ensure that this information is as comprehensive and accurate as
possible. However, it has been compiled from the experiences of
individuals, and no two people react in the same way. It is vital
that anyone contemplating being pierced should take the advice of
their professional piercer and/or doctor.
SUGGESTED JEWELRY FOR BODY PIERCINGS
EAR
Lobe : Initial jewelry - studs or sleepers installed with
piercing gun; captive bead rings, seamless rings, bead rings,
circular barbells (gauge of jewelry depends on gauge of piercing
needle used). Usually, the ear lobe is the least sensitive
piercing, in terms of metals which can be worn after healing.
Lobe piercings can be stretched quite easily. The stretching
process should, however, be a gradual one. Eyelets can be worn to
maintain a stretched piercing.
Cartilage : Should be pierced using a needle a gauge larger than
the jewelry to be worn (eg. 20 gauge bead ring, 19 gauge needle)
to allow for new tissue to form around the inside of the pierce
and for easier cleaning.
This piercing can be done with a gun - however, the stud
installed can be too short for the piercing, and both sides of
the stud are collection sites for bacteria. An ear cartilage
piercing should be treated as a body piercing - the only suitable
metals being gold, surgical steel, and niobium. Some people may
encounter no irritation from sterling and other metals, if worn
for a short period of time. Cartilage piercings should not be
stretched more than a gauge larger.
Tragus : The prominence of cartilage in front of the opening of
the ear canal. Ear cartilage suggestions follow here.
NOSE
Nostril : Initial jewelry - captive bead rings, bead rings in
gold, surgical steel or niobium; 20 to 18 gauge, 5/16" to 1/2"
inside diameter.
As with ear cartilage piercings, nostril piercings should be done
with a piercing needle a gauge larger than that of the jewelry to
be worn. After the piercing has healed, nostril screws and
nostril nails can be worn.
Septum: Initial jewelry - captive bead rings, bead rings,
circular barbells; 20 to 10 gauge, 3/8" to 1/2" inside diameter.
The piercing should pass through the thin layer of tissue between
the septum cartilage and the flesh. This piercing can be
stretched after healing to accommodate eyelets.
EYEBROW
Bead rings, seamless rings, miniature barbell studs; gold,
surgical steel, niobium; 20 to 16 gauge, 3/8" to 7/16" inside
diameter, 7/16" post length (barbells).
BETWEEN THE EYES (NIEBUHR)
Barbell studs or L-Bars; 14 - 12 gauge; 3/8" to 1/2", depending
on the length of the piercing.
LIP
Bead rings, seamless rings, barbell studs, labret studs; gold and
surgical steel; 20 to 14 gauge, 3/8" to 1/2" inside diameter and
post length.
The Labret piercing is usually made about 1/2" below the middle
of the lower lip. A labret stud should be used to heal the
piercing, and a ring can be worn after healing. A thinner gauge
may have a tendency to tear the inside of the lip, especially on
new piercings.
CHEEK
Labret studs; gold and surgical steel; 14 gauge. Labret studs are
barbells with a flat backing disc instead of a fixed ball.
TONGUE
Barbell studs; gold and surgical steel; 14 to 10 gauge. The
initial stud should be 1/4" to 5/16" longer than the tongue at
its thickest.
NAVEL
Captive bead rings, bead rings, seamless rings, circular
barbells, "L" bars; gold, surgical steel, niobium; 14 to 12
gauge; 1/2" to 5/8" inside diameter; 3/8" to 1/2" for "L" bars.
The upper rim of the navel is usually pierced, unless the lower
is more prominent.
NIPPLES
Initial jewelry - Captive bead rings, bead rings, seamless rings,
circular barbells; gold, surgical steel, niobium; 14 to 12 gauge;
men - 1/2" inside diameter or larger, women - 5/8" inside
diameter or larger.
The inside diameter of the ring should be at least 1/8" wider
than the length of the piercing, especially in initial jewelry.
Barbells can be worn after the piercing is healed.
For heavy play (chains, pendants, weights, etc.) captive bead
rings smaller than 14 gauge should not be worn, as the bead may
pop off. Also, the larger the gauge, the less likely the jewelry
is to tear the piercing.
FEMALE GENITAL PIERCINGS
Outer Labia, or Labia Majora
Captive bead rings, bead rings, seamless rings, circular
barbells; gold, surgical steel, niobium; 14 to 12 gauge for
initial jewelry; 1/2" inside diameter or larger. The inside
diameter of the ring should be at least 1/4" wider than the
length of the piercing.
Labia piercings can be stretched considerably after healing. For
infibulation or heavy play (ie. chains, pendants, weights),
captive bead rings smaller than 14 gauge should not be worn, as
the bead may pop off. Also, the larger the gauge, the less likely
the jewel-ry is to tear the piercing.
Inner Labia, or Labia Minora
Captive bead rings, bead rings, seamless rings, circular
barbells; gold, surgical steel, niobium; 14 to 12 gauge for
initial jewelry; 1/2" inside diameter or larger.
The amount of inner labia present varies with the individual -
some women may have flaps of tissue an inch or so wide, while
others may have the barest, thinnest inner labia, too thin to
hold jewelry.
Prepuce, or Clitoral Hood
Horizontal Piercing - Captive bead rings or bead rings; gold,
surgical steel, niobium; 16 to 14 gauge; 3/8" to 5/8" inside
diameter, depending on the depth of the piercing. The inside
diameter should be at least 1/16" larger than the length of the
piercing.
If a circular barbell is chosen, the piercing should be placed so
that the clitoris is not pinched between the balls.
Vertical Piercing - same as above; pinching of the clitoris is
not a consideration when choosing a circular barbell.
Vertical piercings are best done using an insertion tube,
inserted between the hood and the clitoris.
The vertical hood piercing stimulates the clitoris directly - the
jewelry is in constant contact with the clitoris.
The horizontal piercing stimulates the clitoris more indirectly -
the bead is placed to rest on the tip of the hood.
Some women have reported undue irritation and apparent desensiti-
zation of the clitoris from the vertical piercing, if the hood is
too tight around the ring and the clitoris.
Clitoral Triangle Piercing
This piercing is made through the tissue beneath the shaft of the
clitoris. The area to be pierced can be felt as a triangular
shape beneath the shaft when the area is pinched with the
fingers. Once again, not every woman suited for this piercing.
Bead rings or captive bead rings; 14 to 12 gauge; 1/2" to 5/8"
inside diameter.
Clitoris
Bead rings, mini- or dydoe barbells, barbell studs; 18 to 14
gauge; gold or surgical steel; bead rings 3/8" to 1/2" inside
diameter; barbell studs 3/8" to 1/2" post length.
To be successfully pierced, the clitoris should be at least 1/4"
wide and loosely hooded. If the hood is too tight, the piercing
will most likely migrate out or be continuously irritated by the
pressure of the hood. The bead ring works best in a clitoris that
is exposed.
MALE GENITAL PIERCINGS
Prince Albert and Reverse Prince Albert
Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular barbells, seamless
rings; gold, surgical steel, niobium; 14 gauge or larger; 5/8"
inside diameter or larger, depending on the depth of the
piercing.
This piercing is performed with the aid of a needle-receptor tube
or a cotton-swab inserted into the urethra to "receive" the
needle tip.
Ampallang and Apadravya
Barbells; gold or surgical steel; 14 to 10 gauge; The length of
the barbell must be determined by measuring the penis while it is
erect, using calipers.
Dydoe
Mini- or dydoe barbell studs; gold or surgical steel; 16 or 14
gauge; at least 3/8" post length.
Foreskin
Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular barbells, seamless
rings; gold, surgical steel, or niobium; 14 to 12 gauge during
healing -the larger the gauge, the less likely the jewelry will
tear the piercing, especially with heavy play and infibulation.
1/2" inside diameter or larger.
Hafada or Scrotal
Captive bead rings, bead rings, seamless rings, circular
barbells; gold, surgical steel, or niobium; 14 to 12 gauge during
healing; 1/2" diameter or larger;
Of the male genital piercings, this piercing is probably one of
the most difficult to heal.
Guiche
Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular barbells; gold, surgical
steel, or niobium; 12 gauge; 5/8" inside diameter - the inside
diameter of the ring should be at least 1/8" larger than the
length of the piercing. Attaching weights to this piercing is
said to be
extremely stimulating.
Pubic
Captive bead rings, bead rings, seamless rings, circular
barbells; gold, surgical steel, or niobium; 14 to 10 gauge; 5/8"
diameter or larger - the inside diameter of the ring should be at
least 1/8"
larger than the length of the piercing.
BROWN AND SHARPE GAUGES (from the Gauntlet catalog)
==============================
gauge inches millimeters
------------------------------
20 0.032 0.813
18 0.040 1.024
16 0.051 1.290
14 0.064 1.629
12 0.081 2.052
10 0.102 2.588
8 0.128 3.264
6 0.162 4.111
4 0.204 5.189
2 0.257 6.543
0 0.324 8.230
00 0.364 9.246
CLEANING METHODS AND AFTERCARE
Cleaning Agents and Healing Ointments
Recommended general cleaning agents include Hibiclens, which
should be diluted one part Hibiclens to three parts water,
Betadine or a solution of Povidone-Iodine, Betadine soaps and
skin cleansers, and solutions of benzalkonium-chloride. All of
these cleaning agents kill infection-causing bacteria. Remember
that what works the best for one person may not work for you. If
you experience an adverse reaction to a particular product -
itching, redness, irritation- switch to another product. In the
case of an extreme allergic reaction, contact a physician.
Hydrogen peroxide should never be used - the peroxide acts to
break down the newly formed tissue. Isopropyl Alcohol is not an
adequate disinfectant by itself. Bezalkonium chloride solutions
containing alcohol are fine.
Healing ointments include Betadine ointment, anti-bacterial oint-
ments containing any combination of bacitracin zinc, Neomycin,
and Polymyxin-B. Some people are allergic to bacitracin zinc. It
is advised that use of anti-bacterial ointments be limited to the
first week to ten days.
Vitamin E applications - such as the gel inside vitamin E gel
caps - aid healing as well, and can be used as long as desired.
The application of vitamin E may also decrease the development of
scar tissue around the piercing.
Facial Piercings
Facial piercings - ear, eyebrow, nose - piercings are best
cleaned with betadine or an ear care solution or gel containing
benzalkonium chloride. The cleaning agent should be used twice a
day. Any crusty formation around the piercing and on the jewelry
should first be softened and removed with a cotton swab dipped in
warm water or warm salt water. the cleaning agent should be
applied and rotated through the piercing. During the first week
to ten days, an antibiotic ointment should be applied to the
piercing after cleaning and rotated through. Any excess ointment
should be removed with a cotton swab.
Vitamin E can also be applied, especially in the case of dry
skin. Make-up, foundations, and powders should be avoided during
the healing process. When using hair spray, cover your piercings
with your hand or a tissue.
Never use Hibiclens solutions on facial piercings. Hibiclens can
cause blindness and hearing loss if it gets into your eyes and
ears.
Mouth-related Piercings
Tongue piercings should be cleaned with Gly-oxide or PerOxyl 2,
cleansing antiseptics for the mouth containing carbamide peroxide
(10%), twice a day and after meals. Listerine diluted 50% should
be used as a mouth rinse after eating or drinking anything other
than water. Rinse for at least one minute.
Mouth related piercings - lip, labret, cheek - should be cleaned
on the inside as described for tongue piercings. The outside
piercing should be cleaned following the instructions for facial
piercings. Warm salt water rinses are also recommended for faster
healing.
Body Piercings
Recommended cleaning agents include Hibiclens (diluted one part
Hibiclens to three parts water), Betadine or Povidone solution or
soap, and low-pH liquid soaps or cleaning products. Avoid using
deodorant or moisturizing soaps on your piercings. Any crusty se-
cretion around the piercing or on the jewelry should be removed
with a cotton swab and warm water prior to cleaning. The cleaning
agent should be rotated through the piercing and allowed to soak
for three minutes. The piercing should be rinsed well to remove
any residues.
After thoroughly cleaning and rinsing the piercing, anti-
bacterial ointment should be applied and rotated through the
piercing. Remove any excess ointment with a cotton swab.
Vitamin E can also be applied to the piercing, especially in the
case of dry skin, which is common with nipple piercings.
Warm salt water soaks work wonders to remove crusty deposits and
secretions during healing, and decrease the healing time as well.
Genital Piercings
Genital piercings should be cleaned following the instructions
for body piercings. However, the cleaning products may irritate
the urethra in both men and women and the vagina in the case of
women. Urinate after cleaning to flush out any residues in the
urethral opening. Women should take care not to let any cleaning
agent enter the vagina, as yeast infections may result from the
depletion of bacteria.
Genital piercings should be cleaned after intercourse as well.
Use of a condom is recommended during the healing period, and
oral contact should be avoided. Also, certain lubricants and
spermicides may irritate piercings.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS according to Elayne "Angel" Binnie
The following care instructions are approved for reprinting
through rec.arts.bodyart by Elayne "Angel" Binnie (former
manager of Gauntlet Los Angeles), Rings of Desire, Inc.,
1128 Decatur Street, 2nd floor (above Boomerang), New
Orleans, LA 70116, phone (504) 524-6147. Any form of
distribution of these care instructions must be accompanied
by this paragraph, and must remain intact within each
section. You may contact her if you have any questions about
these care instructions.
Care Instructions For: Lips, Labret and Cheek Piercings
Healing time: 6 to 8 weeks
Cleaning solutions:
--For inside the mouth: Listerine or other antibacterial
mouthwash and Gly-Oxide or Peroxyl (available in the oral
medications section of any pharmacy).
--For the outside surface: Ear Care Antiseptic, or Bactine
diluted 50/50 with water.
Instructions:
1. Rinse mouth for 60 seconds with Listerine after anything goes
in your mouth other than water or ice. This includes coffee, tea,
soft drinks, all food, smoking or eating utensils. If you are not
ingesting very often, rinse 12 to 24 times daily. Keep a small
bottle of Listerine with you so that you can rinse often.
2. Twice daily, rinse for two to three minutes with Gly-
Oxide. Do not omit this step! This foams inside your mouth, so
you might want to rinse with water or Listerine afterwards.
3. Keep dirty hands, fingernails, pens, etc. out of your
mouth.
4. Refrain from oral sexual contact during the 4 to 6 weeks of
initial healing. This includes French (wet) kissing as well as
oral sex, even if you are in a monogamous relationship.
5. With clean hands, check twice daily to make sure the ends of
your labret stud are on tightly (if applicable). To clean hands,
use antibacterial soap (i.e., Liquid Dial).
6. Do not play with the piercing for the first 4 to 6 weeks
beyond the necessary movement for speaking and eating. This can
cause complications, such as the formation of scar tissue.
7. Twice daily, use a cotton swab (Q-Tip) saturated with Ear Care
Antiseptic solution to remove any crusty blood plasma formation
from the exterior of the piercing and jewelry.
Cleanse the post or ring with the solution, and gently move the
jewelry to work the solution onto the inside of the piercing.
Hints and tips:
--Swelling of the lip is normal during initial healing. This can
be reduced by sucking gently on clean ice, especially during the
first few days (shaved or chipped ice, or small cubes are
easiest). Cold foods (ice cream and frozen yogurt) are soothing.
--Leave the initial jewelry in for at least 6 to 8 weeks before
changing it. Allow something to remain in the piercing at all
times for 6 to 9 months or longer. You may find that even after
years, your piercing may shrink or close. If you like it, leave
something in it.
Care Instructions for Body Piercings
Healing time dependent on location of pierce
Cleaning solutions:
--Betadine (or other 10% Povidone Iodine).
Note: Do not use Betadine on gold jewelry, as it will tarnish.
--Hibiclens diluted 50/50 with water.
Note: Pre-diluting Hibiclens in a clean empty container is most
convenient.
Instructions:
Body piercings need to be cleaned twice daily during the
entire healing period. Most people clean in the morning and at
night in the shower.
1. This is most important: Do not touch healing piercings with
dirty hands!!! Prior to your twice-daily cleanings, wash hands
thoroughly with antibacterial soap (i.e., Liquid Dial) and hot
water. As an extra precaution, you can wear disposable latex or
vinyl gloves.
2. After washing your hands, remove any crusty formation from the
piercing and jewelry. The formation comes from a secretion of
blood plasma, which is normal. Removal of this crust is best
accomplished by rinsing or soaking. A clean cup of warm water can
be sealed over the area to soak directly, for a few minutes. If
any stubborn crust remains, use a cotton swab (Q-Tip) moistened
with warm water to gently scrub away any foreign matter. Never
pick with fingernails or fingers!
Note: As long as the piercing secretes this liquid that forms the
crust, the piercing is still healing, and cleaning procedures
should be continued.
3. Pour a small handful of the cleaning solution into your clean
palm and apply it gently to the piercing and its surrounding
area. Hibiclens will suds lightly, while Betadine will not.
Cleanse the jewelry and rotate the ring back and forth several
times to work the solution into the piercing from each opening.
4. Allow the solution to remain in the piercing to clean for 3 to
5 minutes.
5. Under running water, carefully rinse the area and rotate the
jewelry back and forth to completely remove the cleaning solution
from inside the piercing. Your piercing will likely get irritated
if you don't get all the solution out, so rinse thoroughly.
6. Finally, pat dry with tissues or other clean, disposable paper
products. Cloth towels can harbor bacteria, so keep them away
from healing piercings.
Hints and tips:
--Leave your initial jewelry in during the entire healing
period.
--If you like your piercing, leave jewelry in at all times. Body
piercings can shrink and/or close very quickly, even after years.
--Avoid oral contact or rough play, as well as contact from
others' bodily fluids during healing. If you have a genital
piercing, you must use latex barriers (condoms, dental dams) to
prevent such contact even if you are in a monogamous
relationship.
--Make sure your bedding is clean. Change your sheets often while
your piercing is healing.
--Threaded jewelry (barbells, circular barbells, etc.) should be
checked twice daily to make sure the ends are screwed on tight.
--To accelerate healing, take a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement
with zinc (i.e., Vicon-C).
--After the first week of healing, use a mild salt-water solution
of 1/2 tsp to 1 cup of warm water for your pre-soak, instead of
plain water.
--You can use salt water several more times a day to accelerate
healing. Soak for a few minutes, rinse, then pat dry with dispos-
able paper products. Do not rotate jewelry with salt water --
that should only be done with twice-daily with your cleaning
solution.
--Many doctors have no training or experience with piercings, and
may offer poor advice. In the event that you do get an infection,
the jewelry should be left in the piercing to allow drainage of
pus. If the jewelry is removed, the holes can close and result in
an abscess. Feel free to contact us for suggestions on treating
infected piercings.
Care Instructions for pierces of Ear Lobe, Ear Cartilage, Tragus, Conch, Nostril, Septum and Eyebrows
Healing time
Septum, lobe: 4 to 6 weeks
Eyebrow: 6 to 8 weeks
Nostril, Cartilage, Tragus, Conch: 2 to 3 months
Cleaning solutions:
--Ear Care: Antiseptic or Bactine diluted 75/25 with water. Note:
Do not use Hibiclens for ear pierces, as this could lead to
deafness!
Instructions:
Piercings must be cleaned 2 to 3 times daily during the entire
healing period, although over-cleaning can be irritating.
1. This is most important: Do not touch healing piercings with
dirty hands!!! Prior to your twice-daily cleanings, wash hands
thoroughly with antibacterial soap (i.e., Liquid Dial) and hot
water. As an extra precaution, you can wear disposable latex or
vinyl gloves.
2. Saturate fresh cotton swabs (Q-Tips) with the cleaning
solution, and use the swab to gently scrub any crusty formation
from the jewelry and its surrounding area. This is a normal
secretion of blood plasma, and will continue to appear during
healing.
3. Use a fresh swab to apply the cleaning solution to the
jewelry, and gently rotate the ring to slide the solution onto
the inside of the piercing. Use a different swab for each
piercing surface. Never dip a used swab into the bottle.
4. At the end of your bath or shower, run clear water over the
piercing and jewelry to remove any soap or shampoo residue. This
will also help loosen up the crust. Don't use cloth towels to dry
the area. Use tissues or other clean, disposable paper products.
It's a good idea to clean after your shower.
5. Clean your telephone receiver inside and out with Lysol or
other disinfectant. Avoid contact with your piercing to any
public telephone.
6. Make sure your bedding is clean, particularly your pillow
case.
7. Leave the jewelry in the piercing without changing it for the
entire initial healing time (see above). For several months after
the initial healing time, do not try to leave the piercing empty,
as the hole can shrink or close. If you like your piercing, leave
jewelry in it to avoid any problems.
8. In the event that the piercing secretes a thick pus discharge
instead of the more liquid blood plasma, you may wish to see a
physician for evaluation and possible antibiotic treatment. If
you do have an infection however, do not remove the jewelry as
this may worsen your problem.
Topical antibiotic ointments should not be used for more than a
few days as they prevent air circulation to the piercing, which
is important for healing.
Care Instructions for Tongue Piercings
Healing time: 4 to 6 weeks
Cleaning solutions:
-- Listerine or other antibacterial mouthwash and Gly-Oxide or
Peroxyl (available in the oral medications section of any phar-
macy).
Instructions:
1. Rinse mouth for 60 seconds with Listerine after anything goes
in your mouth other than water or ice. This includes coffee, tea,
soft drinks, all food, smoking or eating utensils. If you are not
ingesting very often, rinse 12 to 24 times daily. Keep a small
bottle of Listerine with you so that you can rinse often.
2. Twice daily, rinse for two to three minutes with Gly-Oxide. Do
not omit this step! This foams inside your mouth, so you might
want to rinse with water or Listerine afterwards.
3. Keep dirty hands, fingernails, pens, etc. out of your mouth.
4. Refrain from oral sexual contact during the 4 to 6 weeks of
initial healing. This includes French (wet) kissing as well as
oral sex, even if you are in a monogamous relationship.
5. With clean hands, check twice daily to make sure the balls on
your barbell are on tightly (if applicable). To clean hands, use
antibacterial soap (i.e., Liquid Dial).
6. Do not play with the piercing for the first 4 to 6 weeks
beyond the necessary movement for speaking and eating. This can
cause complications, such as the formation of scar tissue.
Hints and tips:
-- Swelling of the tongue is normal during initial healing. This
can be reduced by sucking gently on clean ice, especially during
the first few days (shaved or chipped ice, or small cubes are
easiest). Cold foods (ice cream and frozen yogurt) are soothing.
-- It is common for the tongue to feel uncoordinated for a
while after your piercing. This will pass.
-- If you remember to keep your tongue level in your mouth
while eating, the jewelry will not come in contact with your
teeth.
-- Plaque can form on tongue jewelry (particularly the bottom
ball of a barbell). Scrub with a toothbrush (gently during
healing). After the tongue is healed, rinse mouth with Plax or
other anti-plaque product.
-- All healing piercings secrete blood plasma. In other areas of
the body, this dries and forms a crust. Inside the mouth however,
it doesn't have a chance to dry. Do not be alarmed if you see a
secretion coming from the piercing, this is very likely the
liquid blood plasma, and a normal part of healing.
-- If you like it, leave something in it. Even after an
extended period, the hole may shrink or close if you take the
jewelry out.
METHODS OF STERILIZATION
Proper sterilization of all instruments and jewelry used during
piercing is a must. Improper sterilization or lack thereof can
result in infection of the piercing and the spread of infectious
bacteria and disease-causing viruses.
The most complete and reliable method of sterilization is the
steam or chemical process autoclave. Autoclave sterilization is
used by medical professionals and meets federal standards of
sterilization. the autoclave uses heat and pressure and in some
instances a chemi-cal bath to kill bacteria and viruses.
Instruments to be sterilized are placed in sterilization bags
which are then sealed with indicator tape. Both the bag and the
tape are marked with indicator strips which change color to
indicate complete sterilization.
Pressure cookers may also be used to sterilize tools and jewelry.
Items should be "cooked" for at least 30 minutes at 15 - 20
pounds pressure (270 - 300 degrees F).
Boiling is not a suitable method of sterilization.
Every instrument should be able to be sterilized. Piercing
needles usually arrive from the manufacturer or supplier pre-
sterilized by autoclave, in sealed autoclave bags. Piercing
needles should never be used more than once. Aside from
cleanliness concerns, needles are noticeably dulled from a singly
use.
Pennington forceps, used to clamp the area to be pierced, are
professional medical supply stock, suitable for sterilization
techniques used by medical professionals. They can be soaked in
sterilization fluid and steam autoclaved. Insertion tapers (of
niobium or surgical steel) can be cleaned by the same method.
Other tools made specifically for piercing such as needle pushers
are manufactured to be safe for sterilization by autoclave.
Pliers used to open and close rings present certain challenges to
sterilization. These tools are usually not of the high-grade
steel used for forceps and jewelry, thus subject to corrosion.
These tools should be dried thoroughly after sterilization, by
heat oven if possible. Any rubber or plastic coating on the
handles can easily be removed by slicing lengthwise with a
utility knife.
All surgical steel professional body jewelry can be safely steri-
lized by steam or chemical means. Niobium and gold jewelry may be
affected by certain chemicals such as chlorine solutions. These
pieces are best sterilized by steam or heat methods.
KELOID SCARS
Keloid scars are raised blister- or pimple-like formations of
scar tissue which form in or around a piercing. Keloids may be
red, itchy, and inflamed, and may change size over time. Keloids
seem to occur most frequently in ear piercings (both lobe and
cartilage) and nostril piercings. Labret, nipple, and navel
piercings have also been known to be affected. There is no way to
predict whether or not a keloid scar will develop in a particular
piercing - a first or second lobe piercing may heal perfectly,
but the next piercing will flare up into scar tissue. The
piercing technique used (piercing gun, hollow piercing needle, or
even sewing needle) may or may not make a difference. different
people have had different and vast experiences.
Irritation of the piercing during healing, such as changing
jewelry before the piercing has fully healed or pulling or
tearing of the piercing, may increase the likelihood of scar
tissue developing. With cartilage piercings, scar tissue is more
likely to form if the ring is too small in diameter for the
length of the piercing, or if the stud is too short, which is
often the case of sleeper studs with butterfly clip backs
installed with a piercing gun.
Bacterial infections can also irritate the piercing enough for a
small lump of scar tissue to form.
Methods of Treatment
Removing the jewelry at the first signs of keloid formation and
allowing the piercing to heal closed will often get rid of the
keloid, or minimize its size.
Existing and healed keloid scars can be removed surgically, under
local anesthetic, by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Surgical
removal of the scar tissue does not guarantee that more scar
tissue will not form.
Scar tissue may also be injected with cortisone or other
steroids. A large or deep scar may require more than one session.
The cortisone acts to shrink and break down the scar tissue.
Possible side effects of cortisone injections are unwanted hair
growth, yeast infections, and other steroid- related side
effects.
Some people have reported diminished keloids with the application
of tea tree oil, available in most health food and organic
stores.
Vitamin E, applied during healing, may decrease the formation or
chance of formation of scar tissue.
One dermatologist I've spoken to about keloids says that once a
keloid begins to form, the presence of the jewelry will continue
to irritate the area and the scar tissue will continue to grow
until the jewelry is removed. He also said that cortisone or
ster-oid injections with the jewelry in place may help shrink the
keloid some, but that with jewelry present, the keloid will never
completely disappear. Also, the injections tend not to work so
well in cartilage layers. His advice is to remove the jewelry. He
also said the tendency to form deep scar tissue is hereditary.
UNISEX PIERCING EXPERIENCES
Currently featuring:
Tongue Piercing by Harry Ugol
Labret Piercing by Anne Duvall
Earlobe Eyelet Piercings by Julian Hurt
Hand Web Piercings by Surf
***
TONGUE PIERCING
by Harry Ugol
I got my tongue pierced last June. The piercing itself hurt much
less than my other piercings, aside from the fact that it turns
out I have a shorter-than-usual tongue which had to be extended
so far and for such a long time that I think I sprained it (:-).
The rea-son the piercing hurt a lot less is that the tongue is
different from most other pierceable body parts; the tongue
itself is muscle instead of skin. For one thing that means it has
no nerves on the inside and few pain receptors on the surface.
The striations in the muscle also make it much easier to
physically pierce; the needle tends to slip between them - unlike
a regular piercing, this one (when I saw it being done to other
people) resembled pushing an embroidery needle through a piece of
fabric.
The morning after the piercing my tongue was swollen and *very*
tender, both of which are normal (a longer barbell is initially
used for tongue piercings; the barbell is replaced with a smaller
one once the swelling goes down). "*Very* tender" means it hurt
to talk and it HURT to eat; I was not a happy camper that day.
But within 24 hours the pain started to diminish (the first time
I started playing with the piercing I discovered something very
weird: this was the first of my piercings which went through
muscle instead of skin. That meant I could literally fuck my
tongue (by lodging the barbell against the backsides of my teeth
and thrusting my tongue against the barbell), which was a lot of
fun and a real mindbender). Within two days I was no longer in
serious discomfort.
The healing regimen for a tongue piercing is slightly different
than for most other piercings; Neosporin and Hibiclens and Ivory
soap and suchlike are not good things to put in your mouth :-).
Instead, you use Listerine. A *lot* of Listerine - before the
piercing itself and after every meal and toothbrushing. I went
through a giant-sized bottle in a week. You also use a substance
called Gly-Oxide, which is basically a hydrogen peroxide-like
compound dissolved in glycerin, and foams up nicely when you drip
it on your tongue. Putting anything fun in your mouth other than
food and drink is strictly out; aside from the standard still-
healing-piercing infection dangers, cocksucking is no longer a
low-HIV-risk activity if you have an open wound in your mouth.
That phase lasted 6 weeks, I think, although more conservative
estimates call for 2-3 months.
Like the septum piercing, a tongue piercing is not really notice-
able if you don't want it to be. It takes a little more self-
control - you have to remember not to throw your head way back
when you laugh, and not to stick your tongue out for emphasis
when talking - but I haven't had any problems with scaring the
horses at work. Nor does the piercing get in my way; since the
bar was downsized, it's basically a pair of metal balls riding
just above and just below the surfaces of my tongue.
Sex with a tongue piercing is a *lot* of fun (male-male sex that
is; I'm afraid my biases are wired pretty firmly. Word of mouth,
however, says that tongue piercings are even more fun when
applied to women than to men).
Harry Ugol
[email protected]
LABRET PIERCING
by Anne Duvall
My first try at a lip piercing was towards the corner of my
mouth, just below the edge of my lower lip. We (my piercer friend
R.I.P. and myself) used a 19 gauge needle for the piercing,
installing a 20 gauge 3/8" diameter surgical steel bead ring. The
thin gauge of the ring proved to be a mistake - the second day I
noticed the inside of my lip had started to tear upwards. A nasty
infection settled in that evening. I drained the piercing as much
as I could with hot compresses and removed the ring. The
infection cleared with the help of antibiotics. All that's left
is a tiny red mark just below the edge of my lip.
My second and existing lip piercing was done with a 14 gauge
needle, installing a 16 gauge Labret stud in the center of my
lower lip, about a half an inch below the edge of my lip. The
labret stud is similar to a barbell. Instead of a ball on the
inside of my lip, the stud is backed by a disc about 3/16" in
diameter. A ball screws onto the front of the stud. Since the
jewelry is inserted from the back, an insertion taper was used in
the piercing process. The 14 gauge needle was inserted through
the front, then the 16 gauge insertion taper was inserted into
the needle, the taper threaded through the piercing, and the
jewelry pushed through, pushing out the taper. Before piercing,
the outside of my lip was disinfected with betadine and the
inside was disinfected with listerine for 5 minutes and numbed
with benzocaine (found in Oragel). The entire process was very
quick and a lot less painful than many of my other piercings,
including nostril and tragus.
Aftercare of the labret piercing included cleaning the outside
hole with ear care gel containing benzalkonium chloride and
applying vitamin E gel. The inside of the piercing was cleaned
with Gly-oxide, and I rinsed my mouth with diluted (50%)
Listerine after eating and brushing teeth. The piercing healed in
about 6 weeks.
There are several designs of Labret studs available. The most
common are the disc-backed stud, available from Pleasurable
Piercings and Gauntlet. A possible problem with this design is
that the disc may, over time and wear, become unsoldered from the
post. Another problem some have experienced with the disc is gum
erosion, and erosion or "nesting" of the inside of the lip
beneath the disc. The second design, manufactured by Silver
Anchor, is a stud with a screw on ball in the front, with the
stud wrapped around itself into a loose coil at a right angle to
the stud. This design is similar to a nostril screw, and
eliminates the chance of the disc becoming lost. The third design
is the fishtail labret, manufactured by WA Creations. Once again,
the stud and back are a continuous piece, the stud flattened out
and bent at a right angle, and slightly curved to follow the
shape of the gumline. The fishtail style is only available in
gold at this time. The other styles are available in surgical
stainless steel and gold.
HAND WEB PIERCING
by "Surf"
edited by Anne Duvall
I'm on my second hand web pierce. The first one (Had it done
first week in July 1993) lasted about 3/4 months before it grew
out. I'm figuring that was because I had it in my right hand, and
I am right handed, so the had got a lot of use.
I missed that pierce so much that I had it redone on my left hand
in mid-December 1993. It's still with me, and it seems to be
healing great.
The first time, I had it done at Gauntlet San Francisco. The
piercer marked entrance and exit holes on my hand and positioned
the pennington forceps over the marks. The marks were farther
back that I had first imagined they would be, but I'd never seen
a hand web pierce before, either. Once the forceps were in place,
the piercer stretched the skin out a bit and he shone a light
through the skin to make sure that nothing of importance was in
the bundle of skin as well. He got the needle lubed with an
antibiotic salve and butted the needle against the top-side (back
of hand side) of my hand web (oh yes - he disinfected the area
first with a betadine pad). He held a cork to the bottom (palm
side) of the web and quickly pushed the needle through.
I don't remember much pain at all, but then again, I had just had
my nipple done (my first pierce ever!) minutes before. Anyway,
the piercer got my jewelry ready to insert and in a moment he was
fastening the ball-end. I have a 12 ga SSS barbell with a 1/2"
shaft as my jewelry for the pierce.
The second time around was similar, but there were differences in
the technique. I had it redone at Tie Me Down in Milwaukee. The
piercer there seemed less experienced, at least with hand-webs,
but not so as to scare one off. I forget what he cleaned the area
of my hand with, but he soaked the jewelry in Hibiclens to
disinfect it. He marked the depth of the pierce noticeably deeper
than the first time, but that was fine by me. This piercer didn't
use a cork on the exit side, and he pushed the needle through
from palm side first. For the jewelry insertion, he mentioned
that he wasn't used to Gauntlet's barbells where the ball screws
into the shaft, but rather the ones where the shaft screwed into
the ball. With that kind he could screw the shaft into the end of
the needle for insertion. Because of this, he had problems with
insertion and had to guide it in with an insertion taper. Since
the taper was larger than the hole, it was a painful little
process, but when the jewelry was in, I felt better about the
pierce than I had the first time around - I could flatten my hand
right away. The first time, it took a few days before I could do
that.
The aftercare was pretty much the same both times. I would alter-
nate soaking my hand in a solution of hot water and betadine and
a hot salt-water solution. Use the betadine soak only if the
jewelry isn't gold, though. I would soak about 10 times a day -
more if feasible. When the water cooled down, I would reheat it
in the microwave and re-soak. I'd keep this up as long as I
could. The betadine soaks especially reduced swelling when my
hand was acting up. I would try to keep my hand unbandaged as
much as possible, but I was wearing them a lot during the first
week, and for the first few weeks while I slept. After about 2
weeks, I had an initial healing that would allow me almost normal
use of my hand, as long as I watched it and was careful. At
first, I would wash the pierce with hibiclens, but am now using
an antibacterial soap (easier on the hands and still kills
germs). I would still recommend hibiclens on the fresh pierce,
though. During the initial healing, I would swab some betadine
over the freshly washed or soaked pierce to keep the germs away
as long as possible.
I had relatively little swelling of my hand web area after the
first week both times I had it done. Even less the second time.
Now I would even mistake the thing for being fully healed (even
though I know it's not inside)! There is no swelling at all
anymore. I put lotion on the area when it gets dry (and believe
me, the area gets really dry at times after piercing!). If the
area dries out, it can get tender and hurt if bumped, but some
lotion takes care of that.
All in all, I love the pierce. It is my favorite of all mine
(eyebrow, hand, nipple, navel, PA) because it is so rare, and it
looks wicked. From my experience, I feel that a lot of people's
reservations about this pierce getting in the way are
unwarranted. Sure, there are some instances where it would be in
the way, but for normal (whatever that is, right?) use, it's
fine! I am in Wis-consin and I'm wearing winter gloves all the
time with no problems. I was waterskiing last summer and I could
hold the tow line without a problem. Pretty much the only
hindrance is the time spent ex-plaining to people that I am not
totally insane and that it didn't hurt (nonetheless I love to
show it off.... I'm proud of my metal!).
I would expect the true healing time to be 6 months, or a full
year just to be sure. The times I mentioned above were my
experience only. I've been told I'm a fast healer, so my
experiences won't necessarily apply to everyone, but I have had
really good experiences with the hand web despite the first one
growing out. One last recommendation - however you're handed,
don't get that hand pierced. Like I said, when I had my right
hand pierced, it grew out primarily because that had went through
a lot more use than did my left hand. I just never realized it
until I paid that much attention to my hands because of the
piercing.
EYELET PIERCINGS
by Julian Hurt
edited by Anne Duvall
Rings large enough to fill large (00 - 4) gauge earlobe piercings
tend to be fairly heavy. the weights often are sufficient to
automatically cause further stretching of the holes. An alterna-
tive to heavy jewelry is o wear light-weight eyelets. Eyelets
essentially are stainless surgical steel or gold tubes that have
been flared outward on both ends. They are hollow in the center
and look like narrow grommets. Pleasurable Piercings carries
eyelets from 4 gauge to 00 gauge and Gauntlet lists them from 10
gauge to 00 gauge. Eyelets can be worn as the sole insert in a
lobe piercing or with smaller gauge rings inserted inside them
(thus allowing light weight rings without allowing the larger
holes to grow closed). For illustrations of these two styles see
respectively _Modern Primitives_ page 176, and page 3 of
_Piercing Fans international Quarterly Number 18_. eyelets
occasionally are called "earlets" or even "retainers." Eyelets
are very effective visually when combined with additional rings
or studs higher on the ear.
Eyelets are sized by the diameter of the tubing at its narrowest
point and flare out so that the outer edge of the flare is the
next even gauged size. thus the flange of a 4 gauge eyelet flares
out about 0.025" and requires a 2 gauge hole. In order to insert
an eyelet, one needs a hole the size of the outer flange (2 gauge
larger than the eyelet size). After the eyelets are inserted the
holes gradually will shrink to fill in towards the size of the
eyelet.
The standard method for inserting eyelets is to begin with well-
healed piercings and gradually stretch them out. (See the FAQ and
the article in _PFIQ number 18_, pages 23-30, for information on
various stretching techniques.) When they are stretched to the
stated gauge of the desired eyelet they then are stretched using
an insertion taper of the next even gauge, and then inserted. The
taper temporarily stretches out the hole to accommodate the wider
flanges, and then when the eyelet is in place, the tissue shrinks
to the original gauge. Gauntlet warns, "CAUTION: To accomplish
piercings large enough for eyelets great patience is required.
Never push stretching too fast or the earlobe can be torn. When
the hole is large enough for an eyelet, facilitate insertion and
avoid damage to the earlobe by using a convex insertion taper of
the next larger size."
It is also possible to insert eyelets in fresh piercings.
Piercing needles are available up to 6 gauge from Pleasurable
Piercings. One could pierce to the next size larger than the
eyelet (e.g., pierce to a 6 gauge for insertion of an 8 gauge
eyelet) but the eyelets would tend to fall out in normal wear.
Anecdotal evidence indicates it is fairly routine to stretch
fresh piercings to the next gauge with out tearing by using a
well-lubricated (with anti-bacterial ointment) insertion tapers
inserted fairly rapidly with a strong twisting motion. Then the
eyelets can be inserted in standard fashion by following the
taper just as one follows a piercing needle with jewelry. The
hole will snap back against the narrow part of the eyelet. In at
least one case documented in rec.arts.bodyart postings, a person
was initially pierced at 6 gauge in both lobes and had them
immediately stretched to a 2 gauge using the technique just
described with a 2 gauge insertion taper. The piercing was done
as an experiment by Wild Bill of Pleasurable Piercings at the
request of a piercing-knowledgeable customer. As a precaution
intermediate sized jewelry was on hand so that the stretching
could be abandoned mid-way if any tearing had occurred. The
stretching was only slightly more intense than the 6 gauge
piercings which were relatively painless.
When eyelets are the initial insertions in fresh piercings, care
is simple. Sensitive Ears is used a number of times daily to
irrigate the piercings. In the first few days there may be some
swell-ing so that the flanges pop below the surface of the
earlobes. As crusting loosens from the cleaning solution, gently
po the eyelets so that both flanges are outside the hole.
Regardless, once the eyelets are properly placed and loosened by
the irrigation, grasp the flanges between thumb and forefinger
and gently rotate them in the hole. These care techniques were
used with the fresh 6 gauge piercings stretched to 2 gauge
described above, and they healed without complication in 4 weeks.
When eyelets are inserted by stretching they generally remain in
place during normal daily activity. But when drying ones ears
with a towel, cleaning the eyelets, or sleeping they do have a
tendency to pop out unexpectedly. They also are small enough to
easily be lost down drains. Thus one is advised not to clean them
over sinks, not towel in the shower, etc. One way of preventing
loss of the eyelets is to insert small rings or wire through
them.
RITUAL NIPPLE PIERCING
by Phaedrus
(originally posted to alt.sex.bondage)
I pondered whether or not to crosspost this to rec.arts.bodyart
and chose not to. Mainly because I am rather unfamiliar with that
group, and there is enough non-vanilla in my post to warrant not
posting there. If a reader familiar with r.a.b. feels that this
experience would benefit that group, then by all means feel free
to repost it there.
All names used herein are used with the consent of the owner of
said name. And if you were there and I did not mention you by
name, it is only because I forgot to ask you. It is not because I
have forgotten you.
Right. Onward.
It's been a full 7 days now, and I -think- I've processed enough
to be able to post my piercing experience in a more or less
coherent fashion.
I've been wanting a nipple piercing for over a year now. Some of
you here back then may recall when I first posted about wanting
one. Part of the waiting has been pondering, part because the
time was not right.
So the time was right last weekend. Beverly Block had told me
that she had been trained in piercing. We had talked about it a
little over a year ago, and nothing had been said since. When I
saw Bev at a Berkeley lunch on Friday, I asked her if she would
do it at a ritual the next night.
After lunch and running amok in a certain storefront in Oakland,
we headed across the bay to the Gauntlet. It was wonderful having
Bev with me. She got into a professional argument about ring
gauges for male nipples with a worker at the Gauntlet. And while
Bev conceded the point, it felt good having a knowledgeable
advocate with me. I picked out a beautiful gold ring and Bev
specified a needle and something with the ominous name of
"pusher." At several points, the Gauntlet person discussed
technique with Bev. Most delightful.
The next afternoon, I opened the Gauntlet bag and checked out the
needle for he first time. I won't say that I came close to
backing out, but I will admit that I thought about it.
That night at the ritual, after opening circle, Bev told those
present that I was to be pierced next. I wanted people who -
wanted- to be there to be present. It may sound strange, but I
wanted people to be there because they wanted to be present, not
because I wanted them there. I have to ponder that further
sometime -- there's something odd there.
Anyway. I noticed that Bev is a little nervous and encircle her
biceps to get her attention. We lock gazes, and I tell her to
breathe with me. She calms and returns to preparation.
I'm a little nervous, mainly because I do not know what to
expect. My first piercing ritual, and I'm the piercee. Figures. I
feel as if the ring is -already- in place, and the ritual is only
matching realities.
I have my symbols: a length of black ribbon, an amethyst about my
neck, a pewter earcuff. I mention to Stella that our symbols are
so much a part of us, and she tells me that we -are- our symbols.
Once again, dear Stella, dead on target.
It's time, and I lay down on the table clad only in my standard
black playparty briefs. People gather about me, and I make it
clear at some point that I -want- to be touched. It was at this
point that I closed my eyes and did not open them until I looked
at the ring in my body.
I concentrate on my breathing and feel the wonderful energy from
my friends about me. I could almost sense the boundaries of the
safespace that encircled us.
Bev fastens the hemostat on my left nipple and it -HURTS-.
Goddam, it hurts. The stub-your-toe kind of hurt. Oh, lovely, the
needle isn't even present yet and I'm a'hurting. Oh, well, I
think.
The pain from the clamp starts to subside. I'm conscious mainly
of my friends touching me. I can't distinguish who is touching me
where...all I can feel is being enfolded in love and caring.
Bev tells me to accept the needle into my body, and it flows into
me. No sensation of pushing, more like the needle was sucked into
me. There is no pain, but rather an intense sensation that I have
no name for. There is, however, a ragged edge to this sensation,
and I do not allow myself to feel that. Rather, I passed that
edge on to my rage that holds the image of my father. Let him
feel that ragged edge.
The sensation is an icy clarity similar to that clarity that fol-
lows a mind-shaking insight. That's the closest I can come to
describing it. I hear a most unusual sound, and realize that I am
"screaming." I call it a scream only because I do not know what
else to call it. I have never heard a sound like that before. It
is not coming from any higher level center of my brain. It feels
like it is coming from a deeper, animal part of my physical
brain.
Bev asks me if I want to look at the needle, and I tell her no,
thank you, I hate needles. This evokes laughter from the circle.
Suddenly a rush starts at my head and travels down my body and I
realize that Wolf is out. I feel full of the Power around me, and
I hear my body start to growl. A "Yes!" comes from a person over
my head, and the circle feels even more together somehow. Since
Wolf usually only comes out for self-defense or toppish rather
violent lovemaking, I keep an eye on him. The situation is
neither and I do not want him loose. He behaves, enjoying the
feeling of the power the ritual has evoked.
I'm so busy watching Wolf that I do not notice Bev taking the
needle out or inserting the ring. I do notice that something has
happened to disturb Bev, though I haven't a clue what it was.
There's some sort of blaming going on, so I pull out the old joke
about the blame stage of a project should be the -last-stage of a
project and we aren't there yet.
Bev tells me that I can look at the ring now, but before I do I
make a Gift to those with me.
I finally open my eyes and look into a small mirror Bev is
holding. It is -beautiful-! Just how it is supposed to look. The
realities have merged, and that brings me a warm glow of
completion.
Ah. The gold ball is lost. That was the disturbance earlier. No
matter. Even that occurrence feels perfect to me. I would not
change a thing.
The circle slowly dissipates, and Stella stays close to me as I
slowly rise up in stages. Very slowly. I stumble about the
dungeon for a bit, just to prove to myself that I can, then
collapse on a handy bed. People wander by and now and again a
friend cuddles and talks with me.
To those of you who shared this wonderful event in my life with
me: thank you. I feel a bond with each of you. And, now that I am
back in Illinois, I miss you terribly. It's funny, but all I have
to do is look at my ring to remember the feelings of being with
you in that circle.
And thank you, Beverly. You nor anyone else could have done
better.
Postscript: the next day, I got an amethyst bead to replace the
gold one that was lost. The ring achieved its proper state much
faster because the original bead was lost. I am very pleased.
And btw, my nipple is healing -very- nicely.
Phaedrus
TRIANGLE PIERCING
by Susan
Well...I got mine done by Raelyn Gallina in mid-February. I was
expecting a very painful experience; a lot of people had told me
it would be much more intense than my clitoral hood piercing.
Actually, it wasn't. I don't know if it was my (mostly) lack of
nerves this time - the clit hood was my first non-earlobe
piercing and I was scared to death - or that I was more
psychologically ready for this one or what, but it was not nearly
as bad. Bled like crazy, though. I think happy thoughts about
blood - keeping the wound clean all that. It was swollen at
first, but the swelling went down in about a day. It was a bit
interesting to sit and cross my legs for about two days, and then
it itched for a day or so. After that, I hardly noticed it except
occasionally when I managed to get it twisted a little in sitting
or something. At six weeks, I would call it fully healed, and it
has been almost no trouble. I cleaned it first twice a day for
about a week, then once daily with Triadine (generic Betadine). I
am wearing a surgical steel captive bead ring in it.
Actually, I shouldn't say I've hardly noticed it. Rather, I have
hardly noticed any *pain* from it. For the first few days it was
so intensely *pleasurable* I had trouble concentrating - it was a
perfect, intimate touch in *exactly* the right place, if you know
what I mean... *grin* Thankfully, that hypersensitivity has faded
a bit. But I still have only to think about it to be able to feel
like someone has placed one exquisitely delicately finger, just
so...my, this is distracting to write...:)
I'm delighted with the piercing, and recommend it highly to
everyone who has the right anatomy for it (not every woman has
enough flesh for this one, so don't get your heart set on it
until you are sure it can be done).
It also goes beautifully with the clit hood piercing, which is
also horizontal with a matching ring. They sort of nest around my
clit. I am thinking of getting another clit hood piercing above
the existing one, so that I will have a set of three rings in a
row.
PIERCING PLAY
Changing Jewelry
Once a piercing is healed, jewelry must be changed as desired. It
is important to wear jewelry of the same gauge as the original
piercing - too small a gauge and the piercing may shrink around
the smaller jewelry; too big and the piercing may stretch
uncomfortably. With some piercings the jewelry must be of a
certain design. Please see Part 2 of the FAQ for reference.
Changing jewelry is most easily achieved by lubricating the
piercing and the new piece of jewelry using anti-bacterial oint-
ment. The ointment clings to the jewelry and will provide
medicating benefits if there is any damage to the piercing. Place
a small amount of ointment onto the existing jewelry, using a
cotton swab. Rotate the jewelry, thoroughly lubricating the
piercing. In the case of captive bead rings and seamless rings,
this can be done after opening the ring, which can be challenging
if the ring is slippery. The new jewelry should be sterilized or
at least soaked in cleaning solution, and ready to be inserted.
Slide the existing jewelry through the piercing until the end is
flush with the sur-face of the skin. Use the new piece of jewelry
to push out the existing jewelry, maintaining contact between the
two pieces of jewelry within the piercing. Remove excess ointment
with a cotton swab before closing the jewelry. In the case of
barbells, tighten the ball(s) with a tissue wrapped around your
fingers. Never use pliers to tighten barbells -finger strength
should be enough to tighten the balls securely. If pliers are
used to close or open rings, wrap the plier tips with surgical
tape -this will prevent scratching and marring of the jewelry.
In the case of barbells with external threads, cover the threads
with orthodontal wax or dip the threads in hot candle wax to pre-
vent the threads from tearing the inside of the piercing. The wax
can be removed with rubbing alcohol.
Stretching Piercings
Only well-healed piercings should be stretched. Stretching is not
recommended if there is any scar tissue present around the
piercing. Piercings should only be stretched a maximum of two
gauge sizes (for example, from 14 gauge to 12 gauge) to prevent
tearing and irritation. Expect the piercing to be sore for a day
or so after stretching. If the piercing does tear or if there are
any secretions or crusty formations around the piercing after
stretching, treat the piercing with the aftercare products used
when the piercing was healing.
Piercings can be stretched using insertion tapers, available from
most jewelry suppliers, or knitting needles, which are
manufactured in the same Brown and Sharpe gauge system used for
piercing jewel-ry. The instrument used to stretch the piercing
should be thoroughly cleaned, sterilized if possible. Lubricate
the piercing with anti-bacterial ointment with the existing
jewelry. Lubricate the tip of the taper with ointment. Insert the
taper into the piercing with a twisting motion. You may feel or
hear the piercing "pop" as it stretches. Push the taper through
until the thickest end is flush with the surface of the skin.
Insert the new jewelry follow-ing the instructions above for
changing jewelry. Most insertion tapers have a concave end to
receive the jewelry.
If you are stretching more than two gauges up and do not wish to
purchase intermediate jewelry, you can wear the tapers or insert
nylon cord of he same thickness into the piercing, wrapping tape
around the ends to prevent it from falling out. Fima clay has
been used successfully as intermediate jewelry as well.
Piercings can be stretched using weighted jewelry. Be careful of
tearing -too much weight on too thin a gauge can easily tear a
piercing. The thinner the gauge, the easier the piercing will
tear.
To accommodate eyelets, piercings need to be stretched two gauges
larger than the eyelet gauge, in order to accommodate the flanges
of the eyelet. Please see Julian Hurt's posting on eyelets in the
Unisex Piercing Experiences section for more details.
Cartilage piercings stretch very slowly, if at all.To acquire a
large-gauged cartilage piercing, it is usually best to make the
initial piercing large using a dermal punch to core out the
cartilage.
Piercing Adornments
The bead of captive bead rings can be replaced with sterling
skulls, hearts, and other ornaments which have been specially
drilled, available through most jewelry suppliers.
Decorative beads from craft stores and other sources can be worn
in the captive bead ring as well. With thinner gauges, it may be
difficult to find beads which will not slip all the way around
the ring.
Decorative beads can also be worn between the balls of circular
barbells. this also prevents the jewelry from getting caught on
things.
When decorating your piercings, be careful to avoid anything too
heavy to avoid unwanted stretching or possible tearing.
Bondage, S/M Play, and Chastity
Heavy bondage play - chains, restraints, and weights - should
only be practiced on heavy-gauged jewelry, at least 12 gauge. If
any pain is experienced, play should be stopped immediately.
Nipple clamps may be used on pierced nipples, with the jewelry in
place, though the clamps should be placed vertically rather than
horizontally. Only use nipple clamps on well healed piercings.
Creative chastity restraints can be made using lightweight chain
and clasps. For example, labia piercings can be locked together
using lightweight padlocks. Be creative but let common sense
guide you. With genital piercings, do not wear anything subject
to corrosion by urine and other body fluids other than
temporarily.
Play Piercing
Play piercing is popular among some S/M circles and is used to
experience the heightened sensations of piercing without having
to install jewelry. Play piercings should only be made through
the surface skin and through the noted piercing locations.
Play piercing needles are available, presterilized, through most
jewelry and piercing suppliers. These needles are usually of 22
gauge, designed the same as piercing needles. Hypodermic needles
can also be used. Needles used in play piercing should only be
used once and should be disposed of via hospital incinerator or
placed in a sealed container containing chlorox.
Sterilization methods for piercing should be followed. The area
to be pierced should be disinfected with betadine or hibiclens
just prior to piercing. The piercer should wear latex gloves. In
an established relationship where contact with body fluids is not
a concern, the piercer may just wash his/her hands thoroughly
with hibiclens or anti-bacterial soap.
After the needle is removed, the area should be treated with
betadine or bactine to prevent infection.
Again, let common sense guide you. If you are unsure of an area
of the body and what lies beneath the skin, do not pierce!
Hiding and Retaining Piercings
For some of us piercing enthusiasts, work, weddings, and visits
with relatives may require us to hide our piercings, temporarily.
There are several options, depending on the piercing.
Nostril piercings can be disguised as facial blemishes by coating
the ball of a nostril screw with any of a variety of colored nail
polish - flesh tones are available to mix and match with your own
coloring. Remove the jewelry before applying the nail polish, and
let it dry thoroughly. The jewelry may require more than one
coat. The nail polish can easily be removed with nail polish
remover. Labret studs may also be disguised in this manner.
Nylon ear studs are available from most department stores and
earring kiosks. The stud usually has a flat disc and is held in
place by a rubber barrel clasp. These studs are intended to
replace nor-mal earring studs when the wearer is allergic to
metals. These studs can be used to disguise nose and ear
piercings using nail polish as described above, and to retain ear
and nose piercings during surgery. The only drawback is that the
studs are only available in one thickness equivalent to 20 gauge.
Nylon cord - such as fishing line and weed-trimmer line - can be
matched fairly well to various gauges. Thicker fishing line works
for 18 gauge. Weed-trimmer line, sold in small spools at the
hardware store, will work for 16 through 10 gauge, depending on
the manufacturer. You may have to do a lot of comparison shopping
to find an equal thickness. The packages state the metric
thickness of the cord, so you can compare measurements. File the
ends smooth with a nail file prior to inserting the cord. The
ends can be flat-tened with a hot knife to prevent the cord from
falling out, or the ends can be wrapped with tape. For piercing
retention during surgery, tape the cord flat against the skin, if
possible.
In the case of well healed piercings, hypoallergenic false
eyebrow glue can be used to hold the nylon cord in place. The
glue can be removed with warm water or rubbing alcohol.
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