A piercing is a hole made in the skin and comes from the English word ‘to pierce’ which means to push through. The iron jewelry that is placed in the hole is also called piercing. Making such a hole is usually done by a professional. Children under the age of 18 are required to obtain parental consent before having a piercing.
To make
It is advisable to consult a professional before getting a piercing. Unlike putting earrings, a piercer does not have to adhere to a few rules. Many typesetters then pretend to be professionals, but deliver poor work. A piercing is done in the following way: First, the skin where the piercing will be placed is disinfected. A mark is then placed where the piercing (the hole) will be placed. This is important because an incorrectly placed piercing can cause bleeding and nerve damage. A hollow needle is placed at the site of the mark and pushed through the skin. The jewelry to be placed (the piercing) is then placed in the needle, after which the needle is pushed through the skin. This way the piercing is pulled through.
The GGD can be asked for advice regarding finding a professional. In addition, diseases such as AIDS and Hepatitis B can be transmitted via needles. It is advisable to ask how the professional handles the needles and how the entire setting process works.
Places for a piercing
Piercings can be placed in many places. The most common places are the eyebrow, ear and navel, but piercings can also be placed in the nipple, nose or genitals. The latter are also called genital piercings. Genital piercings are placed less often, mainly because they are more painful. For example, such piercings for men can be placed near the glans or just below the scrotum. In women they can be placed in the area of the clitoris.
Maintenance of a piercing
Placing the piercing creates wounds that need to heal. Touching the piercing in the beginning is quite risky, provided the hands are clean. Infections can occur if the wound is not kept clean. The piercing should also be cleaned twice a day with a disinfectant. Only once the wounds have healed is the use of the disinfectant no longer necessary. Some further tips:
- Do not use a plaster to stick over the wounds; this can cause further infections;
- When showering, only wash with disinfectant soap;
- Combing long hair can be risky if there is a piercing in the ear or eyebrow. The brush or comb can easily get caught on the piercing and pull it out. It is also useful at the hairdresser to either take out the piercing or point out the piercing to the hairdresser.
- The piercing can become hot while sunbathing or in a sauna. It is advisable to take it out.