Piercing Health Risks

Body piercing is an invasive procedure and is not without risks. When properly performed, these risks are minimized, and individuals who take care of their new piercing as recommended by their piercer, will enjoy a safe and healthy piercing experience.

Some of the risks you should be aware of include allergic reactions to the ingredients of products used to clean the new piercing, or of ancillary products used in proximity to the piercing (e.g., soap, hydrogen peroxide, isopropyl alcohol, antibacterial products, antiseptic medicines, makeup, hairspray, swimming pool chlorine, etc.). This risk can be minimized by cleaning the piercing as recommended by your piercer. Stay away from swimming pools. The chlorine may cause the pierced area to dry out, which can lead to the piercing being torn out very easily. You may also have allergic reactions to the metals in the piercing jewelry, particularly nickel. This risk is minimized by using high quality jewelry manufactured from materials such as surgical steel or titanium. Bacterial infections are also possible if you don't follow the recommended aftercare procedures. And take care to prevent trauma to a fresh piercing. This is associated with unintended entanglement of the piercing jewelry with another object. This risk is always present, but can be reduced by using jewelry appropriate for the piercing, and covering or taping over jewelry during sports activities.