Making Piercing Safer

Piercing a body part carries inherent risks, but medical experts say there are ways to lessen the likelihood of complications. Here are some:

? Never do it yourself -- or have a friend pierce a body part for you. This could lead to serious infection as well as permanent disfigurement.

? Do not use alcohol as an anesthetic or decide to get a piercing when you have been drinking or using drugs.

? Check out the cleanliness of a piercing salon before a procedure. Ask the person doing piercings how many he or she has performed. The piercer should wash his or her hands, wear gloves and use a fresh needle taken from a sealed package. The Association of Professional Piercers (888-888-1277, http://www.safepiercing.org ) maintains a list of members who agree to abide by its standards, which tend to be stricter than many laws governing piercing.

? Do not allow a piercing gun to be used, except for standard earlobe piercing. It is not sterile and can damage tissue.

? Use only hypoallergenic jewelry, such as surgical grade steel, gold, platinum or titanium. Nickel or brass can cause an allergic reaction; sterling silver can leave a permanent gray stain on skin.