Tuesday, November 7, 2006

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.

· Follow after-care instructions carefully and keep the area clean and free of irritation during the healing period.

· Seek medical attention at the first sign of a problem, such as redness, pain, swelling, fever, discharge or a foul smell. Do not treat it yourself or assume it will go away in a few days.

-- Sandra G. Boodman

SOURCES: American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic Foundation, Association of Professional Piercers