About Body Piercings
Although they have been around for thousands of years, body piercings seem to have taken on a more recent (and more prevalent) popularity. With people toy with piercings in nearly every conceivable spot, some caution must be applied to take care of piercings--and care in selecting specific areas to be decorated. This article will explore how piercings are performed, some common care of the pierced region, types of piercings, and important considerations. Does this Spark an idea?
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Function
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When a customer elects to be pierced, the piercer uses a forceps-type device to create tension in the area to be penetrated.This device also creates a taught surface which can be easily pierced. The target area is sterilized with a topical alcohol- or iodine-based substance, and fresh needles are sterilized by machine. When the piercer is ready to proceed, he marks the area with a washable marker, tells the customer to count to three, and presses a large-gauge needle through the target area.
Pain
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When a customer is being pierced, she is often told that the experience will be akin to a pinch or---in extreme cases---a bee sting. After experiencing the piercing, customers sometimes report shooting pains radiating from the point of penetration. In addition, nipple piercings are reported to cause pain extending down the arm, and tongue piercings may feel more like a tear (of muscle) than a pinch or sting.
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Types
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Virtually any area of the body can be pierced, ranging from common ear piercings to extreme modification of sexual organs. Some of the more common types of piercings include piercings of the tongue, lip, nose, eyebrow, septum, tragus (the small nub of the ear), cartlidge, labia, nipples, clitoris and penis.
Aftercare
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After the target area is pierced, the recipient is normally advised to use special care in cleansing the piercing. The penetrated area should be frequently cleaned with antibacterial soap, except for tongue piercings which may be treated with antibacterial mouthwash. Nipple piercing customers are sometimes instructed to wear a tight bra, and the wearing of tight garments may also assist recovery of other pierced areas. Customers are also advised not to tug or pull on the piercing, and some customers may need to ice swollen regions.
Considerations
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While a body piercing is considerably less permanent than a tattoo, potential piercing customers should carefully evaluate how any visible piercings might be interpreted by coworkers, customers, bosses, friends and family members. Professionals rarely exhibit visual piercings, and those employed in highly visible roles (such as teachers and politicians) are encouraged to carefully evaluate the visibility of any piercings. It is also critical to ensure that proper care can be delivered in the days immediately following the procedure, and that care can be delivered to minimize scarring if the piercing is removed.
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