How to Use Piercing Needles
Piercing needles are used thousands of times a day all over the world. Much different than your traditional sewing needle (and in a number of ways) piercing needles are designed to cause less harm to the body, and to promote healing. In order to properly use a piercing needle, here is information you need. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Piercing needle
- Clamps (recommended)
- Autoclave (optional as long as the needles are pre-packaged)
- Gloves
Instructions
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Use only needles marked for body piercings. These needles are made from surgical steel (the same material hospital tools are made from) to ensure that no allergic reactions take place from insertion. The needles should be hollow, to ensure that the body is left with a hole, without damaging and bruising skin and tissue in between.
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Choose a gauge that is appropriate to the piercing you are using the needle for. Generally, you are safe with a 14 gauge needle for the majority of your piercings. You can always stretch the piercing over time. Nipple, eyebrow, and a few other piercings may require 16 gauge.
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Use an autoclave to properly sterilize your needle and clamps to keep the area to be pierced in place. It is a good idea to purchase individually packaged, properly sealed, pre-sterilized needles and use the autoclave for tools such as the clamps.
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Use the needle to perform the piercing of your choice. For more information on how to perform piercings, please see the appropriate article. After the needle has been used to create the hole for the jewelry, discard the needle.
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Tips & Warnings
Use each needle one time, and one time only, no matter what, when, where, who, how, and why!
Make sure that you are using the appropriate gauge needle for the piercing you desire.
Remember, the smaller the gauge, the larger the needle. (Standard piercings are 14; traditional IV needles are around 22)
If you drop the needle after it has been opened, or touch the bare needle without gloves on, throw it away! It is no longer sterile and you will run an increased risk for infection if you use it.
Using a larger gauge than suggested may lead to migration of the piercing, and create issues for healing, and safety of the piercing.
