Getting a piercing involves piercing the skin and therefore an open wound that can lead to the introduction of new elements into the body.
If not performed and managed correctly, a piercing can cause not only discomfort and mild pain, but also possible infections caused by:
- Incorrect piercing procedure
- Failure to comply with proper hygienic-sanitary conditions
- Incorrect or missing piercing aftercare
These bacterial infections manifest through the leakage of a yellowish liquid (pus) from the wound accompanied by swelling, redness, pain, and heat.
However, if all these characteristics are not present, then it is not an infection but simple inflammation.
In fact, infection should not be confused with the normal healing process: during this period, it is possible for liquid to leak from the piercing (lymphatic secretion). This does not mean there are complications, but indicates the correct healing phase of the piercing.
How to prevent piercing infection
Even though infection is a common complication related to piercings, this doesn’t mean it can’t be avoided.
On the contrary, it can be effectively prevented by following a few rules:
- Go to a professional Piercer
- Use sterile single-use tools
- Choose certified quality jewelry
- Follow piercing aftercare rules
Preventing piercing infection: go to a professional Piercer
The fundamental rule to avoid the appearance of a piercing infection is to rely exclusively on expert and specialized Piercers.
This means turning to professionals who hold the Regional Certification attesting to their professional training and who work in Studios authorized to perform piercing activities.
This guarantees not only getting the necessary pre-piercing consultation, compliance with all essential hygienic-sanitary standards, and the use of the right tools during every phase, but also receiving useful tips and suggestions after the procedure.
Use sterile single-use tools to prevent piercing infection
Another important aspect in performing a safe piercing concerns the “work tools” used by the piercer.
Needles, forceps, and gloves must be strictly single-use, therefore used for each individual client only once (taken from sealed packages opened at the moment).
Furthermore, they must be autoclave sterilized (a process that, through high temperatures, allows for correct and thorough cleaning).
This allows for avoiding the transmission of pathogens and prevents infections during the piercing process.
Piercing infection: choose certified quality jewelry
When talking about Piercing, it’s important to know that the quality of the jewelry is fundamental for the care of the hole and for its stability over time, but also to avoid the risk of infection.
It is always good practice to choose, among those available on the market, only materials considered valid and safe for fresh piercings, which do not contain allergenic agents and substances (such as nickel).
The wrong jewelry can not only lead to slowed or blocked healing, but also cause allergies, skin darkening, itching, swelling, and infection. The ideal material is Titanium, 100% compatible with the human body.
In any case, it is recommended to always choose jewelry that complies with specific standards and regulations, so as to have a total guarantee of quality and safety.
Follow piercing aftercare rules to avoid piercing infection
Following piercing aftercare rules is another essential aspect to prevent infection and promote rapid healing without complications.
Among the most useful tips for every type of piercing are:
- avoid bumps or trauma to the jewelry and avoid touching, moving, scratching, and pushing the new piercing both during the healing phase and once healed
- clean the piercing a couple of times a day and never touch it with dirty hands
- do not submerge the piercing in water (sea, pool, spas, saunas, etc.)
- do not sleep on the piercing during the first few days after the procedure
- if the piercing is on the body, avoid wearing clothes that are too tight which can rub against the piercing and cause irritation
- avoid contact with irritating substances
How to treat piercing infection if it occurs
If after the piercing or in the following days redness, swelling, pain, and pus discharge should occur around the jewelry, the first thing to do is contact the piercer immediately who performed the work.
These represent the common signs of an infection, but they can also just be small normal complications in the healing phase of the open wound.
The piercer, by analyzing the area, can confirm or rule out the infection and what caused it (so acting in time is fundamental), and will be able to advise you on how to proceed so the situation can be resolved as soon as possible.
In any case, avoid removing the piercing, as the pus could drain and form an abscess. Treatment usually involves medications to be applied directly to the skin or, in more serious cases, the administration of oral antibiotics.
How to become a professional piercer with MTS
At Milano Tattoo School, one of the most requested and highly educational courses is the 1500-hour Piercing Operator course.
It is a complete training path that allows you to become a professional piercer and:
- learn the knowledge and skills necessary to perform piercings safely
- master all the fundamental tools to be able to enter the job market
- know how to manage and carry out the future profession of piercing operator independently
In particular, the piercing operator course is a learning path divided between classroom lessons and laboratory sessions held by a Staff of high-profile professional and expert Piercers. During the lessons, advanced technologies, innovative teaching, and high-quality equipment are used.
In addition to issuing the Regional Certification recognized throughout the national and European territory, the MTS Piercing Operator course allows you to grow and emerge in the international piercing scene.
Furthermore, for those who want to specialize in the world of piercing, MTS offers the Technical Piercing course aimed at novice Piercers and professional Piercers with 30 hours of training to deepen techniques, tools, procedures, and practices:
- Basic principles of Dermatology and accurate tissue analysis
- Workstation preparation, material safety, equipment use
- Analysis of piercing jewelry types and application
- Piercing execution techniques with cannula needle, forceps, and Free-hand
- Illustration of problems during and after execution and specific care
- Practical demonstration
The course consists of specific lessons, demonstrations, and practical tests (guided by Dimitri Daleno, world-renowned Piercer) and performing piercings on people, also addressing the problems and specific care of all the most common commercial piercings, including infections.
Do you want to become a professional piercer?
Discover all the Milano Tattoo School courses