Risks associated with piercings

Piercings are generally safe if they are pierced correctly and proper aftercare is followed. However, there are some potential risks and complications that can occur. This should not be an obstacle to getting a piercing, but you should be well informed beforehand so that you act correctly in the event of possible complications.

Here are the most common risks associated with piercings:

Infections

• Cause
  Bacteria can enter the stitch canal if care is inadequate or the piercing area comes into contact with unclean hands or unclean tools.
  
  
• Symptoms
  Redness, swelling, pain, pus secretion or unpleasant odor.
  
  
• Prevention
  Keep the piercing clean and disinfect it regularly. Always wash your hands before caring for the piercing and avoid touching the jewelry unnecessarily.

Rejection of the piercing

• Cause
  The body may react negatively to the piercing and try to fight it off by pushing the piercing material outwards.
  
  
• Symptoms
  The piercing may hurt, swell and become inflamed.
  
  
• Prevention
  Use high-quality jewelry made of hypoallergenic material such as titanium or surgical steel to reduce the risk of rejection.

Scarring (game meat / hypergranulation)

• Cause
  Some people are prone to excessive scarring, especially if they are genetically predisposed to it. This can occur with piercings if the body produces more tissue than is necessary.
  
  
• Symptoms
  Excess, raised scar tissue that grows beyond the piercing area.
  
  
• Prevention
  Take care to look after the piercing properly and do not rub it unnecessarily. If wild meat / hypergranulation is suspected, treatment with hydrogen peroxide or a silicone disc should be started.

Piercing injuries

• Cause
  Pulling on the jewelry, catching on clothing or bumping against the piercing area can cause injuries.
  
  
• Symptoms
  Pain, bleeding, tears in the piercing channel.
  
  
• Prevention
  Avoid touching the piercing unnecessarily and do not wear tight, scratchy clothing that can catch on the jewelry.

Allergic reactions to jewelry materials

• Cause
  The body can have an allergic reaction to certain materials such as nickel or other alloys in jewelry.
  
  
• Symptoms
  Itching, redness, swelling, rashes.
  
  
• Prevention
  Choose piercing jewelry made from hypoallergenic materials such as titanium or Bioflex.

Bleeding

• Cause
  Piercings, especially in areas with many blood vessels such as the nose or tongue, can lead to more severe bleeding if a blood vessel is injured.
  
  
• Symptoms
  Persistent bleeding after piercing.
  
  
• Prevention
  An experienced piercer avoids piercing areas with larger blood vessels and uses sterile needles to minimize injury.

Pain or discomfort during healing

• Cause
  With any piercing, a certain amount of healing pain and discomfort is normal. However, sometimes there may be persistent or severe pain.
  
  
• Symptoms
  Persistent pain that goes beyond the normal healing time.
  
  
• Prevention
  If pain or discomfort persists, a piercer or doctor should be consulted.

Oral health risks (for oral piercings)

• Cause
  Piercings in the mouth area, such as tongue or lip piercings, can increase the risk of dental problems, gum recession or infections.
  
  
• Symptoms
  Teeth can be damaged by the jewelry or gum inflammation can occur.
  
  
• Prevention
  Avoid biting the jewelry frequently and ensure good oral hygiene to prevent infections.

Loss of jewelry

• Cause
  The jewelry may come loose or fall out due to movement or friction.
  
  
• Symptoms
  The jewelry is pulled out of the piercing.
  
  
• Prevention
  Make sure that the jewelry fits well and check regularly that it is screwed on tightly.

Ingrown piercings

• Cause
  If the piercing channel does not heal properly or if the jewelry is too tight, the piercing can become ingrown, which can lead to pain and infection.
  
  
• Symptoms
  Painful area, redness, pus formation.
  
  
• Prevention
  Make sure you choose the right jewelry for your piercing and avoid changing the jewelry too soon.

General recommendations for avoiding hazards:

• Have your piercing done by a professional piercer
  An experienced piercer uses sterile tools and ensures that the piercing area is clean and correct.
  
  
• Follow the care instructions
  Make sure you care for your piercing thoroughly and regularly to avoid infections and other complications.
  
  
• Avoid unnecessary friction or movement
  Do not rub the piercing area unnecessarily and avoid touching the jewelry too often.
  
  
• Watch out for signs of complications
  If you notice symptoms such as persistent pain, redness, pus or other unusual signs, consult a piercer or doctor in good time.

With proper care and attention, you can minimize many of the potential problems with piercings and reduce the risk of complications.