Body piercing is in now - big time! It is cool; it is hip and happening, all over the world. When one goes out, it is impossible not to notice someone with a body piercing. Eyebrows, ears, nose, belly button, chin, lips and even tongues - piercings can be seen on almost all body parts. Some people also go in for piercing of their private parts. Multiple piercings are not uncommon. But is it safe?
This article studies the A to Z of body piercing, as far as the hygiene aspect of it is concerned. The meaning and history of body piercing, its evolution as a fashion statement, the process of piercing a body part as well as the precautions that should be taken for the same all of this has been covered extensively in this article.
Meaning and history of body piercing
In simple words, 'body piercing' means 'the process of piercing a part of the human body'. A piece of jewellery is then inserted into the piercing.
The reasons for which body piercing is done can be various, ranging from religion and conforming to the culture of a particular peer group, to eroticism and fashion. In today's times, fashion is the reason for which a majority of people undergo body piercing.
Since when has body piercing been in existence? Well, it is not something recent. Evidences have been found that indicate that body piercing has been in vogue since centuries. The mummified body of tzi the Iceman found on the border between Austria and Italy in the year 1991 has an ear piercing. Experts believe that this body belongs to a person from 3300 BC.
Evidences have been found to indicate that nose piercing has been done in India since as far back as the 16th century. Similarly, there has been evidence to indicate that ear piercing has existed in the Western world since the 20th century. It was in the 1980s that body piercing became common in USA as a fashion. Body piercing was also done by celebrities like Madonna during this period, which made the fashion popular the world over.
Piercing procedure and risks
Usually, the process of body piercing entails the creation of a puncture in a body part using a medical needle. A scalpel or a dermal punch might also be used for this purpose.
Sometimes, piercing guns are used for the purpose of piercing. Using a piercing gun reduces the amount of pain to the piercee. Generally, piercing using guns is done in retail settings such as malls. However, the use of a piercing gun is not without risk. There is the danger of damage to the surrounding tissues, and, in the long run, the risk of deformation of the entire ear, which is known as 'cauliflowering'.
The common health risks associated with body piercing are that of skin infection, scarring, excessive bleeding, allergic reactions to the jewellery used, boils, tetanus, hepatitis B and C, damage to a nerve and/or inflammation. Apart from this, tongue piercing can lead to damage to the teeth in the long run. Similarly, tongue, cheek and lip piercing can lead to damage to the gums over time.
This article studies the A to Z of body piercing, as far as the hygiene aspect of it is concerned. The meaning and history of body piercing, its evolution as a fashion statement, the process of piercing a body part as well as the precautions that should be taken for the same all of this has been covered extensively in this article.
Meaning and history of body piercing
In simple words, 'body piercing' means 'the process of piercing a part of the human body'. A piece of jewellery is then inserted into the piercing.
The reasons for which body piercing is done can be various, ranging from religion and conforming to the culture of a particular peer group, to eroticism and fashion. In today's times, fashion is the reason for which a majority of people undergo body piercing.
Since when has body piercing been in existence? Well, it is not something recent. Evidences have been found that indicate that body piercing has been in vogue since centuries. The mummified body of tzi the Iceman found on the border between Austria and Italy in the year 1991 has an ear piercing. Experts believe that this body belongs to a person from 3300 BC.
Evidences have been found to indicate that nose piercing has been done in India since as far back as the 16th century. Similarly, there has been evidence to indicate that ear piercing has existed in the Western world since the 20th century. It was in the 1980s that body piercing became common in USA as a fashion. Body piercing was also done by celebrities like Madonna during this period, which made the fashion popular the world over.
Piercing procedure and risks
Usually, the process of body piercing entails the creation of a puncture in a body part using a medical needle. A scalpel or a dermal punch might also be used for this purpose.
Sometimes, piercing guns are used for the purpose of piercing. Using a piercing gun reduces the amount of pain to the piercee. Generally, piercing using guns is done in retail settings such as malls. However, the use of a piercing gun is not without risk. There is the danger of damage to the surrounding tissues, and, in the long run, the risk of deformation of the entire ear, which is known as 'cauliflowering'.
The common health risks associated with body piercing are that of skin infection, scarring, excessive bleeding, allergic reactions to the jewellery used, boils, tetanus, hepatitis B and C, damage to a nerve and/or inflammation. Apart from this, tongue piercing can lead to damage to the teeth in the long run. Similarly, tongue, cheek and lip piercing can lead to damage to the gums over time.
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