Body piercing has become extremely popular in recent years and has entered the mainstream of society. It seems like almost everyone wears some kind of piercing these days, be it a pierced tongue, nose, lip, eyebrow, navel, the traditional ear piercing, or any other body part – hidden or visible.

If you’re considering getting piercings, keep safety and hygiene at the top of your checklist, as piercing carries some inherent risks. Here are ten (10) tips to follow to ensure your piercing is done safely and does not result in a potentially dangerous infection.

1) Use a professional body piercer.

Body piercing is much more complicated than just pushing a needle through a part of your body. Make sure to choose a reliable professional who is experienced and reputable. You can consult the body artist before deciding to pierce. Do not do your piercing at home, as DIY attempts at home are much more likely to cause infections or serious complications.

2) Ask questions

Interview your potential piercer the same way you would a new doctor. (You’re interviewing your health care providers, aren’t you?) Don’t hesitate to ask about their cleanliness and disease prevention procedures. diseases such as AIDS, hepatitis and many infections can be spread through the use of dirty needles. It is in your best interest to choose your piercing professional carefully to ensure that the quality of your health is not compromised. Don’t feel embarrassed or ashamed to ask the necessary questions, it is your health that is at stake.

3) Choose your piercing wisely.

Every body type is different and it is not possible for everyone to successfully pierce their chosen spot. When you choose the professional who will pierce your body, make sure that the piercing you want can be done successfully. For example, some people are unable to have their tongues pierced due to the orientation of essential nerves and blood vessels. People with an external navel are unlikely to be able to get a piercing because of the orientation of the navel.

4) Think about the impact on your life

Before getting a piercing, consider the impact it will have on your life. While piercings are more acceptable in today’s society than ever before, it is true that many employers still frown upon visible piercings. No matter what you think about piercings, when it comes to work, keep in mind that others may think differently. Realize that you are discriminated against or viewed in an unfavorable light by some people because of your piercings.

5) Choose high quality jewelry.

Choose only quality metals or plastics with a high carbonate content that will not cause irritation or infection in your body. Avoid cheap or fragile body jewelry and choose quality over design. Look for surgical grade gold, sterling silver, titanium, or stainless steel jewelry.

6) Keep it dry.

After your piercing, keep the hole dry until it heals. Do not expose your piercing to saliva, sweat, chlorinated water or salt water, as all these liquids can cause an infection.

7) Keep it clean.

Make sure not only to keep it dry, but also to keep the hole clean to avoid infection. Your body sees the piercing as a wound, and as with any wound, you need to keep it clean. Infections do not differentiate between puncture wounds and piercing.

8) Avoid applying makeup.

If you get a piercing in your face, make sure you don’t contaminate the hole with makeup. Cosmetic products contain oils and other substances that can enter the piercing and cause an infection.

9) Beware of infections.

Infections can occur very quickly and cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Warning signs may include discharge from the wound, pain, fever, swelling, redness, and general discomfort.

10) Seek medical help if there is a problem.

Seek immediate medical attention if your piercing shows any complications or signs of infection. You should also see your doctor if your piercing is always painful and doesn’t seem to be healing as it should.