piercings

Piercings are a form of body modification in which a hole is created in the skin or mucous membrane to allow insertion of jewelry. Common sites include the earlobe, cartilage, nose, lips, tongue, navel, nipples, and genital areas. People pursue piercings for aesthetic, cultural, or personal reasons.

Piercing has been practiced in many cultures for centuries, with variations in meaning and technique. In modern contexts, professional studios emphasize hygienic procedures and informed consent, while regulatory rules regarding age, supervision, and licensing vary by country.

Most piercings are performed by trained practitioners using sterile equipment and single-use needles or appropriate instruments. Aftercare typically includes regular saline rinses or gentle cleaning, avoiding alcohol or harsh products, and leaving the jewelry in place during the initial healing period unless advised otherwise. Premature jewelry changes are discouraged.

Healing times depend on site and individual factors. Earlobe piercings often heal within several weeks, while cartilage, genital, or nipple piercings may take months. Common risks include infection, allergic reactions to metals (especially nickel), migration or embedding of the jewelry, scarring, and potential nerve or tissue injury. Signs of problems include persistent redness, swelling, pain, discharge, or fever.

Jewelry materials recommended for initial wear are inert metals such as surgical stainless steel, titanium, or niobium, or high-quality gold or platinum; avoid nickel-containing alloys. The choice of jewelry, gauge, and length should be guided by the site and professional advice to minimize trauma.