If you're thinking about getting pierced, do your research first. If you're under 18, some places won't allow you to get a piercing without a parent's permission. The most important thing to remember is to be safe. Make sure the piercing place you go to is professional, safe and clean. Never try to perform a piercing on yourself or allow one of your friends to do it!

During Your Piercing

This is what you should expect from getting a body part pierced:

• The area you've chosen to be pierced (except for the tongue) is cleaned with a germicidal soap (a soap that kills disease-causing bacteria and microorganisms).
• Your skin is then punctured with a very sharp, clean needle.
• The piece of jewellery, which has already been sterilized, is attached to the area.
• The person performing the piercing disposes of the needle in a special container so that there is no risk of the needle or blood touching someone else.
• Your pierced area is cleaned.
• The person performing your piercing checks and adjusts the jewellery.
• The person performing your piercing gives you instructions on how to make sure your new piercing heals correctly and what to do if there is a problem.

Aftercare

Depending on the body part, healing times can take anywhere from a few weeks to more than a year. If you do get a piercing, make sure you take good care of it afterward – don't pick or tug at it, keep the area clean with soap (not alcohol), and don't touch it without washing your hands first. Never use hydrogen peroxide because it can break down newly formed tissue. If you have a mouth piercing, use an alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash after eating. If your piercing doesn't heal correctly or you feel something might be wrong, it's important to get medical attention. 

How do you feel about piercings? Do have any yourself? If so, do you have any useful tips or warnings you'd like to tell others about? Join the discussion to share your ideas.

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