Piercing FAQ
If you are thinking of getting a body piercing, you are bound to have questions. Here you will find answers about procedures, safety and aftercare of this popular art form.
Lost or Swallowed Body Jewelry
Losing or swallowing part or all of a barbell, CBR or other piece of body jewelry is very common but can still result in a moment of panic. Learn ways to save your piercing and find out what to do if you accidentally swallow your jewelry.
Losing or swallowing part or all of a barbell, CBR or other piece of body jewelry is very common but can still result in a moment of panic. Learn ways to save your piercing and find out what to do if you accidentally swallow your jewelry.
Glossary Definition - Stretching
What is stretching and how is it done?
What is stretching and how is it done?
Glossary Definition - Fistula
Definition of the word fistula and how it applies to body piercings.
Definition of the word fistula and how it applies to body piercings.
Glossary Definition - Claws and Talons
What are claws and talons and why are they tapered? What are they used for?
What are claws and talons and why are they tapered? What are they used for?
Glossary Definition - Taping
What is taping and how does it help to stretch a piercing?
What is taping and how does it help to stretch a piercing?
Glossary Definition - Scalpelling (As it Relates to Stretching a Piercing)
What is scalpelling and how is it used to stretch a piercing?
What is scalpelling and how is it used to stretch a piercing?
Glossary Definition - Weights (Piercing Stretching)
What are weights and how are they used to stretch a piercing?
What are weights and how are they used to stretch a piercing?
Glossary Definition - Tapering
What is tapering and how is it done?
What is tapering and how is it done?
It's only been a few weeks, but my piercing feels great! Can I stop cleaning it?
If you've had a piercing for a couple of weeks and it already feels healed, is it okay to stop cleaning it?
If you've had a piercing for a couple of weeks and it already feels healed, is it okay to stop cleaning it?
Should I Let My Friend Pierce Me? They Got One of Those Kits So It's Clean.
Home piercing kits with basic instructions are available to anyone, not just professionals. But does that mean they're safe?
Home piercing kits with basic instructions are available to anyone, not just professionals. But does that mean they're safe?
My nose piercing is swollen and I can't get the earring backing on
If your nose piercing is too swollen to get the earring backing back on, then that in itself is the source of your problem.
If your nose piercing is too swollen to get the earring backing back on, then that in itself is the source of your problem.
How do You Put the Beads Back in The Ring?
If you had to take your captive bead ring jewelry out or the ball bead popped out somehow, putting them back in can be tricky, but it can be done.
If you had to take your captive bead ring jewelry out or the ball bead popped out somehow, putting them back in can be tricky, but it can be done.
I have sensitive skin; I can't even have my ears pierced. What about my nose?
If you have very sensitive skin, will it be possible for you to get a body piercing? What if your ear piercings always get infected? Does that mean you can't get anything pierced?
If you have very sensitive skin, will it be possible for you to get a body piercing? What if your ear piercings always get infected? Does that mean you can't get anything pierced?
If I have a stretched piercing, but remove the jewelry, will it shrink back?
If you've stretched a piercing but want it to shrink back, there are a few things to consider to figure out whether or not that is possible.
If you've stretched a piercing but want it to shrink back, there are a few things to consider to figure out whether or not that is possible.
Would Used but Autoclaved Jewlery be Clean and Safe to Use?
Is used body jewelry safe to use as long as it's been sterilized in an autoclave?
Is used body jewelry safe to use as long as it's been sterilized in an autoclave?
What gauge do they use when piercing?
Find out what a guage is, what size jewelry is common for most piercings and how to figure out what gauge your piercing or jewelry is.
Find out what a guage is, what size jewelry is common for most piercings and how to figure out what gauge your piercing or jewelry is.
Would Three Piercings Fit on One Ear Lobe?
Is it possible to fit multiple piercings on the soft tissue of the ear lobe before running into cartilage?
Is it possible to fit multiple piercings on the soft tissue of the ear lobe before running into cartilage?
Is starting at $2000 a good estimate for an apprenticeship?
How much is a reasonable amount for a piercing apprenticeship? How much money can you expect training to cost?
How much is a reasonable amount for a piercing apprenticeship? How much money can you expect training to cost?
Why does it matter if I have earrings in when they just want x-rays of my mouth?
Find out why your doctor or dentist will ask you to remove your body jewelry before they take x-rays.
Find out why your doctor or dentist will ask you to remove your body jewelry before they take x-rays.
Is Organic Jewlery Safe for New Piercings or Long Term Wear?
Is organic jewelry safe for new piercings? Is it okay to wear them for long periods of time?
Is organic jewelry safe for new piercings? Is it okay to wear them for long periods of time?
I have a bump around my piercing. How do I get rid of it?
If you have a bump or sore around your piercing, it is more than likely not a keloid and it is easily removable. Find out what it could be and how to get rid of it.
If you have a bump or sore around your piercing, it is more than likely not a keloid and it is easily removable. Find out what it could be and how to get rid of it.
Should I Allow My Friend to Pierce Me With a Kit or Needle?
Is it okay to allow a friend to pierce you with a needle or kit? And is it OK to pierce them?
Is it okay to allow a friend to pierce you with a needle or kit? And is it OK to pierce them?
If you get your tongue pierced, will you wake up with a mouthful of blood?
Do tongue piercings bleed a lot? Do you have to worry about waking up in the morning with a mouth full of blood?
Do tongue piercings bleed a lot? Do you have to worry about waking up in the morning with a mouth full of blood?
Does a nose piercing have to be done with a CBR (ring)?
A lot of piercers will automatically use captive bead ring (CBR) jewelry for a new nostril piercing. Does it have to be done with a ring or can it be pierced with a nostril screw or nose bone?
A lot of piercers will automatically use captive bead ring (CBR) jewelry for a new nostril piercing. Does it have to be done with a ring or can it be pierced with a nostril screw or nose bone?
What is a Keloid and What Can be Done if You Have One?
What is a keloid? Is any bump or growth a keloid? What can you do if you have a keloid?
What is a keloid? Is any bump or growth a keloid? What can you do if you have a keloid?
Can body jewelry attract lightning?
Does body jewelry attract lightning? Are you a target in a storm if you have body piercings?
Does body jewelry attract lightning? Are you a target in a storm if you have body piercings?
Can body jewelry set off metal detectors?
Can body jewelry set off metal detectors at airports and other security stations?
Can body jewelry set off metal detectors at airports and other security stations?
I think my piercing is infected. Should I take the jewelry out?
If your piercing is infected, what should you do? Should you take the jewelry out or leave it in?
If your piercing is infected, what should you do? Should you take the jewelry out or leave it in?
Why Do Piercings Leak and What is the Crusty Stuff Around It?
Explanation of the yellow ooze that leaks from piercings and dries hard.
Explanation of the yellow ooze that leaks from piercings and dries hard.
Should Jewelry be Rotated During Cleaning?
Should body jewelry be rotated during cleaning or not? Get the answer to this question.
Should body jewelry be rotated during cleaning or not? Get the answer to this question.
Is it Safe to Get a Piercing If I'm Sick?
Is it safe to get a piercing if your sick with a cold or other illness?
Is it safe to get a piercing if your sick with a cold or other illness?
Is it OK to Work Out With a New Piercing?
Is it OK to keep working out at the gym if you have a new piercing?
Is it OK to keep working out at the gym if you have a new piercing?
What Piercing Should I Get?
Answer to the commonly asked question - what piercing would be best for you to get?
Answer to the commonly asked question - what piercing would be best for you to get?
Should I Tip My Piercing Artist?
Should you tip your piercing artist? Get the answer here.
Should you tip your piercing artist? Get the answer here.
How Much Do Body Piercings Cost?
Answer to the commonly asked question - how much do body piercings cost?
Answer to the commonly asked question - how much do body piercings cost?
Can Numbing Cream be Used Before a Piercing?
Answer to the common question - can numbing cream be used before a piercing?
Answer to the common question - can numbing cream be used before a piercing?
Do Body Piercings Hurt?
Answer to the commonly asked question - do body piercings hurt?
Answer to the commonly asked question - do body piercings hurt?
What Should I Expect to Happen When I Go to Get a Piercing?
Answer to the commonly asked question about what to expect when you go to get a body piercing.
Answer to the commonly asked question about what to expect when you go to get a body piercing.
Are Body Piercings Safe?
Answer to the commonly asked question - are piercings safe?
Answer to the commonly asked question - are piercings safe?
Will a Stretched Piercing Shrink Back if the Jewelry is Removed?
Will a stretched piercing shrink back to normal size if the jewelry is removed?
Will a stretched piercing shrink back to normal size if the jewelry is removed?
Is Used Body Jewelry Safe To Buy Or Sell If It's Been Autoclaved?
If used body jewelry has been autoclave sterilized, would it be safe to re-sell or buy?
If used body jewelry has been autoclave sterilized, would it be safe to re-sell or buy?
Body Piercings and Sexual Issues Part 2 - Male Genital Piercings
Male genital piercings may or may not enhance the sexual experience. It depends upon several factors listed in this article, and can have a very different result from one person to the next.
Male genital piercings may or may not enhance the sexual experience. It depends upon several factors listed in this article, and can have a very different result from one person to the next.
Body Piercings and Sexual Issues - Part 1 - Female Genital Piercings
There seems to be some confusion about just how much a piercing can actually enhance the sexual experience. Part 1 of this mini-series addresses female genital piercings and how they may or may not affect sexual stimulation.
There seems to be some confusion about just how much a piercing can actually enhance the sexual experience. Part 1 of this mini-series addresses female genital piercings and how they may or may not affect sexual stimulation.
Nipple Piercing Questions and Answers
Answers to the most commonly asked questions about nipple piercings.
Answers to the most commonly asked questions about nipple piercings.
Beginner's Guide to Getting Pierced
The (almost) complete guide to body piercings - includes information on proper names, locations, starter jewelry recommendations, expected healing times and answers to the most common piercing questions.
The (almost) complete guide to body piercings - includes information on proper names, locations, starter jewelry recommendations, expected healing times and answers to the most common piercing questions.
Do Body Piercings Set Off Metal Detectors?
Coming across a security metal detector can be ominous if you have piercings you don't want anyone else to know about. What are the chances your piercing will set off the alarm?
Coming across a security metal detector can be ominous if you have piercings you don't want anyone else to know about. What are the chances your piercing will set off the alarm?
Piercing: The Gun vs. The Needle
The piercing gun is widely used in mall and department stores - and professional piercing artists want to see it BANNED. Why? Find out why the gun is so dangerous and how the needle compares.
The piercing gun is widely used in mall and department stores - and professional piercing artists want to see it BANNED. Why? Find out why the gun is so dangerous and how the needle compares.
Frostbite! Are the pierced at risk?
Anyone can be subject to frostbite if exposed to extreme cold, but those with piercings are even more at risk. Find out why and how you can prevent it.
Anyone can be subject to frostbite if exposed to extreme cold, but those with piercings are even more at risk. Find out why and how you can prevent it.
Should You Tip Your Piercing Artist?
Should you tip your tattoo or piercing artist, and if so, how much? See what the professionals say and get some ideas from tipping customers.
Should you tip your tattoo or piercing artist, and if so, how much? See what the professionals say and get some ideas from tipping customers.
Does Body Jewelry Attract Lightening?
A 17 year-old was hit by lightening and doctors blamed his tongue ring. Is this possible? Pediactrics guide, Vincent Iannelli, M.D., separates fact from fiction.
A 17 year-old was hit by lightening and doctors blamed his tongue ring. Is this possible? Pediactrics guide, Vincent Iannelli, M.D., separates fact from fiction.
Interactive Gauge Chart
This gauge chart will work no matter what your resolution is - just grab a U.S. quarter and you're on your way to learning exactly what jewelry sizes really look like.
This gauge chart will work no matter what your resolution is - just grab a U.S. quarter and you're on your way to learning exactly what jewelry sizes really look like.
Piercing Experiences
See what others thought of their piercing experience. Read their personal thoughts on the process, pain, and healing.
See what others thought of their piercing experience. Read their personal thoughts on the process, pain, and healing.
Piercing Gun vs. Needle
Answers to commonly asked questions. Discussion on the piercing gun versus the needle.
Answers to commonly asked questions. Discussion on the piercing gun versus the needle.
Style and Size
Extensive information on the different styles and designs of piercing jewelry, and the differences between gauge sizes in metric and U.S. standard measurements.
Extensive information on the different styles and designs of piercing jewelry, and the differences between gauge sizes in metric and U.S. standard measurements.
Tribalectic: Body Piercing Resource Ezine
Tribalectic is a new and exciting ezine dedicated to the piercing community. With articles, information, piercing-friendly employers and physicians and so much more, this is a community you will want to be part of.
Tribalectic is a new and exciting ezine dedicated to the piercing community. With articles, information, piercing-friendly employers and physicians and so much more, this is a community you will want to be part of.
What is Body Jewelry Made of?
Detailed descriptions of different materials used, both metal and non-metal. Also warns against the new and popular "glow in the dark" jewelry.
Detailed descriptions of different materials used, both metal and non-metal. Also warns against the new and popular "glow in the dark" jewelry.