Tattoos and piercings have become an integral part of piercings in Morehead City culture. From celebrating self-expression to honoring loved ones, body art is a common practice among residents. While there are a variety of reasons for getting a body piercing, there are some concerns to consider. For many, the first step is finding a licensed piercer in your area that offers high-quality jewelry that’s safe for your health.
Besides finding a reputable piercer, it’s important to do your research on the type of piercing you want. Some piercings are more painful than others, and you should consider this before making your decision. In addition, it’s a good idea to talk to people who have a similar piercing and find out what to expect.
Before getting a piercing, you should have all the proper immunizations to prevent infection and should avoid any alcohol or drugs that can affect the healing process. If you’re under 18, some places won’t do piercings without a parent’s consent. It’s also recommended to get a piercing after you’ve reached full maturity and are old enough to understand the responsibility involved.
A piercing involves inserting a needle through the skin or cartilage to create a hole for an anchor. The anchor, which resembles a tiny screw with a flat base, sticks out of the hole so that different heads (studs, gems, etc.) can be screwed onto it. The type of piercing you have will determine what kind of jewelry is best for you.
Generally, the best type of jewelry for a new piercing is made from a material that’s nickel-free and sterilized. For example, you should use only titanium or surgical grade stainless steel for a new ear piercing. Jewelry that contains metals that aren’t sterile may cause an infection, which can be serious for some people. The APP recommends using jewelry that is approved by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or ISO 10993-6, 10993-10, or 10993-11 compliant.
It’s also a good idea to use a high-quality, solid barbell instead of a stud in an ear piercing. These have a larger surface area that’s less likely to develop a bacterial infection. In addition, they’re easier to clean.
Most of the time, a new piercing heals quickly and is no longer sore. You should still keep the piercing clean by washing it twice a day with soap and water. It’s also a good idea to avoid eating spicy or salty foods, or foods that are acidic or have a lot of sugar. This can cause an infection in the piercing and make it sore.
If you’re having trouble with your piercing, you should contact the piercer and make an appointment for it to be cleaned. You should also check with your doctor if you experience redness, swelling, tenderness or pus around the site of the piercing. It’s also important to note that you shouldn’t remove your jewelry until the piercing has fully healed. If you do, the hole in your skin or cartilage could close up and leave scar tissue behind.