Piercing is popular among today's teens. Most parents with eventually hear the question: "Mom/Dad, can I get my [body part] pierced?" In California, piercing is allowed with parental permission, so when you hear the question, breathe, smile, and say: "Let me think about it."

Here is some information you need to know.

How is it done?

A hollow needle is passed through the body part, and jewelry is inserted into the hole. A piercing gun should not be used because it crushes the tissues that are pierced and it cannot be properly sterilized.

How do the holes heal?

Skin heals after piercing by forming a layer of cells called epithelial cells along the inside of the piercing. This protects the body from the foreign object. The epithelial cells form a tube-like layer of skin along the inside of the piercing. The process takes at least six to eight weeks, although most body piercings require at least six months to a year before the jewelry can be removed for any length of time without the risk of the hole closing.

After the epithelial layer has formed, the piercing may constrict around the jewelry. The epithelial layer can be easily torn or dislodged, so do not force the jewelry to rotate without first applying warm water. Once the epithelial cell layer forms, it must toughen and strengthen for up to a year before the piercing will become more flexible and relaxed around the jewelry.

Caring for the Piercing Site

• First, make sure that your piercing is done with a sterile object (single use), and that jewelry inserted in the new piercing site is also sterile. This prevents bacteria and foreign objects from entering the body.


• All new piercing produces a sticky white or off-white discharge that dries into a crusty formation around the opening of the piercing and on the jewelry. The area around the new piercing should be kept clean.


• Do not touch the new piercing (unless cleaning it). Wash your hands with antibacterial soap before cleaning the piercing.


• Sea salt-water soaks are good to loosen up crusty formations. You can make salt water by adding 1/4 teaspoon of salt to 12 ounces of clean water.


• For piercing in your ear or around your face, avoid make-up and powders in that area during the healing process. Cover the pierced area with a tissue when applying hair spray.


• For body piercing, do not wear tight clothes.


• For navel piercing, do not wear large belts, stockings or body suits, and do not sleep on your stomach. Good air circulation is important for healing.


• Be careful where you swim. Avoid public pools and hot tubs until the piercing has healed.

Signs of Infection

See your health care provider if you experience any of the following:

• Pain that does not go away within a day or two,


• Increased pain, unusual pain or swelling in the piercing site,


• If the area feels hot to the touch,


• If you see red lines starting from piercing,


• If you see oozing, bleeding, pus.

Do not remove your jewelry. If the jewelry is removed, the openings of the piercing may close and trap the infection, which can create an abscess (a pus-filled, painful area).

Oral Piercing and Dental Health

No matter where you get a piercing, you could have an infection or sensitivity. Piercings in the mouth have some specific additional risks, according to the American Dental Association.

Metal jewelry in the mouth can cause irritation to the soft tissue in the mouth, and it can cause the gums to recede due to constant irritation. Constant contact of the jewelry against the teeth can cause chipping and cracking of the teeth, and jewelry that comes unfastened can be a choking hazard.

Picking a studio -- where to get it done?

If you say yes to the piercing, consider accompanying your teen to the piercing studio. Have your teen research local piercing studios and select one based on these criteria:

• Is the shop clean, well lit, and licensed by the county?


• Does the studio use an autoclave to sterilize equipment?


• Are needles used only once and thrown away?


• Is a consent form and photo ID required?


• Does the piercer use gloves and wash his or her hands thoroughly between customers?

Then, make an appointment and go together. You will both need a photo ID. You can ask the piercer to discuss the health issues before the piercing and the aftercare guidelines after the piercing.

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Disclaimer: This content is the opinion of the author(s) and not necessarily that of your health care provider, the Palo Alto Medical Clinic, the Palo Alto Medical Foundation or Sutter Health. This information is provided for your general information and education only, and should not be relied upon for personal diagnosis or treatment. If you feel like you have an illness or need emotional support for a problem, please contact you personal physician NOW.