The (experienced) People Vs. the Law

If you can tell one thing about me from this blog, it is that I am a firm supporter of the APP (Association of Professional Piercers).  This has it's perks and it's downfalls in the position that I am in.  It is great because it allows me to give out great advice to people in regards to their piercing, whether healed, healing, or not done yet.  The drawbacks is that not everyone cares about getting or giving safe piercings.  Many of the steps that the APP requires a piercer to take to be certified strike people and piercers alike as inconvenient or unnecessary and they opt to not follow through with them.  One of the biggest arguments I hear is: "If the shop is open, it has to be doing everything right."  This couldn't be more wrong, just because the shop is following all of the legal standards does not mean that they are doing everything to ensure you are getting a safe piercing.  All of the laws regarding piercings were established by government officials.  Now I don't know about you, but if I am looking for piercing advice I am not writing to my governor or state representative.  It's just someone writing rules about something they know nothing about.  I am sure they consulted doctors but piercing is completely different, please understand I am by no means trying to downplay the knowledge or intelligence of our doctors.  However, it would be the same as asking a bone specialist for detailed safety information on heart surgery, some parts would be accurate, but they wouldn't know everything.
All that to say, your choice on a shop and your piercing aftercare should not be made based on money or convenience, it should be based on skill and proper technique.  Get pierced by an APP certified piercer and don't rush or neglect the healing process. 
Until next time,
Miles...

Dermal Anchors...WTF?

For sometime now I have had a fascination with dermal anchors, however when I bring it up to my friends and co-workers I am often met with a confused look.  Even after I explain it to them they still don't really get it.  So I figure it would be a good idea to do a post about it.
A dermal implants is known by a few different names: Microdermal, surface anchor, or dermal anchor.  It is simply a flat plate sitting beneath the skin with a single exit hole for a barbell post, so it looks as though the jewelery is screwed directly into the body.
There are two widely used methods (not saying there are only two ways to do it, just two very popular methods) that are done to create the anchor.

1. Needle: The first method is done with a standard hollow point needle (usually a 10 gauge).  It is done very similar to a standard surface piercing though it is much faster. 
   
   
   • The entry is marked
   • The needle is then pushed through at a downward angle a few millimeters
   • The long end of the anchor is then pushed into the hole
   • Finally the short end is tucked in the hole as well
   This way works, however the chance of rejection is higher due to the fact that you have an angled hole in your skin which is a fairly straight path for the body to push it back out.
2. Punch and Taper: The second method uses a 1.5mm dermal punch instead of a needle and is rather fast in both the piercing and healing process.
   
   
   • The entry is marked
   • The skin is pinched
   • The dermal anchor is pressed in straight down making a hole perpendicular to the skin ending where the epidermis meets the dermis
   • The anchor is then inserted down then when it reaches the end of the hole, turned inward slightly separating the epidermis and the dermis
   The rejection rate of this method is at a surprisingly low < 2%.  The main reason is the angle of the hole, since the hole matches the shape of the anchor perfectly it does not require your body to contour to the jewelry, so your body just heals around it.

The healing process, as with any other piercing varies from artist to artist but are very similar to surface piercings.  Keep the area clean, dry, and free of irritants.  Healing time 1-3 months.

Until next time,
Miles...

Proper Care

As soon as you show up to your circle of friends with a new piercing, suddenly EVERYONE is a professional with how to clean it.  Nothing frustrates me more than someone who runs their mouth about things they don't know.  Especially when it comes to important issues such as proper aftercare.  Now, if you took the time to research local shops and made an educated decision, you can simply follow the directions they give you after and go on having a healthy, nice looking piercing.  However this is not usually the case.  Whether your experience began in high school with your friend telling you about a place that doesn't card, or asking yourself why there are a few empty 40's sitting in the room you are receiving your new holes in.  The fact is, you probably were not instructed in proper healing techniques.  I am not claiming to be a professional, nor am I claiming to have all the answers, but I do know where to look.  I mentioned The APP, The Association of Professional Piercers, in my last blog and can assure you I will be doing that on a regular basis in hopes that I will be able to convince you that they are THE resource when it comes to body piercing and modification (I also do not claim to be a member of The APP I just believe in what they stand for).  Now back to aftercare. 
Suggested Aftercare Guidelines for Body Piercings


Cleaning Solutions (links to suggested solutions at the bottom)

Use one or both of the following solutions for healing piercings:

• Packaged sterile saline solution with no additives (read the label), or a non-iodized sea salt mixture: Dissolve 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized (iodine-free) sea salt into one cup (8 oz.) of warm distilled or bottled water. A stronger mixture is not better; a saline solution that is too strong can irritate the piercing.

• A mild, fragrance-free liquid soap—preferably anti-microbial or germicidal.
CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS FOR BODY PIERCINGS

• WASH your hands thoroughly prior to cleaning or touching your piercing for any reason.

• SALINE soak for five to ten minutes once or more per day. Invert a cup of warm saline solution over the area to form a vacuum. For certain piercings it may be easier to apply using clean gauze or paper towels saturated with saline solution. A brief rinse afterward will remove any residue.

• SOAP no more than once or twice a day. While showering, lather up a pearl size drop of the soap to clean the jewelry and the piercing. Leave the cleanser on the piercing no more than thirty seconds.

• RINSE thoroughly to remove all traces of the soap from the piercing. It is not necessary to rotate the jewelry through the piercing.

• DRY by gently patting with clean, disposable paper products. Cloth towels can harbor bacteria and snag on jewelry, causing injury.
WHAT IS NORMAL?

• Initially: some bleeding, localized swelling, tenderness, or bruising.

• During healing: some discoloration, itching, secretion of a whitish-yellow fluid (not pus) that will form some crust on the jewelry. The tissue may tighten around the jewelry as it heals.

• Once healed: the jewelry may not move freely in the piercing; do not force it. If you fail to include cleaning your piercing as part of your daily hygiene routine, normal but smelly bodily secretions may accumulate.

• A piercing may seem healed before the healing process is complete. This is because tissue heals from the outside in, and although it feels fine, the interior remains fragile. Be patient, and keep cleaning throughout the entire healing period.

• Even healed piercings can shrink or close in minutes after having been there for years! This varies from person to person; if you like your piercing, keep jewelry in—do not leave it empty.
WHAT TO DO

• Wash your hands prior to touching the piercing; leave it alone except when cleaning. During healing, it is not necessary to rotate your jewelry.

• Stay healthy; the healthier your lifestyle, the easier it will be for your piercing to heal. Get enough sleep and eat a nutritious diet. Exercise during healing is fine; listen to your body.

• Make sure your bedding is washed and changed regularly. Wear clean, comfortable, breathable clothing that protects your piercing while you are sleeping.

• Showers tend to be safer than taking baths, as bathtubs can harbor bacteria. If you bathe in a tub, clean it well before each use and rinse off your piercing when you get out.
WHAT TO AVOID

• Avoid cleaning with Betadine®, Hibiciens®, alcohol, hyrdrogen peroxide, Dial® or other harsh soaps, as these can damage cells. Also avoid ointments as they prevent necessary air circulation.

• Avoid Bactine®, pierced ear care solutions and other products containing Benzalkonium Chloride (BZK). These can be irritating and are not intednded for long term wound care.

• Avoid over-cleaning. This can delay your healing and irritate your piercing.

• Avoid undue trauma such as friction from clothing, excessive motion of the area, playing with the jewelry, and vigorous cleaning. These activities can cause the formation of unsightly and uncomfortable scar tissue, migration, prolonged healing, and other complications.

• Avoid all oral contact, rough play, and contact with others’ bodily fluids on or near your piercing during healing.

• Avoid stress and recreational drug use, including excessive caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.

• Avoid submerging the piercing in unhygenic bodies of water such as lakes, pools, hot tubs, etc. Or, protect your piercing using a waterproof wound-sealant bandage (such as 3M™ Nexcare™ Clean Seals). These are available at most drugstores.

• Avoid all beauty and personal care products on or around the piercing including cosmetics, lotions, and sprays, etc.

• Don’t hang charms or any object from your jewelry until the piercing is fully healed.
HINTS AND TIPS

JEWELRY:

• Unless there is a problem with the size, style, or material of the initial jewelry, leave it in the place for the entire healing period. See a qualified piercer to perform any jewelry change that becomes necessary during healing. See the APP website to locate an APP member, or to request a copy of our Picking Your Piercer brochure.)

• Contact your piercer if your jewelry must be removed (such as for a medical procedure). There are non-metallic jewelry alternatives available.

• Leave jewelry in at all times. Even old or well-healed piercing can shrink or close in minutes even after having been there for years. If removed, re-insertion can be difficult or impossible.

• With clean hands or paper product, be sure to regularly check threaded ends on your jewelry for tightness. (“Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey.”)

• Carry a clean spare ball in case of loss or breakage.

• Should you decide you no longer want the piercing, simply remove the jewelry (or have a professional piercer remove it) and continue cleaning the piercing until the hole closes. In most cases only a small mark will remain.

• In the even an infection is suspected, quality jewelry or an inert alternative should be left in place to allow for drainage or the infection. If the jewelry is removed, the surface cells can close up, which can seal the infection inside the piercing channel and result in an abscess. Do not remove jewelry unless instructed to by a medical professional.
FOR PARTICULAR AREAS

NAVEL:

• A hard, vented eye patch (sold at pharmacies) can be applied under tight clothing (such as nylon stockings)  or secured using a length of Ace® bandage around the body (to avoid irritation from adhesive). This can protect the area from restrictive clothing, excess irritation, and impact during physical activities such as contact sports.

EAR/EAR CARTILAGE AND FACIAL:

• Use the t-shirt trick: Dress your pillow in a large, clean t-shirt and turn it nightly; one clean t-shirt provides four clean surfaces for sleeping.

• Maintain cleanliness of telephones, headphones, eyeglasses, helmets, hats, and anything that contacts the pierced area.

• Use cation when styling your hair and advise your stylist of a new or healing piercing.

NIPPLES:

• The support of a tight cotton shirt or sports bra may provide protection and feel comfortable, especially for sleeping.

GENITAL:

• Genital Piercings—especially Prince Alberts, Ampallangs, and Apadravyas—can bleed freely for the first few days. Be prepared.

• Urinate after using soap to clean any piercing that is near the urethra.

• Wash your hands before touching on (or near) a healing piercing.

• In most cases you can engage in sexual activity as soon as you feel ready, but maintaining hygiene and avoiding trauma are vital; all sexual activities should be gentle during the healing period.

• Use barriers such as condoms, dental dams, and waterproof bandages, etc. to avoid contact with your partners’ body fluids, even in monogamous relationships.

• Use clean, disposable barriers on sex toys.

• Use a new container of water-based lubricant; do not use saliva.

• After sex, an additional saline soak or clean water rinse is suggested.

Each body is unique and healing times vary considerably. If you have any questions, please contact your piercer.
* DISCLAIMER:

These guidelines are based on a combination of vast professional experience, common sense, research and extensive clinical practice. This is not to be considered a substitute for medical advice from a doctor. If you suspect an infection, seek medical attention. Be aware that many doctors have not received specific training regarding piercing. Your local piercer may be able to refer you to a piercing-friendly medical professional. For more information, see the APP Brochure Troubleshooting For You and Your Healthcare Professional.
To my knowledge the only APP endorsed cleaning product is called H2Ocean, it's an amazing product and the best part about it...it's cheap.  You can read all about it on their site.  And for any of you that wish to have all the information listed here you can download it in PDF form below.
Body piercing aftercare
Oral piercing aftercare
Until next time
Miles...

The Importance of Being Intern"est"ally Threaded

When I mention the term "Internally Threaded Jewelry" to people, I may as well be speaking in another language as I am met with a blank stare.  However once I explain myself it will typically change the way they experience body piercings.  So what is internally threaded jewelry?  Piercology.com explains it very well:
"Internally threaded jewelry has the threading attached to the ball, with a hole in the shaft of the barbell. While externally threaded jewelry has a hole in the ball and the threads exposed on the shaft of the barbell.

What this difference means to a piercing is that when the threads are exposed, as on externally threaded jewelry, those sharp threads can cause tears to the inside of a piercing. This can lead to pain, irritation, bleeding, scarring and prolonged healing, The quality of externally threaded jewelry is generally inferior, specifically the finish is duller, the steel is usually a lesser grade, and in the case of curved barbells, is not shaped correctly.

When inserting internally threaded jewelry, the threads are inside the shaft, and therefore the transition from needle to jewelry is painless, with no harm done to the piercing. This means faster healing time, less chance of excessive scar tissue and happier clients.

So why does externally threaded body jewelry exist? Because it's much cheaper to make, and therefore your piercer makes more money off of it, but at your expense."
-Source
So in the future, always make sure to check if your piercer uses internally threaded jewelry.  An easier way to go about this would be to make sure your piercer is a current member of The APP or The Association of Professional Piercers, as all of their jewelry, needles, and shops must follow strict guidelines to maintain membership.  One of those guidelines is the use of internally threaded jewelry. 
For those of you that are interested in switching to a safer, better quality piece of jewelry you can find them all on our site, WickedBodyJewelz.com
Until next time
Miles...