8/6/2019 Dealing With Addiction

1/17

8/6/2019 Dealing With Addiction

2/17

Piercings and Tatoos

Piercings and tattoos are body decorations that go back to

ancient times. Body piercing involves making a hole in the skin

so that you can insert jewelry. This is often in the earlobe, but

can be in other parts of the body. Tattoos are designs on the

skin made with needles and colored ink. Permanent makeup is

a type of tattoo.

8/6/2019 Dealing With Addiction

3/17

8/6/2019 Dealing With Addiction

4/17

To reduce the risks, make sure that the facility is

clean, safe and has a good reputation. Proper

sterilization of the equipment is important. Be

sure to follow the instructions on caring for yourskin.

Holes from piercing usually close up if you no

longer wear the jewelry. It is possible to remove

tattoos, but it's painful and can cause scarring.

8/6/2019 Dealing With Addiction

5/17

The earlobe is the most common body piercing.

Other common places to pierce include the eyebrow,

nose, tongue, lip, belly button, nipples and genitals.

Some people also their ear cartilage (the part around

the ear).

What parts of your body can you

pierce?

8/6/2019 Dealing With Addiction

6/17

How is piercing performed?

For piercing earlobes, a single-use, sterilized piercing

gun is typically used to insert an earring into the

earlobe. For other parts of the body, a hollow needle

is used to pierce a hole in the skin. The personperforming the piercing then inserts a piece of

jewelry into the hole.

8/6/2019 Dealing With Addiction

7/17

What is an autoclave?

An autoclave is a type of sterilization

machine that uses heat to sterilize all non

disposable piercing tools.

8/6/2019 Dealing With Addiction

8/17

How do I know if my piercing is infected?

If your piercing is infected, the skin around the

pierced area may be red and swollen. It may hurtwhen you touch your piercing. You may have a

yellowish, foul-smelling discharge coming from thepiercing. If you have a fever or experience any of

these symptoms, you should see your family doctor.

8/6/2019 Dealing With Addiction

9/17

What i cr as s y risk f r l s fr y

i rci g?

Many things can affect your body's immune system

and your ability to fight infection. Be sure to tell the

person piercing you if you have diabetes, heart

problems, a weakened immune system or any othermedical conditions. If you take steroids or blood

thinners, talk to your doctor before you get a

piercing.

8/6/2019 Dealing With Addiction

10/17

8/6/2019 Dealing With Addiction

11/17

Do not receive a piercing from a reusable piercinggun that does not have sterilized disposablecassettes. These types of piercing guns cannot be

autoclaved, which increases the risk of infection.

You should also not have a piercing performedwith a piercing gun on any other part of your

body except your ear. Doing so can crush the skinand cause more injury than a piercing performedwith a hollow needle.

8/6/2019 Dealing With Addiction

12/17

How are infections treated?

It is very important to see your family doctor ifyou think you might have an infection. Delayingtreatment can result in a more serious infection.Be sure to leave your jewelry in unless yourdoctor tells you to take it out. Leaving the jewelryin can ensure proper drainage and prevent anabscess (a collection of pus) from forming. Inmany cases, the infection can be treated without

losing the piercing.

8/6/2019 Dealing With Addiction

13/17

Minor infections may be treated with thefollowing:

Over-the-counter medicines that you rub onyour skin, such as an antibiotic ointment

A warm compress applied to the irritated

piercing

Mild sea salt soaks

8/6/2019 Dealing With Addiction

14/17

How can I prevent an infection?

Make sure you take care of yourpiercing. The person performingyour piercing will probablyrecommend cleaning the areawith warm water and soap twicea day, as well as using a liquidmedicated cleanser and gentlymoving the piercing around. For

tongue or lip piercings, you willneed to use an antibacterialmouth rinse after meals toprevent infection.

8/6/2019 Dealing With Addiction

15/17

Who should perform my body

piercing?

If you are going to have a piercing done, be sure to doresearch to find a clean, safe piercing shop and choosea professional with a good reputation to perform thepiercing. The person doing the piercing should:

Wash his or her hands with a germicidal soap beforedoing the piercing

W

ear disposable gloves Use disposable or sterilized tools

Use a new needle to do the piercing

8/6/2019 Dealing With Addiction

16/17

8/6/2019 Dealing With Addiction

17/17

End

Maria Beatriz, n18

MariaManuel, n19

Vnia, n26

9A