Piercing

Introduction

If you decide to get your ears or another part of your body pierced, make sure you go to a licensed body piercing shop or piercer. Piercing is a fairly safe procedure, as long as it's carried out by a licensed practitioner and you take care to avoid infection. This page covers: Piercing Symptoms of infection When to get medical advice Risks Licensed piercers

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Articles for piercing

Introduction

Information and about body piercing, including self care advice, symptoms of infection, finding a reputable piercer, and the potential risks.

Caring for a new piercing

To reduce the risk of your piercing becoming infected, good hygiene is important. Always wash your hands and dry them thoroughly with a clean towel or kitchen roll before touching the area around the

Symptoms of an infected piercing

Signs of infection include: red and swollen skin around the piercing pain or tenderness when touching the area yellow or green discharge coming from the piercing a high temperature (fever)

When to get medical advice

Get medical advice immediately if you think your piercing may be infected. A delay in treatment can result in a serious infection. Contact your GP, call NHS 111 or go to a minor injuries unit or wal

Risks from piercings

Infection Bacterial infection is the main risk associated with piercings. An abscess (build-up of pus) may form around the piercing site which, if left untreated, may need to be surgically drained

Licensed piercers

When choosing a piercer, make sure they've got a piercing licence. All professional piercers must obtain a licence from their local council in order to carry out piercings. The licence should be clea

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