Tongue Piercing

Tongue Piercing

A tongue piercing is a type of body piercing that is normally done directly through the center of the tongue, and is one of most popular body piercing sites in the western world following the ear.

A tongue piercing is accomplished by first determining the placement of the piercing which is marked and a clamp is then applied. The first jewelry is usually longer than is ultimately required, which allows for swelling, which is normal after a piercing. Within 2 days following the piercing of the tongue it can swell to twice the size it originally was. This can be painful when eating and speaking, but it is not permanent. Piercers frequently recommend chewing on ice and drinking cold beverages in order to help reduce this swelling.

As a result of the tongue's exceptional healing ability, a tongue piercing will usually close rapidly. Some piercings will close up in a few hours while other holes that have been stretched larger may take a few days to close. The amount of time it takes for a piercing to heal differs greatly from one person to another. There are some people who have piercings that have larger stretched holes that are able to fit jewelry in their piercing sometimes after years. It is usually recommended that people who are not able to take care of their recent piercing avoid piercing procedures.

A traditional tongue piercing placement is in the center of the mouth along the midline of the tongue. It is frequently about 3/4 "back from the tip of the tongue. It is usually placed with the top a little further back than the bottom, which permits the top of the jewelry to lean back slightly and away from the teeth which puts it more towards the upper part of the palate since there is more room in the person's mouth there.

Long term or permanent tongue piercing has become extremely popular in modern western society. With high quality surgical steel readily available, barbell style jewelry is usually associated with the emergence of this piercing in the 1980s. It is also noteworthy that the this piercing is not specific to a particular gender and was not developed specifically for just a woman or a man. One of the most common names for tongue piercing jewelry is a tongue ring, which is a misnomer since tongue rings are rarely used in tongue piercings.

Beauty Piercing

Beauty Piercing

Piercing has been a trend since the ancient days when they were done in tribal cultures and from the time of mummies all the way to India and then since World War II, has made its way to the Western world, continuing to be one of the major trends of today.

Whether you want to pierce for beauty, for self expression, for conformity, or tradition, or even rebellion, piercing is an age old practice that continues to enchant people today. The most popular and common form of piercing is ear piercing. Women and men alike have been doing it since ancient times and continue to do it today. Many babies have their ears pierced early because it is a sign of feminine grace and elegance, just as it was during the Elizabethan era of England where women wore an earring in one ear as a sign of their ladylike elegance. Today, women still pierce their ears to wear earrings and to be feminine and fashionable while they stick with tradition. Many men pierce their ears, too, whether to make a fashionable statement or to express their wild side. Often men and women use plugs in their ears and stretch out the holes to make some kind of statement.

Another popular form of piercing is nose piercing. Done in many tribal cultures and in India and in the Middle East, nose piercing was a popular trend among many civilizations of people. Even tribal male leaders pierced their noses to display their wealth and power. Nowadays, it still remains popular in the Eastern world and remains a traditional sign of ladylike grace. Piercing of the lip and tongue are also ancient practices that have been around since olden times. Back then it was often done to stretch out the lips, whereas other tribes did them as cultural symbols and respectful gestures to the gods.

Many people prefer nipple, navel, or genital piercing, too, though there is no official record for its origins, it is still practiced. Piercing of all kinds grew popular in the West after WWII, and then gained mass appeal when it appeared in music videos and the media. People began to get and seek piercing afterwards.

If you are interested in any kind of piercing, then be sure to choose a place that is licensed and safe. Having needles stuck into your body is no joke, and can result in serious problems for you if the place is dirty and has unsanitary needles. You could contract diseases. Also, after you get a piercing, follow the instructions very specifically to avoid infection. That means do not stick in fake silver or gold, but use the real thing to keep the piercing area unaffected by dirt or debris or rust which would give you tetanus.

Piercing is a timeless tradition that people have been doing since ancient times and many people do it for a variety of reasons. You might want to do it so that you can wear earrings if you are a woman or a man. Piercing has become a popular form of individual expression as it allows for a person to choose the part of their body to mark with a symbol of sorts. Some people do it to reflect cultural practices done since the ancient times of their culture and even sometimes for religious purposes.

Ear Piercing Causes Eczema

Ear Piercing Causes Eczema

Ear piercing is very popular these days, this has been influenced a lot thanks to changing fashion statements. Ear piercing is expected to get much more popular. Atopic eczema has also become very common but very few studies have dealt with the idea that ear piercing itself could be responsible for causing eczema.

Ear piercing involves putting a hole in your ear and then putting a piece of metal through it. This leads to contact with heavy metals like nickel and cobalt. It is strictly advisable to do the piercing under perfectly hygienic conditions. Even after the piercing is finished, there are some precautions that you should follow.

Atopic eczema is triggered by certain allergens in affected people. An exposure to a certain material could trigger eczema, could a metal such as nickel trigger eczema?

Scientists have researched whether nickel can cause a trigger for atopic eczema. In an experiment on 960 young girls it is found that around 13% of those who got their ears pierced, went on to develop allergic skin reactions. Of the same sample, only 1% of those who did not get their ears pierced had eczema. Similarly, in an study on 520 young Swedish men doing compulsory military service, it is found that hypersensitivity to nickel and cobalt is higher (in 8% men) among those who got piercing. In contrast only 2.7% of those who did not get their ear pierced developed eczema. In another study on 424 Norwegian schoolchildren aged between 7-12 years, 89 children had their ears pierced and 79 developed skin allergies to metallic jewellery, which is a whopping 88% of those who had their ears pierced! These studies statistically relate ear piercing consisting of nickel and cobalt to atopic eczema, and establish the metals as allergens to a significant percentage of the population.

It is possible to protect yourself from allergic reactions, first you should start by visiting your doctor for an allergen test. If you discover that you are not allergic to nickel then it should be ok to go ahead and have your ears pierced.

Another less obvious reason for skin allergies after getting ear pierced might not actually be the metal, it could be the latex gloves that are worn by the person that pierces your ear. If you believe you are allergic to latex or rubber, then you should request that the person uses a pair of gloves made out of a different material. Since children have showed very high susceptibility towards possible nickel sensitization (88% as compared to 13% among adult men) it can be seen that children are much more sensitive, and so extreme care should be taken when considering piercing your child's ears. For people suffering from diabetes, epilepsy, hypertension, heart disease or hemophilia, it is important to seek your doctor's approval before even considering piercing your ears.

Good skin health is far more important than just making a fashion statement. After all a face full of rash doesn't make a good fashion statement anyway! With a little precaution and restraint it is possible to prevent developing atopic eczema.

An Introduction To Bottom Lip Piercing

An Introduction To Bottom Lip Piercing

Bottom lip piercing is a tradition practiced by several ancient groups of people. There was a tribe in Mali, for instance, who had once looked at piercing as one way to celebrate how their ancestral god had granted upon them the ability to speak for themselves. In the ancient civilizations of the Aztecs and the Mayans, a man who has his lips pierced is considered to be a part of the highest level of their society. These days however, men and women, especially artists, wear lip rings to express themselves.

However much bottom lip piercing may help you achieve, do put it in your mind that bottom lip and lip piercing in general is a very serious thing to do to yourself. When making your decision to go ahead with it, you have to consider the consequences and outcome that might make you think twice about getting pierced in the first place. Add the fact that the piercing is something that you can not easily take off once the novelty of the idea wears off. But even after these warnings you still would want to go ahead and have your lip - bottom or otherwise, pierced, do take note of the following before going ahead with your decision.

First, make sure that you ask around and eventually choose a piercing specialist who is well recommended, officially trained, experienced and trustworthy. It would not hurt to find out if he is a certified member of the APP or the Association of Professional Piercers. This means that he is aware and strictly follows safety and health guidance rules that prevents a customer from any infections or health risks. Also, make sure that you go to a piercing salon or clinic that is clean, properly sanitized and strictly follow sanitation guidelines with regards to equipment as well as needles among other things.

Considering the fact that you are going to be living with that bottom lip piercing for the rest of your days here on earth, you would have to be certain as to where you would want to have the piercing done. Having a bottom lip ring is ideal for those who wants to have their bottom lip pierced as this would have the least contact with your gums and would unlikely to cause any gum damage in the days to come. Or you can try having a labret stud put on your lower lip. Although this is something that you might want to consider rather carefully as this is the kind of jewelry that has flat disc at the back and may do damage to your gums.

While bottom lip piercing is certainly fashionable and unique, you have to be sure that you have thought about getting one very thoroughly and that you have imagined what it would be like to have one. Make sure though, that you get one properly and that you have indeed gone to an expert who knows what he is doing. You would not want to end up with a mouth infection or have trouble talking or even eating and drinking.

Ear Piercing - History and Types

Ear Piercing - History and Types

The history of ear piercing goes back to ancient Perspolis in Persia. It is recorded that there were illustrations of soldiers with earrings in the walls of this city. During Dark Ages earrings and other jewelry declined as almost all the populace was impoverished. After the rise of nations later jewelry including earrings was the sign of luxury and high status in society. During the Middle Ages gorgeous dresses and elaborate hairstyles were in fashion and earrings were not so popular. But a bit later when the hair was worn up and the collars became higher earrings got back their popularity. During the next centuries more and more skillful jewel experts appeared and new types of earrings were designed.

In the middle of 19th century it was popular to tied the hair behind the head covering the ears, hats were in fashion and there were no place for earrings. It was also the time when society and religious establishments associated earrings with excess, vanity and heathens and earrings lost their popularity. At the beginning of the 20th century non-pierced clip-on earrings appeared and simultaneously sailors began to wear earrings as the symbol of their adventures. In the sixties hippies and homosexuals were those who helped to rise the popularity of earrings, in the seventies punk rockers inspired the wearing of multiple earrings and in the eighties women began to wear earrings.

Nowadays ear piercing is the common type of body modification which is popular with men, women and children all over the world. Sometimes parents pierce the ears of their daughters even when they are only one year old.

There are various types of piercing and the most widespread is ear lobe piercing. It is the less painful type of ear piercings. Though the soft tissue of the lobe is the best place for quick painless piercing there are at least eight other places where ear can be pierced. The other popular types of ear piercing are vertical, industrial, helix, orbital and anti orbital piercings. Helix piercing is a piercing along the outside rim of the ear and though it is rather difficult to do it is still very popular nowadays. The other widespread type of ear piercing is industrial piercing that joins two holes in the ear with a long straight barbell and you can also wear two single barbells in these holes. Ear gauging is the other popular type of ear modification- a noticeable or even very large hole in the ear lobe looks up-to-date and unusual at the same time.

The healing process of ear piercing lasts for about two months and it is important to follow all recommendations that include keeping the wound clean, avoiding swimming, not keeping phones and other subjects close to the pierced ear.

The choice of ear piercing jewelry nowadays is very wide and there are many trusted on-line jewelry stores that offers high quality and stylish barbells, captive bead rings, ear studs, plugs and other attractive jewelry for your ear piercing. A variety of materials is also available nowadays- silver, gold, stainless steel, acrylics, natural materials such as wood, pearls, bone and horn. Ear piercing is not only the way to follow the fashion trends but the way to show your individuality and style.

Body Piercing - Everything You Always Wanted to Know

Body Piercing - Everything You Always Wanted to Know

Elaine Davidson wasn't content with holding the Guinness World Record for having the most piercings in 2000, when she was verified as having 462 piercings all over her body - including 192 just in her face. No, she went one step further, and in 2001 she broke her own record with 721 piercings in all.

But even that wasn't good enough for the Brazilian nurse, who claims she hates being pierced. Amazingly, as of February, 2009, Elaine was found to have a whopping 6,005 piercings, including more than 500 in her genitalia, both internally and externally. The total weight of all her piercings today is over six pounds of hardware - ensuring that she jingles when she walks, and sets off metal detectors in airports.

"I don't enjoy getting pierced, but to break the record you have to get to a high level," Elaine said in an interview with The Daily Telegraph from Edinburgh, Scotland as she helped open a new piercing studio. "My family don't even like tattoos or piercings. But I am happy. I decided to change myself and be me."

If you want to be you - or be like Elaine - you may be considering getting some part of your body pierced, be it your ears, your tongue or even your genitalia. But before you do, make sure you it's the right decision for you - and that you have the procedure carried out safely and correctly.

Many people are thrilled with the body piercings they get, believing they make them infinitely more attractive, both physically and aesthetically. But some people end up with a lot more than just a cute little stud in their belly button or clitoral hood - such as an infection, excessive bleeding, keloid scarring or even worse...

All types of piercing carry an inherent risk of disease if the equipment is not sterilized properly (see below), which can result in life-threatening illnesses such as Hepatitis B and C and HIV, as well as tuberculosis and syphilis. Piercings can also cause infection, sometimes a systemic one such as sepsis, as well as splitting of the skin and scarring. Allergies to specific types of jewelry can also be problematic.

Popular Piercings

Below are the most popular types of piercings explained, along with risks inherent to them:

Belly Button Piercing. The upper bend of the tummy is pierced with a needle. This can take up to one year to heal completely due to bending etc, so be patient. RISK: Jewelery can get caught on clothing and take even longer to heal, causing infection. Sometimes excessive bleeding and/or nerve damage can result.

Ear Piercing. The only piercing that can safely be done with a piercing gun. RISK: Allergies to certain jewelry can occur so only use stainless steel stud in the beginning, and make sure you follow after-care instructions carefully.

Mouth Piercing. Usually the lip area, either around the lip or on the lip itself. Takes about one month to heal. Piercings are given specific names, called bites, according to the location of the piercing on the lip. RISK: Can increase risk of periodontal, or gum, disease. Can also increase possibility of tooth chipping.

Nose Piercing. Nostril piercing is the most common, and takes second place in the piercing stakes after ears. Nasal septum and bridge piercings are considerably less common - and less attractive as well! RISK: having the wrong type of jewelry placed in your nose can cause pain. As the nose is full of bacteria, it's easy to get an infection. And there is also the danger you could inhale a stud into your lungs.

Eyebrow Piercing. Usually the piercing is at a right angle to your eyebrow line. Rings or barbells are used. RISK: If positioned wrongly can cut nerves in the face.

Cheek Piercing. Often called the Madonna, the Crawford and the Monroe, to look like the beauty spots or moles on these famous people. RISK: Cheek piercings can contribute to gum disease and infections are common.

Nipple Piercing. Suitable for both men and women, either one nipple or both. RISK: The nipple can harden and scar, which could eventually result in difficulties breastfeeding (if you're female, that is).

Female Genital Piercing. Several types are available, depending on the type of clitoris you have (hooded or one that sticks out) and if you want an internal or external piercing. RISK: Can cause condoms to split and increase risk of sexually-transmitted infection and pregnancy. Clitoral or triangle piercings are not always recommended as they can result in loss of clitoral sensation. Safer ones are labia and inner labia piercings, as well as the clitoral hood.

Male Genital Piercing. A plethora of male piercings exist, either through the head of the penis, the foreskin, at the back of the testicles, though the shaft etc. Ask and ye shall receive. RISK: Can cause condoms to split and increase risk of sexually-transmitted infection and pregnancy. Nerve damage can also occur, resulting in a loss of sensation in the penile area.

Guide to Proper Piercing

ALWAYS make sure the facility is licensed by the Board of Health as a piercing studio, that their credentials are up-to-date and that they are members of professional piercing organizations.

ALWAYS make sure the surroundings are clean and hygienic, that the equipment is up-to-date, and that staff are willing to answer all your questions courteously and knowledgeably. Tools should be sterilized in an autoclave, and spore testing carried out monthly, at least. The piercing area should be sterile and kept spotlessly clean following every piercing.

ALWAYS make sure sterile disposable gloves are worn throughout the entire procedure. Ask your piercer to don new gloves if he or she leaves the room to do something else.

ALWAYS make sure that jewelery made from non-corrosive metal is used for your initial piercing. Stainless steel is usually a good choice.

ALWAYS make sure you know about the right after-care procedures. You should be given material to take home with you and re-read, as often there is too much information to take in all at once. Following it to the letter is important.

ALWAYS make sure that if you are under 18 you have a parent or guardian with you if the law in your state requires you to be of a certain age to have a specific piercing carried out. Piercing studios that do not enforce state laws and ask for proof of age are not to be trusted.

Body piercing, in most cases, can be safe and worry-free. Most piercings can be reversed simply by removing the jewelry, although scarring may remain. If you decide this is the route for you, play it safe and choose a safe place. If you're not sure, leave. Don't gamble with your appearance - or your health.

Piercing Your Ears For The First Time

Piercing Your Ears For The First Time

The first time you get your ears pierced can be very stressful. Nobody enjoys having sharp needles pressed into their skin. Still, if you want to have incredible ears then you will have to get them pierced. So, let's talk about how to get ready for the first time you will have your ears pierced.

The most important thing is to realize that it will be a short and painless operation. Well, somewhat painless. It's like a small bee stinging your ear. That doesn't sound so bad, does it?

Some people will apply ice to their ears before they get the work done. Ice has a numbing affect because it is so cold. So, you should bring some ice to the piercing place in a little baggy. Just make sure that you do not overheat the bag, or the ice will turn into water. Water will not have the same results.

Once you get over the fact that this is not going to hurt, you will need to consider some other important things. First, when your ears are pierced you will have to wear your first set of earrings continuously for a long period of time. Because of this, you should pick out a pair of earrings that you will want to wear. I recommend going with a pair that isn't too noticeable. You don't want people to recognize you've been wearing the same set every day. So, go with something that looks nice, but won't be too memorable.

The next thing you will need to figure out is where you want to have the piercing done. Not everyone wants to get pierced on their earlobes. Some people like to get the tops of their ears pierces. You can also get your nose pierced, or even your belly button. These are all traditional places that people enjoy having piercings. Still, you should remember that some places of employment do not want their employees to have piercings all over their body. You should check with your boss before you have the work done.

After you decide what kind of earrings you are going to wear, and where you are going to get pierced, you will need to figure out where you will have the work done. I recommend going to a place that has a good reputation for even settings. If you are getting your ears done, then you will want both ears to be pierced at exactly the same place. Some piercing places are better at this than others. You want the work to be done by someone that knows what they are doing.

I hope that this guide has helped you plan you how you will get your ears pierced for the first time. I know that this can be a scary procedure, but it really doesn't need to be. It can be a lot of fun to wear earrings, and everyone has to go through this process before they can do that. So, you are kind of joining a club.