Key Takeaways

• It’s time we all made piercing safety a priority. Collaborating with educated industry professionals here in the United States can help avoid potentially fatal health hazards, not limited to infections and allergic reactions.

• Pick hypoallergenic and medical-grade materials! By adhering to advice from Blomdahl, the chances of irritation or complications are greatly reduced, making piercings safer even for sensitive skin.

• Proper aftercare, including consistent cleaning and avoiding activities like swimming or touching the piercing, is essential for healthy healing and minimizing infection risks.

• It’s time to unlearn misinformation and stereotypes surrounding piercing discomfort, recovery duration, and metal intolerance. Only with evidence-based guidance can we ensure the best results!

• Parents should look for pediatric-friendly clinics when getting their children’s ears pierced. Beyond that, they need to be transparent about the process and choose jewelry that’s safe and comfortable.

• Being aware of the early signs of complications can be key in improving your long-term piercing health! Never be afraid to ask an expert if needed for your happiness!

Blomdahl is made from medical-grade plastic and titanium, eliminating nickel allergies and skin irritation. It’s amazing how something as simple as washing hands, opting for hypoallergenic jewelry, and following easy-to-understand aftercare instructions can help!

Since Blomdahl collaborates with American dermatologists, their guidance meets U.S. Safety standards and lifestyle requirements. Keep reading to learn about how Blomdahl’s methods make ear, nose, and body piercings safer and cleaner.

Bring along your friends. It’s less intimidating with friends, and first-timers have a much more enjoyable experience.

Why Piercing Safety Matters Most

In the world of body piercings, safety isn’t just a trendy catchphrase. This is an important aspect of ensuring that the piercing experience remains positive, healthy, and complication-free. Although piercing mistakes can carry long-term consequences, recognizing what to avoid is essential.

The Hidden Dangers Of Bad Piercings

Failing to use aseptic techniques is a common issue with at-home piercings. For example, one high school girl came close to losing the top half of her ear. This occurred as a result of an untreated infection.

If a piercer uses unsterile tools or even dirty hands, you are at risk of infection. It’s possible that piercing can expose you to bloodborne diseases, such as HIV and Hepatitis. The jewelry they use can get you in hot water as well.

Nickel allergy is very common, particularly in females, and wearing jewelry that is not nickel-free causes the skin to become red, itchy, and swollen. Keloids—those bumpy, itchy raised scars—commonly occur when piercings are not placed properly, or the incision has been agitated.

Often, it’s simple, or it could be something like old habits, such as touching the piercing with dirty hands.

Old Piercing Habits Die Hard

Many people still follow outdated tips, like rotating jewelry or using alcohol to clean the site, which do more harm than good. Clean and safe modern piercing practices encourage the use of sterile, single-use equipment and suggest using gentle cleansers.

Gentle cleaning—minimum of twice a day—with products specifically designed for wound care is essential. A piercing does not fully heal for at least a year. So, patience and vigilance go hand-in-hand!

The site must be monitored, especially within the first year, when allergic reactions or infections are most common.

Common Piercing Myths Busted

It’s tempting to think that every piercing stings equally or takes only a few weeks to heal. Realistically, every piercing varies, and proper healing can take several months, even up to a year or more.

Nickel is another metal to avoid, as it is a well-known irritant. Using hypoallergenic and nickel-free jewelry can greatly reduce the risks.

When consumers are more aware of the risks vs. Rewards, they can make better, safer choices.

Top Piercing Mistakes We See (And How Blomdahl Helps)

How easy it is to get a piercing can make it seem like there aren’t any dangerous mistakes that can be made. There are dangers at each stage—from selecting a piercer to caring for your new piercing. These mistakes can result in infection, allergic reaction, or perpetuation of a long-term problem.

Here at Blomdahl, we’ve set out to address these issues with healthy practices and quality products that place health above all else.

1. Choosing The Wrong Piercer Or Place

Many people choose a piercer by how cool their space looks or by the lowest price. Issues arise when a location fails to uphold medical practices or utilize sterile equipment. It’s important to always inquire about the piercer’s training and the shop’s safety record.

Blomdahl ensures that we only work with piercers who follow these strict guidelines. They use single-use tools and medical-grade settings, greatly reducing the chance of infection or error.

2. Using Unsafe Jewelry Metals

Choosing the wrong metal is a common mistake. Nickel and cobalt are both known to trigger allergic reactions, and inexpensive jewelry often contains these dangerous metals.

Blomdahl only uses medical-grade stainless steel, titanium, and 14K gold. These greatly reduce the risk of adverse reactions, which can occur as early as the first year following a piercing.

3. Neglecting Proper Aftercare Steps

One of the leading causes of piercing infections is a lack of aftercare education. Those first two weeks are critical. Touching your piercing with dirty hands or constantly twisting or turning your jewelry can introduce germs.

Blomdahl provides simple aftercare instructions, including using mild cleansers and avoiding twisting the piercing. They emphasize not removing jewelry for a minimum of six weeks to promote ideal healing.

4. Overlooking Basic Hygiene Rules

As we approach 2024, proper hygiene and sanitation have never been more important. Even just a brief contact with unwashed hands can introduce germs and infect your ear.

Blomdahl’s manufacturing process ensures that everything remains sterile, and they educate customers on washing their hands before coming into contact with the piercing.

5. Prioritizing Looks Over Health

While trendy or flashy jewelry may attract customers, safety should be a priority. With Blomdahl’s earrings, you can have trendy & safe, so stop choosing between health and beauty.

What Metals Are Piercing-Friendly?

Selecting the best metal for piercings should be a priority so that the skin can remain healthy and comfortable. That’s particularly true in metropolitan havens of liberalism such as San Francisco, where lifestyles and sensibilities are in short supply! When it comes to jewelry metals, there is a wide disparity regarding the safety of long-term wear.

The right choice minimizes concerns such as these, which can lead to allergic reactions, irritation, and/or the risk of infection. We made the chart below as a quick reference for the most commonly used metals in piercing jewelry. This table will specifically address their safety and hypoallergenic claims.

Why Hypoallergenic Is Non-Negotiable

Hypoallergenic metals are non-negotiable for safe piercings. They significantly reduce the risk of contact dermatitis and other reactions. Those with sensitive skin should never wear jewelry unless it is specifically marked hypoallergenic.

These options contribute to minimizing swelling, redness, and the potential for infection, fostering a more straightforward and predictable healing process. This isn’t merely a superficial aesthetic choice; for some, this is a health necessity, particularly in areas where allergies are predominant.

Blomdahl's Go-To Safe Metals

Blomdahl always recommends medical-grade titanium and pure medical plastic. Both are nickel-free and made to encourage healing. Titanium is extremely strong yet lightweight, leading to a very comfortable piece.

Medical plastic is an ideal choice for individuals with allergies, as it is completely nickel-free. These are the only materials Blomdahl uses, and they demonstrate their commitment to wearer safety.

Metals Best Left Out Of Piercings

Certain metals are riskier. Nickel (along with brass, which contains nickel) is the most frequent offender causing allergic reactions. Alloys that blend in nickel or other reactive metals are known to cause infections or skin-related irritations.

Even some solid gold and silver pieces can contain sufficient nickel to cause issues. Jewelry with ceramic coatings is a good alternative, but be sure to look into the complete material list.

Master Your Piercing Aftercare

While getting a piercing is pretty straightforward, the aftercare requires some patience and attention. Building positive aftercare habits allows your skin to heal properly and prevents future issues from occurring. Below, you’ll find some practical steps and straightforward advice to help you through each stage of the aftercare process.

Simple Steps For Happy Healing

• Don’t be dirty! Wash your hands before you touch or clean your piercing, wanand washur hands thoroughly. This one step prevents germs from traveling.

• Wash both sides of your piercing with mild soap and water, two times a day. Be kind, and pat dry with a clean towel.

• Choose aftercare solutions that work for your skin—saline is a safe choice for everyone. Look for trusted brands. Trusted brands, like Blomdahl, manufacture products using medical-grade metals, including titanium or 14K gold.

• These materials greatly reduce the risk of causing an allergic reaction or irritation.

• Avoid swimming or soaking in hot tubs until skin has completely healed. There’s a reason for this—water is full of bacteria likely to infect your piercing.

• Choose lightweight earrings to minimize pulling or rubbing, which aids healing.

Activities To Skip Post-Piercing

• Avoid swimming pools, lakes, and gyms until your piercing is healed, which generally takes several weeks.

• Do not touch or twist the jewelry around. Moving the earring around prevents the new piercing from healing properly, increasing the chance of infection.

• Intense lifting can hit or tug at your piercing—let it heal up before exercising heavily.

• Loose, soft clothing reduces rubbing and general irritation. Avoid hats/scarves that put pressure on the ears.

What If My Piercing Gets Angry?

• Look out for excessive redness, swelling, pain, or oozing. These could be indications of irritation or infection.

• Use a gentle touch, and don’t overdo it with strong substances. If your symptoms are increasing in severity, you should see a physician as soon as possible.

• Avoid jewelry removal for the first year, because holes close quickly once the jewelry is out.

Is Your New Piercing Okay?

While a new piercing is always an exciting time, it requires a great deal of aftercare and attention. Healing does not happen overnight. The skin surrounding a new piercing can remain tender for up to twelve months. That means you should be able to tell what’s normal and what’s a cause for concern.

Here’s how to know what’s normal and when to take action. Healthy signs are mild redness, slight swelling, tenderness, and a little clear fluid. The skin may itch or feel warm to the touch—this is common for the first several days. Light scabbing or a thin crust is also expected.

The area should improve, not worsen, with daily care. Whether you choose soap and water or a piercing swab, cleaning twice a day will help keep your new piercing infection-free. Wearing lightweight earrings and leaving posts in (six weeks for earlobes, twelve for cartilage) promotes healing.

Normal Healing Vs. Red Flags

Inflammation, which includes redness, swelling, and tenderness, is common in the early stage. Some mild pain is normal. If swelling increases or is present after one week, trouble is afoot. If it’s not getting better or if it’s still hot and red, you know that something is wrong.

Give it time— a lobe takes six weeks to heal, cartilage—twelve or more. If healing takes a wrong turn down this road, consult an expert.

When To Call A Professional

Call or visit a medical professional if symptoms like pain, swelling, or discharge persist. If you notice redness that’s spreading outwards, or if you develop a fever, seek medical attention immediately. Quick treatment can avoid much worse consequences, such as severe infections.

Trust your gut and don’t delay if something’s not right.

Small Slip-Ups, Big Problems

Unfortunately, small slip-ups—such as forgetting to clean or touching with unwashed hands—can lead to big problems. Failing to attend to aftercare can lead the hole to shrink, close, or even become infected.

Just a little concentration can prevent a small mistake from becoming a big issue.

Piercing Kids: A Gentle Approach

When considering piercing their kids’ ears, U.S. Parents tend to be concerned with safety, timing, and comfort. Taking the process one step at a time helps kids feel more comfortable expressing their opinions. Not to mention, it provides parents with peace of mind.

Here are the key points for safe and thoughtful ear piercing:

• Choose an age that allows your child to develop physically and mentally—most go with ages 7, 10, or 12.

• Look for a pediatric-friendly clinic with experienced staff on how to handle children’s care.

• Prepare for the appointment by discussing it with your child. Be sure to pay attention if they decide they want to stop even after one ear has been completed.

• Use earrings that are hypoallergenic and free of nickel. It turns out that nickel allergy is very common, affecting up to 30% of women.

• Make comfort and safety top priorities during the procedure.

Easing Parents' Piercing Worries

Parents may be concerned about pain, infection, or regret. Most professional clinics utilize medical-grade piercing tools that allow for fast, relatively pain-free results. Qualified piercers are extremely cautious and are trained to deal with youngsters, taking the time to explain each step in simple terms.

Open conversations with your child before and after the appointment create a positive atmosphere and reduce anxiety. Light soreness is to be expected afterward, but intense pain is uncommon.

What's The Best Piercing Age For Kids?

What’s the best piercing age for kids? Some parents choose to wait until the child is seven or even twelve. To be successful, your child needs to know what to expect and how to take care of the new piercings.

While they will be healed in six weeks, it can take a year for them to really settle in.

Conclusion

To ensure piercings remain safe, invest in quality equipment, rely on trained professionals, and follow proper aftercare. Blomdahl has you covered with skin-friendly metals and piercing tools designed for safety. Understand what you’re putting in your ear or nose! Nickel naturally seeps into metal alloys, but using titanium or medical plastic can prevent these reactions. For younger patients, softer tools and gentle tech go a long way. Neglecting aftercare equals pain, swelling, or even infection, so don’t skimp on the fundamentals. Spotted an unusual lump or experienced a sudden pain? Get assistance as soon as possible. Looking to avoid the beginner's blunders? Use good materials, listen to solid guidance, and keep your wits about you. You want to make the best choice for your skin. So is Blomdahl, for that matter. See what they have available and stay stylish without the piercing hazards.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Are The Most Common Piercing Mistakes People Make?

What are the most common piercing mistakes people make? One of the biggest piercing mistakes is jumping at available non-sterile equipment for their piercing. These common mistakes often contribute to infection, irritation, and other complications. Blomdahl’s medical-grade materials and sterile techniques can keep you from making mistakes that lead to these harmful risks.

2. Why Is It Important To Choose Piercing-Friendly Metals?

Some metals, such as nickel, are known for the development of allergic contact dermatitis and other skin reactions. Blomdahl uses only hypoallergenic metals like medical-grade titanium to keep your skin happy and healthy while you’re healing.

3. How Can Blomdahl Help With Piercing Aftercare?

How can Blomdahl help with piercing aftercare? Their products are proven to reduce irritation and promote faster healing for your piercing. When you purchase Blomdahl earrings, make sure to always follow their aftercare steps to achieve the best results.

4. Can I Get My Child’s Ears Pierced Safely With Blomdahl?

Yes. Blomdahl has a soft, sterile piercing system made specifically for children. Their medical-grade jewelry and detailed, methodical approach mean it’s a safe choice for Bay Area children.

5. How Do I Know If My New Piercing Is Healing Properly?

Signs that your new piercing is healing properly include less redness, no drainage of pus, and less swelling. If you have pain or discharge that is extreme, see a professional. Blomdahl jewelry greatly minimizes these risks by only using safe, skin-friendly materials.

6. What Should I Avoid After Getting A New Piercing?

Don’t touch your new piercing with unwashed hands, swim in public pools, or use irritating cleaning agents. To ensure your new piercing heals properly, use Blomdahl’s saline solution and aftercare recommendations.

7. Why Is Sterile Equipment So Important For Piercings?

Using sterile equipment during a piercing procedure reduces the risk of infections and complications. Blomdahl takes safety seriously. With single-use, sterile cartridges for every piercing, you can safely and confidently protect yourself with Blomdahl.