So you have decided to get your first body piercing.  Safety and hygiene should be at the top of the check list before you run out to any local place and let someone take the needle to you. Here are a few tips when you’re looking for your first piercing professional.  

1.) Only use a professional.

Piercing can potentially result in a serious infection so you want to be sure you visit a reputable studio. A body Piercing is a great deal more complicated than simply pushing a needle through a part of your body. The folks over at the association of professional piercers offer a searchable database of it’s members. You can start your search there for a reputable studio in your area. Also talk to friends, or family in the area that have got a piercing.  Do some local searches for your area and get a nice list and look up their reviews. 

2.) Ask questions.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Ask about their cleanliness and disease prevention
policies. A great many diseases, including AIDS and Hepatitis can be spread through using dirty needles, so you should ensure your
quality of health is not compromised. Do not feel ashamed or embarrassed to ask the necessary questions, and beware of any
so-called professional who seems unwilling or unable to provide answers. Look around the studio yourself. If it looks dirty or you just don’t like the vibe in there move on to another place.

3.) Choose wisely.

Just as each body is different, everyone will not be able to successfully pierce their chosen spot. Once you seek a professional to
pierce your body, ensure the piercing can be successful. For example, individuals with an out-ie belly button are unable to have a
belly button piercing due to the orientation. Also, some individuals are unable to have their tongue correctly pierced due to the
orientation of essential nerves and blood vessels.

4.) Think about the impact.

Its a necessary fact of the matter that most employers frown upon visible body piercings. Regardless of your personal feeling on
body piercings, know that you may be discriminated against or viewed in an unfavorable light by some individuals only due to your
body piercings. Before you decide on any piercing, consider the impact on your image and your life.

5.) Choose quality body jewelry.

When it comes to choosing body jewelry, ensure you choose quality metals or high carbonate plastics that will work well in your
body and not have any complications. Most body piercing jewelry is either gold with a high karat count or surgical quality stainless
steel and even titanium. Avoid cheap or flimsy body jewelry and focus on the quality instead of the design.

6.) Keep it clean.

After the body part has been pierced, it is essential to keep the hole clean. Your body sees a piercing as a wound, so cleanliness is
the key. Remember, infections also do not discriminate between piercing holes and puncture wounds.

7.) Avoid makeup.

If you are choosing a facial piercing, avoid polluting the hole with makeup. Most cosmetic products are made with oils that can
invade the piercing hole and cause infection.

8.) Identify infection.

Keep an eye out for infections that can quickly and easily cause pain and discomfort. Not all infections work in the same manner,
but warning signs include any type of discharge from the wound, fever, pain, discomfort, swelling, and redness around the hole.

9.) Seek medical attention.

If your piercing is exhibiting signs of infection or complication, immediately seek medical attention. Also, if the piercing is routinely
painful and does not seem to heal, you should seek treatment by your primary health care provider.