You might be asking, “What sort of things are included in the definition of ‘body jewelry?’” This type accessory is defined as an item of jewelry usually worn on parts of the body through a piercing. Examples include earrings, belly button rings, tongue rings, or nose rings. The most popular form of body jewelry seems to be earrings but you might be surprised at how many adults/teens have other parts of their bodies “accessorized.” Some publications report that no external part of the body has gone un-pierced.  What could this mean for the future of America?

It’s safe to say that teens from age 14-20 are probably the most popular age group to receive some sort of piercing in or on their bodies. So what are the risks of body jewelry? How could wearing a simple metal ring in your nose or lip turn into a hazard? The problem with an oral piercing is that, believe it or not, there are people out there who have experienced chipping a tooth or winding up with gum damage. It is also a possibility that if these teens wear a ring in their mouth or nose, it could be swallowed accidentally but very easily.

There are dozens of things to take into consideration before deciding to pierce one’s body. Risks include bleeding, swelling, scarring and allergic reactions to the accessory.  Generally, these issues can be cared for with simple over the counter medications, but if left untreated they may eventually require surgery.

The next time you set out to get a piercing, check the facts first. Make sure that you know what the risks could include and how serious of a problem one item of body jewelry can become.

?A.  You should ONLY go to a piercing parlor or salon that is fully licensed.  They should use sterile needles and other equipment and you should feel safe and secure during the piercing process.  Generally, reputable piercing locations will have their licenses and certifications on the the wall.  If not, ask to see them.  If you piercer refuses, you should get out of there immediately!

Q.  How much will my body jewelry (and piercing) cost?

A.  This is very dependent on where you live/where on the body you get the piercing.  Most places offer a single price that includes the jewelry and the piercing.  It can ranges from $20 to $100 and you should check with the place of business before you decide to get any new piercings.  There are many places online to buy inexpensive body jewelry.

Q.  How do I can for my new body jewelry?

A.  Your piercer will probably give you a sheet of paper of verbal directions to tell you how to properly care for your new piercing.  A few general rules include:  Don’t even use Neosporin on your piercing, it will trap the germs;  Use warm water and antibacterial soap to clean your piercing a few times per day;  Don’t change the body jewelry until the piercing is fully healed.

Even though these decorative trends are legal, many people, especially parents of teens, wonder if these are actually safe.  Can they cause accidental damage?  Will they get infected?  And of course, how painful will they be?

One of the most common piercing’s is the belly button ring.  It’s relatively easy to hide and on the lower end of the price scale for body piercings.  For this reason, it’s an explosive fad among teen and preteen girls.  To find out if the piercing is actually safe, this blogger did a bit of research!  Below are a couple of sites that give a doctor and other health professionals’ opinions of body piercings.

http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/articles/881.html

http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=243&np=292&id=2227

Bottom line:  body piercing and body modification is complete safe when treated as a surgical procedure and when properly cared for.