Piercing and Other Body Art

by Anne Greenblatt

WHAT'S NEW IN THE FAQ?

I am still looking for additions to the female and male piercing experiences sections. Please feel free to submit a written account of your piercing experience (including piercing technique, healing time, and what your piercing has contributed to your life) to my address.

All texts written by Anne Greenblatt unless otherwise noted.

Although there is no copyright to the FAQ, it would be appreciated if any reprinting or further distribution is approved by Anne Greenblatt and the respective authors.

Please remember that body piercing is an inexact science - the information contained in the FAQ is culled from group knowledge and experience. Thus, opinions on almost all aspects may vary or conflict. Remember that each person's experience is different . One aspect of piercing that everyone agrees on - keep it safe and keep it clean!

SUGGESTED METALS FOR BODY PIERCING

To heal a body piercing successfully, the jewelry worn must be of suitable material and design. The more inert the material, the less the chance of metal allergy. The following are the recommended metals used for body piercing jewelry, in alphabetical order:

*Acrylic*

Used where a more flexible piece of jewelry is desired.

*Gold*

Solid gold of at least 14 karat. Gold-plated or gold-filled jewelry is not acceptable, as plating can eventually rub away or flake.

*Niobium*

An elemental metal, strong yet flexible, the wide array of colors achieved through anodizing, not dyeing.

*Surgical Stainless Steel*

The highest quality and most suitable body jewelry developed thus far is made of 316 L or LVM Surgical Stainless Steel. The jewelry should be polished to a reflective shine and free from pitting and rough edges and should be annealed to be somewhat flexible and to resist metal fatigue.

*Titanium*

An elemental metal similar to Niobium, also available in a range of colors through anodizing.

JEWELRY SIZES

For most piercings, rings facilitate easier cleaning and allow for swelling.

For piercings made in flatter areas of the body (ie. where the entrance and exit holes are not through parallel planes), the straighter the section of jewelry that passes through the piercing the less likely the piercing is to migrate or "grow out." Thus, the basic guideline for sizing jewelry is to allow the inside diameter of the ring to be at least 1/16" to 1/8" wider than the length of the piercing.

Jewelry is measured by gauge (thickness) and inside diameter in the case of rings or length from ball to ball in the case of studs. The higher the gauge number, the thinner the jewelry.

When getting pierced, the needle and jewelry must be of the same gauge; thus it is important to stay within the same gauge system. If mixing gauges cannot be avoided, a needle of a thicker gauge than that of the jewelry should be used.

Most jewelry manufactured in the US is gauged according to the Brown & Sharpe system. Note that Silver Anchor uses its own gauge system. Jewelry from the UK and Europe are manufactured by metric gauge.

Gauges and Equivalents

Brown and Sharpe (used by most American manufacturers)
------------------------------------------------------
gauge inches millimeters 
-----------------------------------
20 0.032 0.813 
18 0.040 1.024 
16 0.051 1.290 
14 0.064 1.629 
12 0.081 2.052 
10 0.102 2.588 
8 0.128 3.264 
6 0.162 4.111 
4 0.204 5.189 
2 0.257 6.543 
0 0.324 8.230 
00 0.364 9.246 

Silver Anchor
------------------------------------------------------
gauge inches millimeters
----------------------------------------
20 1/32 = 0.03125
16 3/64 = 0.046875 1.19
14 1/16 = 0.0625 1.59
12 3/32 = 0.09375 2.38
8 1/8 = 0.125 3.18
6 5/32 = 0.15625 3.97
4 3/16 = 0.1875 4.76
2 1/4 = 0.25 6.35
0 5/16 = 0.3125 7.94

JEWELRY DESIGNS

*Captive Bead Ring*

The basic ring design is the captive bead ring, or ball closure ring. The bead is not attached to the ring--the tension of the ring holds the bead "captive." With thinner gauges and larger diameter rings, finger strength may be all that is necessary to remove the bead. Otherwise, ring expanding pliers are used to release the bead.

Rings can be fitted with a wide assortment of beads: Cubes, skulls, hearts, coils, and tubes in steel, gold and niobium and beads in semi-precious stones are just a few of the options. In the case of gemstones, malachite and lapis should not be used with genital piercings, as urine can break down the stone and release copper. Also, gold and sterling can be discolored by cleaning products, most notably Betadine, and chemical sterilization liquids.

*Bead Ring*

Another basic ring design is the bead ring. The bead is soldered to one end of the ring with a hole drilled into the other side of the bead to receive the other end of the ring. The disadvantage to the bead ring is that it must be twisted sideways to open and close, which can eventually cause metal fatigue, especially in the case of gold. Bead rings are best used for more permanent wear.

*Seamless Rings*

"Seamless" rings are rings in which the ends are flat and matched up as closely as possible. Inserting these rings into a new piercing can be very difficult, and closing the rings sometimes next to impossible.

*Circular Barbells*

Circular barbells are useful for those anticipating changing jewelry often. In the larger gauges circular barbells can be heavy.

Barbells and other studs are available with various designs of threading:

Internally threaded studs: The bar is threaded internally, and there is no risk of the threads damaging or getting caught on the inside of the piercing. When inserted initially, a guide wire or taper inserted into the needle and the bar will maintain the connection between needle and jewelry for easier insertion.

Externally threaded studs: The threads are exposed and can irritate the piercing. With some externally threaded studs, the threaded section can be inserted into the end of the needle. Otherwise, the threads can be dipped in hot wax to minimize friction.

More unique jewelry designs intended for healed piercings are available from various manufacturers - septum tusks, labret and nostril spikes, jeweled rings, nipple retainers, nipple stretchers, nipple shields, teardrop rings, nipple spreaders, octagonal rings, Prince Albert "Bangers" and urethra tubes...for more information on these and many more designs please see the FAQ Address List for a listing of jewelry manufacturers.

PIERCING TYPES AND THEIR SUGGESTED JEWELRY

The following contains brief descriptions of each piercing and suggested jewelry, as well as references to publications available detailing the history and origin of specific piercings.

*Ear Lobe*

Usually, the ear lobe is the least sensitive piercing, in terms of metals that can be worn after healing. Lobe piercings can be stretched quite easily. The stretching process should, however, be a gradual one. Eyelets can be worn to maintain a stretched piercing.

Ear lobe piercings heal better and faster if a ring is the initial jewelry. Sleeper studs installed with a piercing gun are collection sites for bacteria and are difficult to clean. Piercing studs tear a hole into the ear tissue whereas piercing needles cut a clean hole. Also, the cleanliness of the piercing gun method is questionable.

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, barbells, circular barbells (in the case of larger gauges, circular barbells may not be best initially, as the weight of the jewelry may prolong healing and be uncomfortable); 3/8" to 1/2" in diameter.

*Cartilage*

Should be pierced using a needle one gauge larger than the jewelry to be worn (e.g. 20 gauge bead ring, 19 gauge needle) to allow for new tissue to form around the inside of the pierce and for easier cleaning.

This piercing is often done with a gun; however, the stud installed can be too short for the piercing, and both sides of the stud are collection sites for bacteria. An ear cartilage piercing should be treated as a body piercing.

Some people may encounter no irritation from sterling and other metals, if worn for a short period of time. Cartilage piercings should not be stretched more than a gauge larger. Cartilage piercings have a tendency to develop Keloid scar tissue in some people. Thus, it is best not to make multiple piercings too close together in one session.

Tragus: The prominence of cartilage in front of the opening of the ear canal. Ear cartilage suggestions follow here. Care must be taken when cleaning this and other interior cartilage piercings such as the Rook, Doth, and Conch - cleaning solutions must not be allowed to drip into the ear canal, as this could lead to permanent loss of hearing.

Of the interior ear cartilage piercings, the Daith is usually the most successful, as it is not subject to pressure from sleeping and irritation from daily activities. Rook piercings are more prone to rejection.

*Nostril*

Nostril Screws are the optimum jewelry choice for those wishing the look of a stud. They feature a small curved "tail" at a right angle to the stud that holds the jewelry in place without the need for a clasp on the inside of the nose. Because nostril screws are more difficult to clean and may not accommodate swelling associated with a fresh piercing , it is recommended that the piercing be well-healed before a screw is worn.

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings in 20 to 14 gauge, 3/8" to 1/2" inside diameter. As with ear cartilage piercings, nostril piercings should be done with a piercing needle a gauge larger than that of the jewelry to be worn.

*Septum*

The piercing should pass through the thin layer of tissue between the septum cartilage and the flesh. This piercing can be stretched after healing to accommodate eyelets.

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular barbells, septum retainers in 20 to 10 gauge, 3/8" to 1/2" inside diameter. U-shaped septum retainers are available for those who need to hide the piercing. Rings are, however, easier to clean during healing.

*Eyebrow*

The chance of the piercing growing out or migrating may be reduced by reshaping the ring into an oval. This piercing is usually made vertically, so that the ring encircles the eyebrow. Elayne "Angel" Binnie offers a hallmark alternative eyebrow piercing, made horizontally just beneath the hairline of the eyebrow.

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings in 18 to 14 gauge, 3/8" to 7/16" inside diameter; barbells 3/8" to 7/16" post length. Rings should be at least 1/16" larger in diameter than the length of the piercing.

*Nieburh or Erle*

This piercing is made through the tissue between the eyes (bridge of the nose). This piercing can be both difficult to both perform and heal. This piercing cannot be made too deep but must be deep enough that the piercing does not migrate out/reject.

Initial jewelry: Barbell studs or curved barbells in 14 - 12 gauge, 3/8" to 5/8" in length, depending on the length of the piercing.

*Lip & Labret*

Traditionally, the Labret piercing is usually made about 3/8" to 1/2" below the middle of the lower lip, through or just above the cleft of the chin, although lip piercings can be made anywhere along the outside of the lip. A labret stud should be used to heal the piercing to avoid tearing, and a ring can be worn after healing. A thinner gauge of ring may have a tendency to tear the inside of the lip, especially on new piercings.

Labret studs and barbells tend to cause deterioration of the inside of the lip and of the gumline; this deterioration is, in most cases, minimal, and will only continue until a niche has been formed for the ball or disc. Fishtail Labrets were invented to counter this problem. Some piercers prefer to angle the Labret piercing so that the disc/inside ball is above the teeth line. This placement will avoid gum/lip deterioration, but may present problems with biting down on the jewelry inadvertantly.Please see Body Play, Vol. 2 #4, for a very good feature on the Labret; PFIQ "Pierce with a Pro, Part 19".

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, barbell studs, Labret studs (inserted from the inside, a barbell with a disc in place of the inside ball), Fishtail Labrets (a stud with a "tail" at a right-angle to the stud which has a slight curve to follow the curve of the gumline); gold and surgical steel in 18 to 14 gauge, 3/8" to 1/2" inside diameter and post length. The initial stud should be at least 1/16" longer than the width of the area to be pierced to accommodate swelling.

*Cheek*

Initial jewelry: Labret studs; gold and surgical steel in 16 - 10 gauge, usually at least 3/8" in length. Precise measurements are necessary to prevent nesting.

*Tongue*

Initial jewelry: Barbell studs; gold and surgical steel in 14 to 10 gauge. The initial stud should be at least 1/4" to 1/2" longer than the tongue at its thickest to accommodate swelling. Too short a barbell can lead to "nesting" of the balls. Please see PFIQ "Pierce with a Pro, Part 11" and PFIQ #38 for "Pierce with a Pro, Part 25: Update".

If a large frenulum is present (web of tissue which runs lengthwise along the underside of the tongue, usually present in most people to some degree), the piercing should be made in front of it.

Tongue piercings made through the front and side edges of the tongue using rings have been sudccessful for some people, but for most the presence of a ring impedes eating and speaking. If such a piercing is desired it is important to use an initial ring large enough to allow for swelling and to

úÿ

úÿ(Continued from last message) avoid piercing any large blood vessels which may be present.

*Navel*

The upper rim of the navel is usually pierced, unless the lower is more prominent. The navel piercing is one of the most difficult to heal, but also one of the most popular. Tight waistbands, belts, and a high level of activity involving bending at the waist can lengthen healing time. This piercing is also subject to migrating, rejection, or "growing out."

In most cases, the piercing will remain red and discharge considerably during the entirety of the healing process. Occasionally, a ring of tissue will form around the entrance or exit wound, usually during the second or third month of healing, most likely due to irritation from clothing and/or daily activities rather than an infection. If this occurs, do not overclean. Usually the "growth" will diminish on its own. Soaking the piercing in warm salt water in place of a morning or evening cleaning often helps. Please see PFIQ "Pierce with a Pro, Part 18".

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular barbells, curved or "L" bars in 14 to 12 gauge, 3/8" to 5/8" inside diameter; 3/8" to 5/8" length for curved barbells.

*Nipples*

Nipple piercings can be made horizontally or vertically. Rings are usually the initial jewelry in horizontal piercings. Some piercers prefer to install a barbell initially, as this may decrease the chance of the piercing migrating downwards due to the weight and curve of a ring. If a barbell is to be used, it should be at least 1/4" longer than the length of the piercing to facilitate thorough cleaning. Barbells of the same length as the piercing can be worn after the piercing is healed.

Barbells are used for vertical piercings, as a ring will tend to stick out, and, if taped to one side or the other, can cause the piercing to migrate diagonally. For heavy play (chains, pendants, weights, etc.) captive bead rings smaller than 14 gauge should not be worn, as the bead may pop off. Also, the larger the gauge, the less likely the jewelry is to tear the piercing. Please see PFIQ #34 for "Pierce with a Pro, Part 21: Female Nipple Update"; PFIQ "Pierce with a Pro, Part 17"; PFIQ #40 for "Pierce with a Pro, Part 27: Male Nipple Update".

Multiple nipple piercings are not uncommon. These can be crisscross (alternating horizontal and vertical piercings) or all be in the same direction. Before attempting a second piercing the first piercing should be allowed to completely heal. There should be at least 1/8" of tissue (depth) between the piercings to prevent pressure from the innermost piercing from causing the outermost piercing to migrate out.

Some women may experience irritation or a delay in healing before and during their period, or if they are subject to PMS. Water retention may cause the nerves in the nipple to become pinched against the jewelry.

Men, on average, have more difficulty with nipple piercings migrating or rejecting. If a nipple is to be repierced after the initial piercing has rejected, the first wound should be allowed to heal completely. If a large amount of scar tissue is present, it may be advisable to wait at least 6 months to allow the area to recover. The repierce should be made behind the scar tissue from the initial piercing. Piercing through the scar tissue is usually difficult, painful, and can lead to more scar tissue growth.

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular barbells in 14 to 12 gauge; men - 1/2" inside diameter or larger, women - 5/8" inside diameter or larger. The inside diameter of the ring should be at least 1/8" wider than the length of the piercing, especially in initial jewelry.

*Handweb*

Most piercers consider this piercing to be rather a novelty. The piercing is usually made through the web of skin between the thumb and forefinger (it must not intersect the muscle tissue).

Rate of infection is extremely high, due to the exposure to bacteria during daily activities. Rate of rejection and migration is also high, due to the nature of the tissue and hand movements. Please see PFIQ #23 for "Pierce with a Pro, Part 13".

Initial jewelry: Barbells in 14-12 gauge, at least 1/2" in length to accommodate swelling.

FEMALE PIERCINGS

*Outer Labia, or Labia Majora*

Labia piercings can be stretched considerably after healing. For infibulation (chastity) or heavy play (ie. chains, pendants, weights), captive bead rings smaller than 14 gauge should not be worn, as the bead may pop off. Also, the larger the gauge, the less likely the jewelry is to tear the piercing. Please see PFIQ "Pierce with a Pro, Part 5".

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular barbells in 14 to 12 gauge, 1/2" to 5/8" in diameter. The inside diameter of the ring should be at least 1/8" wider than the length of the piercing.

*Inner Labia, or Labia Minora*

The amount of inner labia present varies with the individual - some women may have flaps of tissue an inch or so wide, while others may have the barest, thinnest inner labia, too thin to hold jewelry. Please see PFIQ #37 for "Pierce with a Pro, Part 24".

Some women experience tearing or rapid outward migration of the piercing due to the jewelry being pulled during daily activities. Sometimes switching to short barbells (provided the holes have not stretched so much that the balls pass through the piercing) will eliminate tearing or stretching.

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular barbells in 14 to 12 gauge, 1/2" to 5/8" in diameter.

*Clitoral Hood, or Prepuce*

Horizontal Piercing: If a circular barbell is chosen, the piercing should be placed so that the clitoris is not pinched between the balls. The horizontal piercing stimulates the clitoris indirectly - the jewelry is positioned so that the bead rests on the tip of the clitoris. Please see PFIQ #41 for "Pierce with a Pro, Part 28".

Women with heavy outer labia which cover the hood completely may find a tear-drop shaped ring more suitable, as the tapered end of the ring prevents it from getting caught between the labia and twisted, causing the piercing to heal crooked or migrate out.

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings or bead rings in 16 to 12 gauge, 3/8" to 5/8" inside diameter, depending on the depth of the piercing. The inside diameter should be at least 1/16" wider than the length of the piercing.

Vertical Piercing: The vertical hood piercing stimulates the clitoris directly - the jewelry is in constant contact with the clitoris. Some women have reported undue irritation and apparent desensitization of the clitoris from the vertical piercing, if the hood is too tight around the ring and the clitoris. Please see PFIQ "Pierce with a Pro, Part 22".

Initial Jewelry: Same as above; barbells, curved barbells in 16 to 14 gauge, 3/8" to 1/2" long. Vertical piercings are best done using an insertion tube, inserted between the hood and the clitoris.

*Clitoral Triangle Piercing*

This piercing is made through the tissue beneath the shaft of the clitoris and above the juncture of the inner labia. The area to be pierced can be felt as a triangular shape beneath the shaft when the area is pinched with the fingers. Not every woman is suited for this piercing. Please see PFIQ #37 for a feature article.

Initial jewelry: Bead rings or captive bead rings in 14 to 12 gauge, 5/8" to 3/4" inside diameter, with allowance for swelling.

*Isabella*

This relatively new piercing documented by Piercing World Magazine is the vertical accompaniment to the Triangle piercing. It is made beneath the clitoris, entering beneath the clitoris and exiting above the hood.

Initial jewelry: Recommended jewelry is a slightly curve d barbell, measured to fit the piercing. Flexible nylon barbells have been recommended as well.

*Fourchette*

This piercing is a relatively new piercing. It is made through the web of tissue at the back rim of the vaginal opening.

Initial jewelry: Rings of at least 12 gauge; better suited jewelry may be a curved barbell of 12 gauge, 1/2" - 5/8" in length. Please see PFIQ #37 for a feature article.

*Clitoris*

Mini- or dydoe barbells, barbell studs in 16 to 14 gauge, 3/8" to 1/2" in length. Captive bead or bead rings in 16 to 14 gauge, 3/8" to 1/2" inside diameter. Barbells are suitable for vertical or horizontal piercings; rings are suitable only for horizontal piercings. To be successfully pierced, the clitoris should be at least 1/4" wide and loosely hooded. If the hood is too tight, the piercing will most likely migrate out or be continuously irritated by the pressure of the hood. The ring works best in a clitoris that is exposed. Please see PFIQ "Pierce with a Pro, Part 7".

*Princess Albertina*

Another relatively new and experimental piercing, this piercing passes through the back wall of the urethra. In the piercing documented by Piercing World magazine, a captive bead ring was used. Please see Piercing World #19.

MALE GENITAL PIERCINGS

*Frenum*

This piercing is made through the skin layer along the shaft of the penis, usually along the underside, about 1/4" from the ridge of the glans. A series of frenum piercings - called a "Frenum Ladder" - can be made as well. A frenum piercing made at the base of the penis has acquired the name "Lorum," short for "lower frenum." Please see PFIQ "Pierce with a Pro, Part 20: Update"

Initial jewelry: Barbells in 14 to 10 gauge, 1/2" to 5/8" in length, determined by measuring the length of the piercing; captive bead rings in 14 to 10 gauge, 1/2" to 5/8" in diameter; after the piercing is healed, a ring measured to fit around the erect penis just behind the ridge of the glans can be worn.

*Prince Albert & Reverse Prince Albert*

This piercing is performed with the aid of a needle-receptor tube or a cotton-swab inserted into the urethra to "receive" the needle tip. Please see PFIQ #6 for feature article; PFIQ #39 for "Pierce with a Pro, Part 26: Update".

It is possible to have a Prince Albert with an intact foreskin, provided the foreskin is not too tight and that the wearer can retract the foreskin during healing. Another option is to have the bottom edge of the foreskin cut lengthwise to give the piercing "breathing room." This procedure should be performed by a physician and the foreskin allowed to heal before the piercing is made.

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular or curved barbells in 12 gauge or larger, 5/8" inside diameter or larger, depending on the depth of the piercing. The diameter of the ring is determined by measuring the length between the piercing to the bottom edge of the urethra. For curved barbells, measure from the point of piercing to the top edge of the urethra.

*Ampallang*

The Ampallang is made horizontally through the glans (head). A piercing intersecting the urethra (in effect two piercings) allows urine to irrigate through the piercings and thus tends to heal faster and be stronger than a piercing made above the urethra. Please see PFIQ #11 for "Pierce with a Pro, Part 6".

Initial jewelry: Barbells in 14 to 10 gauge; the length of the barbell must be determined by measuring the penis while it is erect, using calipers.

*Apadravya*

The Apadravya is made vertically through the glans, and is often a continuation of the Prince Albert. Please see PFIQ "Pierce with a Pro, Part 16". With both the Ampallang and Apadravya, correct positioning is important to avoid intersecting the cavernosa, the two channels of tissue which fill with blood during an erection.

Bothe the Ampallang and Apadravya will bleed considerably during the first week, and usually take 6 to 8 months to completely heal.

*Dydoe*

Not every man has enough ridge development for dydoe piercings. Healing time can be lengthy, and this piercing can be subject to migrating or growing out. Healing time can be lengthy, and this piercing is prone to migrating or growing out. Please see PFIQ "Pierce with a Pro, Part 8". Dydoe piercings are usually done as a pair, at the 10:00 and 2:00 positions through the ridge of the glans.

Initial jewelry: Mini- or dydoe barbell studs in 16 or 14 gauge, at least 3/8" post length.

*Foreskin*

This piercing can be very stimulating as the jewelry rubs against the glans during sex. One large-diameter ring can be worn through 2 piercings made on either side for infibulation. A series of foreskin piercings can be made and barbells worn, keeping the foreskin retracted.

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular barbells in 14 to 12 gauge, 1/2" inside diameter or larger.

*Hafada (Scrotum)*

Of all the male genital piercings, this piercing can be one of the most difficult to heal because of the constant contact with clothing and lack of ventilation. Piercings can be made anywhere on the scrotum, though piercings made through forward fold of skin may decrease the likelihood of rejection or migration. Care must be taken not to puncture the testicle sac itself, which can lead to very serious infection.

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular barbells in 14 to 12 gauge, 1/2" to 5/8" in diameter.

*Guiche*

This piercing is made at the base of the scrotum, where the inseam of a pair of pants is positioned. Attaching weights to this piercing is said to be extremely stimulating. This piercing is particularly prone to migration/rejection. Please see PFIQ #5 for "Pierce with a Pro, Part 3" feature.

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular barbells in steel (gold and niobium tend to be too flexible to maintain ring shape) in 12 gauge, 5/8" inside diameter - the inside diameter of the ring should be at least 1/8" larger than the length of the piercing. Some men may find a curved barbell to be more comfortable than a ring.

*Pubic*

Initial jewelry: Captive bead rings, bead rings, circular barbells in 14 to 10 gauge, 5/8" diameter or larger - the inside diameter of the ring should be at least 1/8" larger than the length of the piercing.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT JEWELRY

Most body piercings are intended to last a lifetime, if properly performed and cared for. Occasionally, problems including piercing migration or rejection, scar tissue growth, or metal allergies may arise. These problems are difficult to predict. However, certain tendencies have been noted.

First, the suitability of a particular piercing should be discussed with the piercer. Piercings made in flat areas have a greater tendency to migrate or reject (grow out). The optimum area to be pierced is one in which the entrance and exit holes of the piercing are located on parallel surfaces (eg. earlobe). For example, a navel piercing is best suited to someone with a deep navel and a distinct ridge.

Also, the individual's daily activities should be reviewed. Navel piercings can be extremely irritated by tight waistbands; the pressure can sometimes contribute to scar tissue build-up.

Jewelry choice can effect healing as well. Wearing jewelry of the proper metal and dimensions is a must, especially during healing. Jewelry in surgical stainless steel is most commonly used initially. The steel should be 316 in grade, annealed, and hand-polished to a highly reflective shine. Few people experience allergic reactions to high-quality implant grade surgical steel.

Jewelry of a gray and low-luster finish are most likely made of steel 304 in grade (higher amount of possible allergy-causing alloys), used for surgical instruments and knives, and/or tumble-finished. Lower-quality jewelry is lower in price, but should be avoided for new piercings.

Jewelry in Niobium and Titanium are also commonly used. Both are elemental metals - no allergy-causing alloys are present. The wide variety of colors available in these two metals is achieved by anodizing - the jewelry is submerged in an electrolyte bath, the applied voltage determining the resulting color. The anodized layer is thin and can be scratched. Wrap pliers or any metal instruments which may scratch the jewelry with surgical tape.

Jewelry in gold of at least 14kt is usually recommended for healed piercings, unless the wearer has had previous success wearing gold initially. Metal allergies to the alloys of gold are more than uncommon. To test for metal allergy, tape a nickel and a penny to the inside of your elbow for 12 hours. If a rash develops, you should choose jewelry carefully. Remember that gold can become discolored by certain cleaning products - notably, Betadine (povidone iodine), and chemical sterilization fluids.

Platinum, another white metal, is being used for more complicated custom designs and by a few manufacturers in Europe. Platinum is, however, more costly than surgical steel. Sterling silver is not an acceptable metal for healing piercings. Silver oxidizes (tarnishes) quickly, especially when exposed to cleaning agents and bodily fluids. The alloys of silver (notably nickel) can cause extreme irritation which can lead to inf ection. Over time, the oxidized layer can be absorbed into the surrounding tissue and leave a permanent black or gray stain in the skin. Silver should only be used to accent body jewelry - eg. nipple shields, captive silver skulls or hearts, silver pend ants. Note that silver can be discolored very easily by cleaning agents. Silver can be easily polished with toothpaste.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A PIERCER

The best way to judge a piercer is to look at his/her work. If possible, talk to customers about their experience. If this is not possible, ask to see a portfolio, specifically photographs of the piercing you are interested in. The facility should be clean, orderly, and well-lit. Instruments should be sterile. Needle and jewelry should remain in sterilization packets or sterilization fluid until they are to be used. Gloves, needle, cork, towels, cotton swabs, gauze pads, and other disposable items should all be new.

The area to be pierced should be thoroughly disinfected with iodine solution (Betadine) or washed with Hibiclens. The piercer should review technique, possible complications (ie. likelihood of piercing rejection or "growing out"), and aftercare (both oral and written instructions) before doing the piercing.

Inform the piercer of any medical conditions which may be exacerbated by the piercing procedure. The piercer should require your signature and proof of age on a detailed waiver form. This form serves to protect both you and the piercer. Most piercers require that you be 18 or over. If you are under 18, some piercers may perform the piercing with parental consent and/or presence during the piercing.

The piercer should answer any questions fully before and after the piercing is performed. You should feel comfortable and at ease, and not rushed. Most piercers have topical anesthetics (xylocaine or lidocaine solutions, in viscous or ointment form) available for Prince Albert and Clitoral piercings. Topical anesthetics require a few minutes to be absorbed. Topicals have little effect on areas oth er than mucous membranes. Topical anesthetics require a physician's prescription in the US. Injectable anesthetics are only available from a practicing physician in the US.

TOOLS AND TECHNIQUE

The piercing gun is not recommended for piercing. It is intended to be used on ear lobes only. Even so, the studs installed are of one length and too short to accommodate swelling and are very difficult to clean thoroughly once installed, as the butterfly clip backing can become clogged with discharge and dirt.

The action of the piercing gun is far more traumatic than the piercing needle procedure - the studs are considerably duller than a single-use needle, thus literally tearing a hole through the tissue, whereas the needle slices a clean hole the gauge of the jewelry to be installed. A cleanly made hole is especially important in the case of cartilage piercings, notably upper ear and nostril piercings, which many jewelry outlets fitted with piercing guns are performing. Above all, most department store or mall piercers do not adequately sterilize the gun itself nor the area to be pierced. Most are supplied merely with a box of gloves and a bottle of rubbing alcohol.

The needles used for piercing are hollow, beveled and sharpened similar to the hypodermic needles used by medical professionals. Piercing needles are available in single-beveled, double-beveled ("super sharp"), and dermal-punch styles. Most are about 2 inches in length. Most piercers in Europe use needles designed for intravenous drips, which are fitted with a plastic sheath that is threaded through the piercing, needle removed, and jewelry fitted into the plastic sheath and pulled through.

Needles should only be used once, and disposed of via hospital incinerator or disposal company. Aside from cleanliness concerns, needles are dulled after one use.

Most piercers use forceps to clamp the area to be pierced. Forceps commonly used are the Pennington (triangular head) and the Foerster (oval head). Often, the serations on the head of the forceps are sharp and should be filed down to prevent irritation. The forceps should be clamped using the tension of a rubber band wrapped around the handles. Clamping the forceps using the teeth on the handles is extremely uncomfortable and can cause bruising.

The forceps should be positioned so that the entrance and exit marks are positioned at the same place within the openings. Some piercers use sterilized, disposable cork to back all clamped piercings. Others prefer to use cork only on areas of more elasticity (i.e., inner labia, scrotum). The cork is also used for freehand (unclamped) piercings such as the ear lobe. Keep in mind that different piercers employ different techniques.

Method of jewelry insertion depends on the jewelry. In the case of rings, the convex end of the ring will fit against the flat hollow end of the needle. Unless a larger-gauged needle is used, the ring will not actually fit inside the needle. When inserting rings, contact between the needle and ring must be maintained, or the piercing could be "lost."

Externally threaded barbells and Labret studs will fit into the end of the needle if the threaded portion is thinner than the gauge of the jewelry. Otherwise, the threads should be dipped in melted candlewax for easier insertion and to prevent them from getting caught on the inside of the piercing.

Internally threaded barbells are best inserted using a thin insertion taper or wire, one end inserted into the barbell, the other end inserted into the needle, which prevents the needle and barbell from slipping apart. Any pliers used to tighten or expand rings should be wrapped in surgical tape to prevent the jewelry from being scratched.

METHODS OF STERILIZATION

Proper sterilization of all instruments and jewelry used during piercing is a must. Improper sterilization or lack thereof can result in infection of the piercing and the spread of infectious bacteria and disease-causing viruses.

The most complete and reliable method of sterilization is the steam or chemical process "autoclave." Autoclave sterilization is used by medical professionals and meets federal standards of sterilization. The autoclave uses heat and pressure, and in some instances a chemical bath to kill bacteria and viruses.

Instruments to be sterilized are placed in sterilization bags which are then sealed with indicator tape. Both the bag and the tape are marked with indicator strips which change color to indicate complete sterilization. Pressure cookers may also be used to sterilize tools and jewelry. Items should be "cooked" for at least 30 minutes at 15-20 pounds pressure (270-300 degrees F).

Boiling is not a suitable method of sterilization.

Cold sterilization fluids, such as Control III and Wavicide, should be used in conjunction with steam sterilization. Every instrument should be able to be sterilized.

Piercing needles usually arrive from the manufacturer or supplier pre-sterilized by autoclave, in sealed autoclave bags. Piercing needles should never be used more than once. Aside from cleanliness concerns, needles are noticibly dulled from a single use. Pennington forceps, used to clamp the area to be pierced, are professional medical supply stock, suitable for sterilization techniques used by medical professionals. They can be soaked in sterilization fluid and steam autoclaved. Insertion tapers (of niobium or surgical stainless steel) can be cleaned by the same method.

Other tools made specifically for piercing such as needle pushers are manufactured to be safe for sterilization by autoclave. Pliers used to open and close rings present certain challenges to sterilization. These tools are usually not of the high-grade steel used for forceps and jewelry, thus subject to corrossion. These tools should be dried thoroughly after sterilization, by a heat oven if possible. Any rubber or plastic coating on the handles can easily be removed by slicing legthwise with a utility knife. All surgical stainless steel professional body jewelry can be safely sterilized by steam or chemical means. Niobium and gold jewelry may be discolored by certain chemicals such as chlorine solutions. These pieces are best sterilized by steam or heat methods.

CARING FOR A NEW PIERCING - CLEANING AGENTS

Recommended general cleaning agents:

HIBICLENS: Should be diluted 1 part Hibiclens to 3 parts water. * Recently, there has been some discussion of removal of Hibiclens from the market as an Over The Counter product and reclassified by the FDA. Hibiclens has proven to be very irritating for most people. Anyone who decides to use Hibiclens should watch carefully for any signs of irritation or failure of the piercing to heal properly.

BETADINE: Or a solution of Povidone-Iodine, Betadine soaps and skin cleansers, and povidone-iodine based liquid soap (Clearly Natural brand). * Long-term use of Betadine / Povidone-Iodine solutions can induce an insensitivity to the product (growth of resistant bacteria) as well as allergy. Long-term use has also been known to cause growing skin cells to rupture. Thus it is recommended that excess solution be rinsed away thoroughly.

(* based on information provided by Michaela Grey, Ass'n of Professional Piercers)

BACTINE: And other solutions of benzalkonium-chloride (Pierced Ear Care Solution or Sensitive Ears Solution, usually available at ear piercing salons). Some people may be sensitive to the solution and should dilute with 25% water. Bactine need not be rinsed away; thus it is excellent for use on facial piercings.

TRICLOSAN-BASED LIQUID SOAPS: Any soap used should be low-pH, deodorant and moisturizer-free. Brand names include Liquid Dial, Almay Hypo- Care, Clearly Natural, and Softsoap. Soaps are best used in the shower, should be lathered up before applying to the piercing, and the piercing rinsed thoroughly.

Remember that what works best for one person may not work for you. If you experience an adverse reaction to a particular product (itching, redness, irritation) switch to another product. In the case of an extreme allergic reaction, contact a physician.

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE should NEVER be used on a fresh piercing. The peroxide acts to break down the newly formed tissue.

ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL is not an adequate disinfectant by itself.

BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE solutions containing alcohol are fine.

HEALING OINTMENTS

Healing ointments include Betadine ointment, anti-bacterial or anti- biotic ointments containing any combination of bacitracin zinc, Neomycin, and Polymyxin- B Some people are allergic to bacitracin zinc or Neosporin (neomycin). It is advised that use of anti-bacterial ointments be limited to the first five days to one week ONLY. A small amount should be used, the excess removed. Excessive or prolonged use can lead to desensitivity to the active ingredients in the product and limits air circulation to the piercing.

Vitamin E gel can also be applied to the piercing, especially in the case of dry skin, which is common with nipple piercings. However, some people have experienced allergic reactions to vitamin E.

TREATING FACIAL PIERCINGS

Ear, eyebrow, nose - piercings are best cleaned with betadine, an ear care solution, or gel containing benzalkonium chloride. The cleaning agent should be used twice to three times a day.

Any crusty formation around the piercing and on the jewelry should first be softened and removed with a cotton swab dipped in warm water or warm salt water.

The cleaning agent should be applied and rotated through the piercing. Make-up, foundations, and powders should be avoided during the healing process. When using har spray, cover your piercings with your hand or a tissue.

*NEVER USE HIBICLENS SOLUTIONS ON FACIAL PIERCINGS!*

Hibiclens Can Cause Blindness And Hearing Loss If It Gets Into Your Eyes And Ears.

TREATING MOUTH-RELATED PIERCINGS

Tongue piercings should be cleaned with Gly-oxide or PerOxyl 2, cleansing antiseptics for the mouth containing carbamide peroxide (10%), twice a day and after meals. It is imperative that one of these products be used - Listerine alone will not adequately guard against infection. Listerine diluted 50% to 75% should be used as a mouth rinse after eating or drinking anything other than water. Rinse for at least one minute.

Mouth related piercings - lip, labret, cheek - should be cleaned on the inside as described for tongue piercings. The outside piercing should be cleaned following the instructions for facial piercings. Warm salt water rinses are also recommended for faster healing.

TREATING BODY PIERCINGS

Recommended cleaning agents include Hibiclens (diluted one part Hibiclens to three parts water), Betadine or Povidone solution or soap, and low- pH liquid soaps or cleaning products (please see product listing above). Avoid using deodorant or moisturizing soaps on your piercings. Any crusty secretion around the piercing or on the jewelry should be removed with a cotton swab and warm water prior to cleaning. The cleaning agent should be rotated through the piercing and allowed to soak for three minutes. The piercing should be rinsed well to remove any residues.

Warm salt water soaks work wonders to remove crusty deposits and secretions during healing, and decrease the healing time as well.

TREATING GENITAL PIERCINGS

Genital piercings should be cleaned following the instructions for body piercings. However, the cleaning products may irritate the urethra in both men and women and the vagina in the case of women. Urinate after cleaning to flush out any residues in the urethral opening. Women should take care not to let any cleaning agent enter the vagina, as yeast infections may result from the depletion of bacteria.

Genital piercings should be cleaned after intercourse as well. Use of a condom is recommended during the healing period, and oral contact should be avoided. Also, certain lubricants and spermicides may irritate piercings.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS FROM ELAYNE BINNIE

The following care instructions are approved for reprinting manager of Gauntlet Los Angeles), Rings of Desire, Inc., 1128 Decatur Street, 2nd floor (above Boomerang), New Orleans, LA 70116, phone (504) 524-6147. Any form of distribution of these care instructions must be accompanied by this paragraph, and must remain intact within each section. You may contact her if you have any questions about these care instructions.

6a. Lips, labret and cheek piercings according to Elayne "Angel" Binnie

Healing time: 6 to 8 weeks

Cleaning solutions: --For inside the mouth: Listerine or other antibacterial mouthwash and Gly-Oxide or Peroxyl (available in the oral medications section of any pharmacy).

--For the outside surface: Ear Care Antiseptic, or Bactine diluted 50/50 with water.

Instructions:

1. Rinse mouth for 60 seconds with Listerine after anything goes in your mouth other than water or ice. This includes coffee, tea, soft drinks, all food, smoking or eating utensils. If you are not ingesting very often, rinse 12 to 24 times daily. Keep a small bottle of Listerine with you so that you can rinse often.

2. Twice daily, rinse for two to three minutes with Gly- Oxide. Do not omit this step! This foams inside your mouth, so you might want to rinse with water or Listerine afterwards.

3. Keep dirty hands, fingernails, pens, etc. out of your mouth.

4. Refrain from oral sexual contact during the 4 to 6 weeks of initial healing. This includes French (wet) kissing as well as oral sex, even if you are in a monogamous relationship.

5. With clean hands, check twice daily to make sure the ends of your labret stud are on tightly (if applicable). To clean hands, use antibacterial soap (i.e., Liquid Dial).

6. Do not play with the piercing for the first 4 to 6 weeks beyond the necessary movement for speaking and eating. This can cause complications, such as the formation of scar tissue.

7. Twice daily, use a cotton swab (Q-Tip) saturated with Ear Care Antiseptic solution to remove any crusty blood plasma formation from the exterior of the piercing and jewelry. Cleanse the post or ring witht he solution, and gently move the jewelry to work the solution onto the inside of the piercing.

Hints and tips:

--Swelling of the lip is normal during initial healing. This can be reduced by sucking gently on clean ice, especially during the first few days (shaved or chipped ice, or small cubes are easiest). Cold foods (ice cream and frozen yogurt) are soothing. --Leave the initial jewelry in for at least 6 to 8 weeks before changing it. Allow something to remain in the piercing at all times for 6 to 9 months or longer. You may find that even after years, your piercing may shrink or close. If you like it, leave something in it.

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6b. Care Instructions for: Body Piercings according to Elayne "Angel" Binnie

Healing time dependent on location of pierce

Cleaning solutions: --Betadine (or other 10% Povidone Iodine). Note: Do not use Betadine on gold jewelry, as it will tarnish. --Hibiclens diluted 50/50 with water. Note: Pre-diluting Hibiclens in a clean empty container is most convenient.

Instructions:

Body piercings need to be cleaned twice daily during the entire healing period. Most people clean in the morning and at night in the shower.

1. This is most important: Do not touch healing piercings with dirty hands!!! Prior to your twice-daily cleanings, wash hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap (i.e., Liquid Dial) and hot water. As an extra precaution, you can wear disposable latex or vinyl gloves.

2. After washing your hands, remove any crusty formation from the piercing and jewelry. The formation comes from a secretion of blood plasma, which is normal. Removal of this crust is best accomplished by rinsing or soaking. A clean cup of warm water can be sealed over the area to soak directly, for a few minutes. If any stubborn crust remains, use a cotton swab (Q-Tip) moistened with warm water to gently scrub away any foreign matter. Never pick with fingernails or fingers! Note: As long as the piercing secretes this liquid that forms the crust, the piercing is still healing, and cleaning procedures should be continued.

3. Pour a small handful of the cleaning solution into your clean palm and apply it gently to the piercing and its surrounding area. Hibiclens will suds lightly, while Betadine will not. Cleanse the jewelry and rotate the ring back and forth several times to work the solution into the piercing >From each opening.

4. Allow the solution to remain in the piercing to clean for 3 to 5 minutes.

5. Under running water, carefully rinse the area and rotate the jewelry back and forth to completely remove the cleaning solution from inside the piercing. Your piercing will likely get irritated if you donUt get all the solution out, so rinse thoroughly.

6. Finally, pat dry with tissues or other clean, disposable paper products. Cloth towels can harbor bacteria, so keep them away from healing piercings.

Hints and tips:

--Leave your initial jewelry in during the entire healing period.

--If you like your piercing, leave jewelry in at all times. Body piercings can shrink and/or close very quickly, even after years.

--Avoid oral contact or rough play, as well as contact from others' bodily fluids during healing. If you have a genital piercing, you must use latex barriers (condoms, dental dams) to prevent such contact even if you are in a monogamous relationship.

--Make sure your bedding is clean. Change your sheets often while your piercing is healing.

--Threaded jewelry (barbells, circular barbells, etc.) should be checked twice daily to make sure the ends are screwed on tight.

--To accelerate healing, take a multi-vitamin/mineral supplement with zinc (i.e., Vicon-C).

--After the first week of healing, use a mild salt-water solution of 1/2 tsp to 1 cup of warm water for your pre- soak, instead of plain water.

--You can use salt water several more times a day to accelerate healing. Soak for a few minutes, rinse, then pat dry with disposable paper products. Do not rotate jewelry with salt water - that should only be done with twice-daily with your cleaning solution.

--Many doctors have no training or experience with piercings, and may offer poor advice. In the event that you do get an infection, the jewelry should be left in the piercing to allow drainage of pus. If the jewelry is removed, the holes can close and result in an abscess. Feel free to contact us for suggestions on treating infected piercings.

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6c. Care Instructions for pierces of: Ear Lobe, Ear Cartilage, Tragus, Conch, Nostril, Septum and Eyebrows according to Elayne "Angel" Binnie

Healing time: Septum, lobe: 4 to 6 weeks. Eyebrow: 6 to 8 weeks. Nostril, Cartilage, Tragus, Conch: 2 to 3 months

Cleaning solutions: --Ear Care Antiseptic or Bactine diluted 75/25 with water. Note: Do not use Hibiclens for ear pierces, as this could lead to deafness!

Instructions:

Piercings must be cleaned 2 to 3 times daily during the entire healing period, although over-cleaning can be irritating.

1. This is most important: Do not touch healing piercings with dirty hands!!! Prior to your twice-daily cleanings, wash hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap (i.e., Liquid Dial) and hot water. As an extra precaution, you can wear disposable latex or vinyl gloves.

2. Saturate fresh cotton swabs (Q-Tips) with the cleaning solution, and use the swab to gently scrub any crusty formation from the jewelry and its surrounding area. This is a normal secretion of blood plasma, and will continue to appear during healing.

3. Use a fresh swab to apply the cleaning solution to the jewelry, and gently rotate the ring to slide the solution onto the inside of the piercing. Use a different swab for each piercing surface. Never dip a used swab into the bottle.

4. At the end of your bath or shower, run clear water ov the piercing and jewelry to remove any soap or shampoo residue. This will also help loosen up the crust. Don't use cloth towels to dry the area. Use tissues or other clean, disposable paper products. It's a good idea to clean after your shower.

5. Clean your telephone receiver inside and out with Lysol or other disinfectant. Avoid contact with your piercing to any public telephone.

6. Make sure your bedding is clean, particularly your pillow case.

7. Leave the jewelry in the piercing without changing it for the entire initial healing time (see above). For several months after the initial healing time, do not try to leave the piercing empty, as the hole can shrink or close. If you like your piercing, leave jewelry in it to avoid any problems.

8. In the event that the piercing secretes a thick pus discharge instead of the more liquid blood plasma, you may wish to see a physician for evaluation and possible antibiotic treatment. If you do have an infection however, do not remove the jewelry as this may worsen your problem. Topical antibiotic ointments should not be used for more than a few days as they prevent air circulation to the piercing, which is important for healing.

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6d. Care Instructions for: Tongue Piercings according to Elayne "Angel" Binnie

Healing time: 4 to 6 weeks

Cleaning solutions:

--Listerine or other antibacterial mouthwash and Gly-Oxide or Peroxyl (available in the oral medications section of any pharmacy).

Instructions:

1. Rinse mouth for 60 seconds with Listerine after anything goes in your mouth other than water or ice. This includes coffee, tea, soft drinks, all food, smoking or eating utensils. If you are not ingesting very often, rinse 12 to 24 times daily. Keep a small bottle of Listerine with you so that you can rinse often.

2. Twice daily, rinse for two to three minutes with Gly- Oxide. Do not omit this step! This foams inside your mouth, so you might want to rinse with water or Listerine afterwards.

3. Keep dirty hands, fingernails, pens, etc. out of your mouth.

4. Refrain from oral sexual contact during the 4 to 6 weeks of initial healing. This includes French (wet) kissing as well as oral sex, even if you are in a monogamous relationship.

5. With clean hands, check twice daily to make sure the balls on your barbell are on tightly (if applicable). To clean hands, use antibacterial soap (i.e., Liquid Dial).

6. Do not play with the piercing for the first 4 to 6 weeks beyond the necessary movement for speaking and eating. This can cause complications, such as the formation of scar tissue.

Hints and tips:

--Swelling of the tongue is normal during initial healing. This can be reduced by sucking gently on clean ice, especially during the first few days (shaved or chipped ice, or small cubes are easiest). Cold foods (ice cream and frozen yogurt) are soothing.

--It is common for the tongue to feel uncoordinated for a while after your piercing. This will pass.

--If you remember to keep your tongue level in your mouth while eating, the jewelry will not come in contact with your teeth.

--Plaque can form on tongue jewelry (particularly the bottom ball of a barbell). Scrub with a toothbrush (gently during healing). After the tongue is healed, rinse mouth with Plax or other anti-plaque product.

--All healing piercings secrete blood plasma. In other areas of the body, this dries and forms a crust. Inside the mouth however, it doesn't have a chance to dry. Do not be alarmed if you see a secretion coming from the piercing, this is very likely the liquid blood plasma, and a normal part of healing.

--If you like it, leave something in it. Even after an extended period, the hole may shrink or close if you take the jewelry out.

PROBLEMS AND HAZARDS - KELOID SCARS

Keloid scars are raised blister- or pimple-like formations of scar tissue which form in or around a piercing. Keloids may be red, itchy, and inflamed, and may change size over time. Keloids seem to occur most frequently in ear piercings (both lobe and cartilage) and nostril piercings. Labret, nipple, and navel piercings have also been known to be affected. There is no way to predict whether or not a keloid scar will develop in a particular piercing - a first or second lobe piercing may heal perfectly, but the next piercing will flare up into scar tissue. The piercing technique used (piercing gun, hollow piercing needle, or even sewing needle) may or may not make a difference. different people have had different and vast experiences.

Irritation of the piercing during healing, such as changing jewelry before the piercing has fully healed or pulling or tearing of the piercing, may increase the likelihood of scar tissue developing. With cartilage piercings, scar tissue is more likely to form if the ring is too small in diameter for the length of the piercing, or if the stud is too short, which is often the case of sleeper studs with butterfly clip backs installed with a piercing gun.

Bacterial infections can also irritate the piercing enough for a small lump of scar tissue to form.

METHODS OF TREATING KELOIDS

Removing the jewelry at the first signs of keloid formation and allowing the piercing to heal closed will often get rid of the keloid, or minimize its size.

Existing and healed keloid scars can be removed surgically, under local anesthetic, by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Surgical removal of the scar tissue does not gaurantee that more scar tissue will not form.

Scar tissue may also be injected with cortisone or other steroids. A large or deep scar may require more than one session. The cortisone acts to shrink and break down the scar tissue. Possible side effects of cortisone injections are unwanted hair growth, yeast infections, and other steroid- related side effects.

Some people have reported diminished keloids with the application of tea tree oil, available in most health food and organic stores.

Vitamin E, applied during healing, may decrease the formation or chance of formation of scar tissue.

Several piercers have recommended the application of a paste of distilled water and aspirin, for 20 minutes twice a day.

One dermatologist I've spoken to about keloids says that once a keloid begins to form, the presence of the jewelry will continue to irritate the area and the scar tissue will continue to grow until the jewelry is removed. He also said that cortisone or steroid injections with the jewelry in place may help shrink the keloid some, but that with jewelry present, the keloid will never completely disappear. Also, the injections tend not to work so well in cartilage layers. His advice is to remove the jewelry. He also said the tendency to form deep scar tissue is hereditary.

HEALED PIERCES - CHANGING JEWELRY

Once a piercing is healed, jewelry must be changed as desired. It is important to wear jewelry of the same gauge as the original piercing - too small a gauge and the piercing may shrink around the smaller jewelry; too big and the piercing may stretch uncomfortably. With some piercings the jewelry must be of a certain design. Please see Part 1 of the FAQ for reference.

Changing jewelry is most easily achieved by lubricating the piercing and the new piece of jewelry using anti-bacterial ointment. The ointment clings to the jewelry and will provide medicating benefits if there is any damage to the piercing. Place a small amout of ointment onto the existing jewelry, using a cotton swab. Rotate the jewelry, thoroughly lubricating the piercing. In the case of captive bead rings and seamless rings, this can be done after opening the ring, which can be challenging if the ring is slippery. The new jewelry should be sterilized or at least soaked in cleaning solution, and ready to be inserted. Slide the existing jewelry through the piercing until the end is flush with the surface of the skin. Use the new piece of jewelry to push out the existing jewery, maintaining contact between the two pieces of jewelry within the piercing. Remove excess ointment with a cotton swab before closing the jewelry. In the case of barbells, tighten the ball(s) with a tissue wrapped around your fingers. Never use pliers to tighten barbells - finger strength should be enough to tighten the balls securely. If pliers are used to close or open rings, wrap the plier tips with surgical tape - this will prevent scratching and marring of the jewelry.

In the case of barbells with external threads, cover the threads with orthodontal wax or dip the threads in hot candle wax to prevent the threads >From tearing the inside of the piercing. The wax can be removed with rubbing alcohol.

STRETCHING PIERCINGS

Only well-healed piercings should be stretched. Stretching is not recommended if there is any scar tissue present around the piercing. Piercings should only be stretched a maximum of two gauge sizes (for example, from 14 gauge to 12 gauge) to prevent tearing and irritation. Expect the piercing to be sore for a day or so after stretching. If the piercing does tear or if there are any secretions or crusty formations around the piercing after stretching, treat the piercing with the aftercare products used when the piercing was healing.

Piercings can be stretched using insertion tapers, available from most jewelry suppliers, or knitting needles, which are manufactured in the same Brown and Sharpe gauge system used for piercing jewelry. The instrument used to stretch the piercing should be thoroughly cleaned, sterilized if possible. Lubricate the piercing with anti-bacterial ointment with the existing jewelry. Lubricate the tip of the taper with ointment. Insert the taper into the piercing with a twisting motion. You may feel or hear the piercing "pop" as it stretches. Push the taper through until the thickest end is flush with the surface of the skin. Insert the new jewelry following the instructions above for changing jewelry. Most insertion tapers have a concave end to receive the jewelry.

If you are stretching more than two gauges up and do not wish to purchase intermediate jewelry, you can wear the tapers or insert nylon cord of he same thickness into the piercing, wrapping tape around the ends to prevent it from falling out. Fima clay has been used successfully as intermediate jewelry as well.

Piercings can be stretched using weighted jewelry. Be careful of tearing - too much weight on too thin a gauge can easily tear a piercing. The thinner the gauge, the easier the piercing will tear.

To accomodate eyelets, piercings need to be stretched two gauges larger than the eyelet guage, in order to accomodate the flanges of the eyelet. Please see Julian Hurt's posting on eyelets in the Unisex Piercing Experiences section for more details.

Cartilage piercings stretch very slowly, if at all.To acquire a large-gauged cartilage piercing, it is usually best to make the initial piercing large using a dermal punch to core out the cartilage.

PIERCING ADORNMENTS

The bead of captive bead rings can be replaced with sterling skulls, hearts, and other ornaments which have been specially drilled, available through most jewelry suppliers.

Decorative beads from craft stores and other sources can be worn in the captive bead ring as well. With thinner gauges, it may be difficult to find beads which will not slip all the way around the ring.

Decorative beads can also be worn between the balls of circular barbells. this also prevents the jewelry from getting caught on things.

When decorating your piercings, be careful to avoid anything too heavy to avoid unwanted stretching or possible tearing.

BDSM PLAY AND CHASITY

Heavy bondage play - chains, restraints, and weights - should only be practiced on heavy-gauged jewelry, at least 12 gauge. If any pain is experienced, play should be stopped immediately.

Nipple clamps may be used on pierced nipples, with the jewelry in place, though the clamps should be placed vertically rather than horizontally. Only use nipple clamps on well healed piercings.

Creative chastity restraints can be made using lightweight chain and clasps. For example, labia piercings can be locked together using lightweight padlocks. Be creative but let common sense guide you. With genital piercings, do not wear anything subject to corrosion by urine and other body fluids other than temporarily.

PLAY PIERCING

Play piercing is popular among some S/M circles and is used to experience the heightened sensations of piercing without having to install jewelry. Play piercings should only be made through the surface skin and through the noted piercing locations.

Play piercing needles are available, presterilized, through most jewelry and piercing suppliers. These needles are usually of 22 gauge, designed the same as piercing needles. Hypodermic needles can also be used. Needles used in play piercing should only be used once and should be disposed of via hospital incinerator or placed in a sealed container containing chlorox.

Sterilization methods for piercing should be followed. The area to be pierced should be disinfected with betadine or hibiclens just prior to piercing. The piercer should wear latex gloves. In an established relationship where contact with body fluids is not a concern, the piercer may just wash his/her hands thoroughly with hibiclens or anti-bacterial soap.

After the needle is removed, the area should be treated with betadine or bactine to prevent infection.

Again, let common sense guide you. If you are unsure of an area of the body and what lies beneath the skin, do not pierce!

HIDING AND RETAINING PIERCINGS

For some of us piercing enthusiasts, work, weddings, and visits with relatives may require us to hide our piercings, temporarily. There are several options, depending on the piercing.

Nostril piercings can be disguised as facial blemishes by coating the ball of a nostril screw with any of a variety of colored nail polish - flesh tones are available to mix and match with your own coloring. Remove the jewelry before applying the nail po lish, and let it dry thoroughly. The jewelry may require more than one coat. The nail polish can easily be removed with nail polish remover. Labret studs may also be disguised in this manner.

Nylon ear studs are available from most department stores and earring kiosks. The stud usually has a flat disc and is held in place by a rubber barrel clasp. These studs are intended to replace normal earring studs when the wearer is allergic to metals. These studs can be used to disguise nose and ear piercings using nail polish as described above, and to retain ear and nose piercings during surgery. The only drawback is that the studs are only available in one thickness equivalant to 20 gauge.

Nylon cord, such as fishing line and weed-trimmer line, can be matched fairly well to various gauges. Thicker fishing line works for 18 gauge. Weed-trimmer line, sold in small spools at the hardware store, will work for 16 through 10 gauge, depending o n the manufacturer. You may have to do a lot of comparison shopping to find an equal thickness. The packages state the metric thickness of the cord, so you can compare measurements. File the ends smooth with a nail file prior to inserting the cord. The ends can be flattened with a hot knife to prevent the cord from falling out, or the ends can be wrapped with tape. For piercing retention during surgery, tape the cord flat against the skin, if possible.

In the case of well healed piercings, hypoallergenic false eyebrow glue can be used to hold the nylon cord in place. The glue can be removed with warm water or rubbing alcohol.

PIERCINGS AND SURGERY (by S. Dorsey)

At times, when going in for a hospital stay, you are asked to remove your jewelry. Some people have expressed some skepticism that this is really necessary.

The problem begins when we talk a little bit about radio waves. RF (radio frequency) signals don't behave like conventional electricity, and can be radiated outward from an antenna into free space. If your body is energized with RF uniformly, it won't do you any harm until you take hold of a metal object, which will radiate that signal outward and tend to give you a burn on the area where you touched it. Frequently technicians will work on an energized AM broadcast antenna (where the whole tower is the antenna). So long as they jump onto the tower without touching both the tower and the ground, they are perfectly safe, but they have to be very careful about keeping tools insulated and staying away from sharp points on the structure. Working around high voltage RF fields, one is advised to remove watches and wire-rimmed glasses, let alone labial piercings.

Now, you ask what this has to do with the hospital stay. Well, the primary problem that we come to is that whenever you have an electrical pulse that is very short and abrupt, with a fast risetime, high frequency radio signals will be generated. This is why running the vacuum cleaner interferes with the TV reception, for instance, because the abrupt opening and closing of the curcuit by the motor brushes causes a large number of high frequency harmonics to be generated. Lightning is another excellent example of the phenomenon. (If you want a mathematical way of thinking about this, imagine trying to represent a discontinuous function as a Fourier series... it will require an infinite number of terms each of which represents higher and higher frequency products. If you don't know what this means, don't sweat it, though.)

The heart defibrillator is probably the best example of this, however. It uses a very high voltage pulse with a very short risetime to stimulate the heart muscles when the heart has gone into convulsions. While it has saved the lives of many people, the side effects from having short risetime pulses going through your body can be pretty severe, especially if you have hidden jewelry somewhere. What is worse is that the patient who is receiving this is probably not in any state to inform the doctor that there is something wrong. So follow the man's instruction and remove the jewelry. It might not be a problem, but it might also save you from serious injury in an emergency.

Short note: Diathermy equipment also has similar effects, though patients undergoing diathermy probably have a better grip on what is happening to them and the effect isn't so severe. Frankly, does anyone still use diathermy these days, anyway? I haven't heard about it for years....

PIERCINGS AND SURGERY

This section was written by Scott Dorsey ([email protected])

When going in for a hospital stay, you may be asked to remove your jewelry. Some people have expressed skepticism about whether this is really necessary.

The problem begins when we talk about radio waves. RF (radio frequency) signals don't behave like conventional electricity, and can be radiated outward from an antenna into free space. If your body is energized with RF uniformly, it won't do you any harm.

However, if you take hold of a metal object, it will radiate that signal outward and tend to give you a burn on the area where you touched it. Frequently technicians will work on an energized AM broadcast antenna (where the whole tower is the antenna). So long as they jump onto the tower without touching both the tower and the ground, they are perfectly safe, but they have to be very careful about keeping tools insulated and staying away from sharp points on the structure. Working around high voltage RF fields, one is advised to remove watches and wire-rimmed glasses, let alone labial piercings.

Well, the primary problem is that whenever you have an electrical pulse that is very short and abrupt, with a fast risetime, high frequency radio signals will be generated. This, for instance, is why running the vacuum cleaner interferes with the TV reception: the abrupt opening and closing of the curcuit by the motor brushes causes a large number of high frequency harmonics to be generated.

Lightning is another excellent example of the phenomenon. If you want a mathematical way of thinking about this, imagine trying to represent a discontinuous function as a Fourier series...it will require an infinite number of terms each of which represents higher and higher frequency products

The heart defibrillator is probably the best example of this. It uses a very high voltage pulse with a very short risetime to stimulate the heart muscles when the heart has gone into convulsions. While it has saved the lives of many people, the side effects from having short risetime pulses going through your body can be pretty severe, especially if you have hidden jewelry somewhere.

What is worse is that the patient who is receiving this is probably not in any state to inform the doctor that there is something wrong. So follow the doctor's instruction and remove the jewelry. It might not be a problem, but it might also save you from serious injury in an emergency.

Note: Diathermy equipment also has similar effects, though patients undergoing diathermy probably have a better grip on what is happening to them and the effect isn't so severe. However, I haven't heard about anyone still using a diathermy anymore.

If you need to remove your jewelry and need to replace it with a retainer to prevent the piercing from closing, please refer to the previous section on "Hiding and Retaining Pierces."

HISTORY OF THE NIPPLE PIERCING

The prepared by "Boy Brent", with a bibliography.

A hundred years ago they were piercing a lot more than their ears. In the 1890s nipple piercing was very much in vogue for Victorian women.

In _Anatomy and Destiny_ (Bobbs-Merrill, 1974, p. 97), Stephen Kern explains that: "In the late 1890s the 'bosom ring' came into fashion briefly and sold in expensive Parisian jewelry shops. These 'anneaux de sein' were inserted through the nipple, and some women wore one on either side linked with a delicate chain. The rings enlarged the breasts and kept them in a state of constant excitation...The medical community was outraged by these cosmetic procedures, for they represented a rejection of traditional conceptions of the purpose of a woman's body."

_The Golden Age of Erotica_ (Paperback Library, 1968, p. 264), by Bernhardt Harwood:

"No more perfect example of Victorian extremism can be found than the unbelievable breast piercing craze that swept London in the 1890s. This barbaric [!] practice achieved fantastic popularity among seemingly sane, civilized English women, who submitted to the excruciating pain of having their nipples pierced in order to insert decorative gold and jeweled rings.

"In an attempt to explain what had driven so many females to embrace such a crackpot fad, a fashionable London modiste wrote a letter to a popular magazine, which stated in part, "For a long time could not understand why I should consent to such a painful operation without sufficient reason. I soon, however, came to the conclusion that many ladies are ready to bear the passing pain for the sake of love. I found that the breasts of those who wore rings were incomparably rounder and fuller developed than those who did not. My doubts were now at an end...So I had my nipples pierced, and when the wounds healed, I had rings inserted...With regard to the experience of wearing these rings, I can only say that they are not in the least uncomfortable or painful. On the contrary, the slight rubbing and slipping of the rings causes in me an extremely titillating feeling, and all my colleagues to whom I have spoken on this subject have confirmed my opinion."

Titrings, a bit of History

by D. W. Jones

Titrings turn out to have a longer history than most of us seem to believe these days. A titring is a ring worn through a piercing in (or just behind) the nipple. Today, such rings are growing in popularity in certain segments of the population, amon g both men and women. The required piercings can be obtained, for a fee, in many cities, and there are jewelers who make jewelry specifically intended for wearing in such piercings.

Some may object to the name titring, preferring the propriety of the term nipple-ring. It seems odd to seek a proper sounding name for a piece of jewelry most people in our society would consider inherently improper, and I prefer the term titring for the same reason I'd prefer to call a ring worn through the earlobe an earring, not an earlobe-ring. I see no point in being annoyingly specific about exactly what part of the ear is pierced. Similarly, a ring worn through the nostril is, according to Ind ian women I've met who routinely wear such jewelry, a nosering, not a nostril-ring. The terms I prefer are short, descriptive, flow off the tongue with little effort, and generally likely to be based on common and sometimes vulgar English instead of on Latinate or scientific usage.

Citations:

Adams, Cecil. "Chain Letter", from _More of the Straight Dope_.

Fuchs, Eduard. _Illustrierte Sittengeschichte vom Mittelalter bis Zur Gegenwart, Das Burgerliche Zeitalter Erganzungsband_. Albert Langen, Munich, 1912:

This book turns out to be in 6 lavishly illustrated volumes (over 500 pages per volume) and Kern's citation was incomplete. The book is a complete history and commentary on all aspects of sexuality, from erotic art to clothing through the ages, along with courtship, nudism prostitution, and much more.

The passage cited by Kern is on pages 67 and 68 of the supplement to Volume 3, in the chapter titled "Erster Teil, Erganzungen und Exkurse."

In 1898 a single Bond Street jeweller is supposed to have performed the nipple-boring operation on forty English ladies and young girls, and the lady quoted above also confirmed the spread of this custom among the fashionable women of London. In fact many ladies, instead of rings, had small chains fastened from breast to breast, and a celebrated actress of the Gaiety Theatre wore a pearl chain with a bow at each end.

I have not read Pelham's work in its original context, but it appears that both he and Fuchs made extensive use of the same English source, one article in "Society", a journal unavailable to me. I would like to find other sources, but have not yet done so.

Titrings have an interesting collection of names in other languages:

In French, "des anneaus de sein", literally, rings of the nipples or rings of the breasts. I looked up "sein" in Larousse, and the word appears to properly translate as anything from bosom to tit, depending on context or convention.

In German, "der Busenringen", an archaic term, literally "bosom rings." In German, "Brustwartzenringe" is the common term today, literally "nipple-rings" (nipples are "breast-warts" in German).

In German, "intimschmuck", or in Swedish, "intimsmycke", intimate jewellry or decorations, refers to all kinds of jewellry worn "below the neck".

PERSONAL EXPERIENCES

Tongue Pierce

by Harry Ugol ([email protected])

I got my tongue pierced last June. The piercing itself hurt much less than my other piercings. The reason the piercing hurt a lot less is that the tongue is different from most other pierceable body parts; the tongue itself is muscle instead of skin. For one thing that means it has no nerves on the inside and few pain receptors on the surface. The striations in the muscle also make it much easier to physically pierce; the needle tends to slip between them - unlike a regular piercing, this one resembles pushing an embroidery needle through a piece of fabric.

The morning after the piercing my tongue was swollen and *very* tender, both of which are normal (a longer barbell is initially used for tongue piercings; the barbell is replaced with a smaller one once the swelling goes down). "*Very* tender" means it hurt to talk and it HURT to eat; I was not a happy camper that day.

The pain started to diminish within 24 hours. Within two days I was no longer in serious discomfort.

The healing regimen for a tongue piercing is slightly different than for most other piercings; Neosporin and Hibiclens and Ivory soap and such are not good things to put in your mouth. Instead, you use a *lot* of Listerine - before the piercing itself and after every meal and toothbrushing. I went through a giant-sized bottle in a week.

You also use a substance called Gly-Oxide, a hydrogen peroxide- like compound dissolved in glycerin, which foams up nicely when you drip it on your tongue. Putting anything fun in your mouth other than food and drink is strictly out; aside from the standard still-healing-piercing infection dangers, cocksucking is no longer a low-HIV-risk activity if you have an open wound in your mouth. That phase lasted 6 weeks, I think, although more conservative estimates call for 2-3 months.

Like the septum piercing, a tongue piercing is not really noticeable if you don't want it to be. It takes a little more self-control - you have to remember not to throw your head way back when you laugh, and not to stick your tongue out for emphasis when talking - but I haven't had any problems with scaring the horses at work. Nor does the piercing get in my way; since the bar was downsized, it's basically a pair of metal balls riding just above and just below the surfaces of my tongue.

Sex with a tongue piercing is a *lot* of fun!

Labret Piercing

This section by Anne Greenblatt

My first try at a lip piercing was towards the corner of my mouth, just below the edge of my lower lip. We used a 19ga needle for the piering, installing a 20ga 3/8" diameter surgical steel bead ring. The thin gauge of the ring proved to be a mistake - the second day I noticed the inside of my lip had started to tear upwards. A nasty infection settled in that evening. I drained the piercing as much as I could with hot compresses and removed the ring. The infection cleared with the help of antibiotics. All that's left is a tiny red mark just below the edge of my lip.

My second and existing lip piercing was done with a 14ga needle, installing a 16ga Labret stud in the center of my lower lip, about 1/2" below the edge of my lip. The labret stud is similar to a barbell. Instead of a ball on the inside of my lip, the stud is backed by a disc about 3/16" in diameter. A ball screws onto the front of the stud. Since the jewelry is inserted from the back, an insertion taper was used in the piercing process. The 14ga needle was inserted through the front, then the 16ga insertion taper was inserted into the needle, the taper threaded through the piercing, and the jewelry pushed through, pushing out the taper.

Before piercing, the outside of my lip was disinfected with betadine and the inside was disinfected with listerine for 5 minutes and numbed with benzocaine (found in Oragel). The entire process was very quick and a lot less painful than many of my other piercings, including nostril and tragus.

Aftercare of the labret piercing included cleaning the outside hole with ear care gel containing benzalkonium chloride and applying vitamin E gel. The inside of the piercing was cleaned with Gly-Oxide, and I rinsed my mouth with diluted (50%) Listerine after eating and brushing teeth. The piercing healed in about 6 weeks.

There are several designs of Labret studs available. The most common is the steel disc-backed stud, available from Pleasurable Piercings and Gauntlet. A possible problem with this design is that the disc may, over time and wear, become unsoldered from the post. Another problem some have experienced with the disc is gum erosion, and erosion or "nesting" of the inside of the lip beneath the disc.

The second design, manufactured by Silver Anchor, is a stud with a screw-on ball in the front, with the stud wrapped around itself into a loose coil at a right angle to the stud. This design is similar to a nostril screw, and eliminates the chance of the disc becoming lost. The third design is the Fishtail Labret. Once again, the stud and back are a continuous piece, except that the back is approximately an inch long, bent at a right angle, and slightly curved to follow the shape of the gumline. The fishtail style is available in gold (WA Creations) and steel (Dakota Steel and Silver Anchor).

Hand Web Piercing

This section by "Surf", and edited by Anne Greenblatt

I'm on my second hand web pierce. The first one (Had it done first week in July 1993) lasted about 3/4 months before it grew out. I'm figuring that was because I had it in my right hand, and I am right handed, so the had got a lot of use.

I missed that pierce so much that I had it redone on my left hand in mid-December 1993. It's still with me, and it seems to be healing great.

The first time, I had it done at Gauntlet San Francisco. The piercer marked entrance and exit holes on my hand and positioned the pennington foreceps over the marks. The marks were farther back that I had first imagined they would be, but I'd never seen a hand web pierce before, either. Once the foreceps were in place, the piercer stretched the skin out a bit and he shone a light through the skin to make sure that nothing of importance was in the bundle of skin as well. He got the needle lubed with an antibiotic salve and butted the needle against the top-side (back of hand side) of my hand web (oh yes - he disinfected the area first with a betadine pad). He held a cork to the bottom (palm side) of the web and quickly pushed the needle through.

I don't remember much pain at all, but then again, I had just had my nipple done (my first pierce ever!) minutes before. Anyway, the piercer got my jewelry ready to insert and in a moment he was fastening the ball-end. I have a 12 ga SSS barbell with a 1/2" shaft as my jewelry for the pierce.

The second time around was similar, but there were differences in the technique. I had it redone at Tie Me Down in Milwaukee. The piercer there seemed less experienced, at least with hand- webs, but not so as to scare one off. I forget what he cleaned the area of my hand with, but he soaked the jewelry in Hibiclens to disinfect it. He marked the depth of the pierce noticably deeper than the first time, but that was fine by me. This piercer didn't use a cork on the exit side, and he pushed the needle through from palm side first.

For the jewelry insertion, he mentioned that he wasn't used to Gauntlet's barbells where the ball screws into the shaft, but rather the ones where the shaft screwed into the ball. With thal kind he could screw the shaft into the end of the needle for insertion. Because of this, he had problems with insertion and had to guide it in with an insertion taper. Since the taper was larger than the hole, it was a painful little process, but when the jewelry was in, I felt better about the pierce than I had the first time around - I could flatten my hand right away. The first time, it took a few days before I could do that.

The aftercare was pretty much the same both times. I would alternate soaking my hand in a solution of hot water and betadine and a hot salt-water solution. Use the betadine soak only if the jewelry isn't gold, though. I would soak about 10 times a day - more if feasable. When the water cooled down, I would reheat it in the microwave and re-soak. I'd keep this up as long as I could. The betadine soaks especially reduced swelling when my hand was acting up. I would try to keep my hand unbandaged as much as possible, but I was wearing them a lot during the first week, and for the first few weeks while I slept.

After about 2 weeks, I had an initial healing that would allow me almost normal use of my hand, as long as I watched it and was careful. At first, I would wash the pierce with hibiclens, but am now using an antibacterial soap (easier on the hands and still kills germs). I would still recommend hibiclens on the fresh pierce, though. During the initial healing, I would swab some betadine over the freshly washed or soaked pierce to keep the germs away as long as possible.

I had relatively little swelling of my hand web area after the first week both times I had it done. Even less the second time. Now I would even mistake the thing for being fully healed (even though I know it's not inside)! There is no swelling at all anymore. I put lotion on the area when it gets dry (and believe me, the area gets really dry at times after piercing!). If the area dries out, it can get tender and hurt if bumped, but some lotion takes care of that.

All in all, I love the pierce. It is my favorite of all mine (eyebrow, hand, nipple, navel, PA) because it is so rare, and it looks wicked. From my expierence, I feel that a lot of people's reservations about this pierce getting in the way are unwarranted. Sure, there are some instances where it would be in the way, but for normal (whatever that is, right?) use, it's fine!

I am in Wisconsin and I'm wearing winter gloves all the time with no problems. I was waterskiing last summer and I could hold the tow line without a problem. Pretty much the only hindrance is the time spent explaining to people that I am not totally insane and that it didn't hurt (nonetheless I love to show it off.... I'm proud of my metal!)).

I would expect the true healing time to be 6 months, or a full year just to be sure. The times I mentioned above were my experience only. I've been told I'm a fast healer, so my experiences won't necessarily apply to everyone, but I have had really good experiences with the hand web despite the first one growing out.

One last recommendation - however you're handed, don't get that hand pierced. Like I said, when I had my right hand pierced, it grew out primarily because that had went through a lot more use than did my left hand. I just never realized it until I paid that much attention to my hands because of the piercing.

Eyelet Piercings

This section by Julian Hurt, and edited by Anne Greenblatt

[Please note that Julian has much experience with piercings, and that this section is to provide information and in no way is to condone beginners from trying the same. Most people who wish to stretch out their piercings do it the regular way--stretching it a little at a time over a long period.]

Rings large enough to fill large (00 - 4) gauge earlobe piercings tend to be fairly heavy. The weights often are sufficient to automatically cause further stretching of the holes. An alternative to heavy jewelry is to wear light-weight eyelets. Eyelets essentially are stainless surgical steel or gold tubes that have been flared outward on both ends. They are hollow in the center and look like narrow grommets. Pleasurable Piercings carries eyelets from 4 gauge to 00 gauge and Gauntlet lists them from 10 gauge to 00 gauge.

Eyelets can be worn as the sole insert in a lobe piercing or with smaller gauge rings inserted inside them (thus allowing light weight rings without allowing the larger holes to grow closed). For illustrations of these two styles see respectively _Modern Primitives_ page 176, and page 3 of _Piercing Fans international Quarterly Number 18_. eyelets occasionally are called "earlets" or even "retainers." Eyelets are very effective visually when combined with additional rings or studs higher on the ear.

Eyelets are sized by the diameter of the tubing at its narrowest point and flare out so that the outer edge of the flare is the next even gauged size. thus the flange of a 4 gauge eyelet flares out about 0.025" and requires a 2 gauge hole. In order to insert an eyelet, one needs a hole the size of the outer flange (2 gauge larger than the eyelet size). After the eyelets are inserted the holes gradually will shrink'fill in towards the size of the eyelet.

The standard method for inserting eyelets is to begin with well- healed piercings and gradually stretch them out. (See the FAQ and the article in _PFIQ number 18_, pages 23-30, for information on various stretching techniques.) When they are stretched to the stated gauge of the desired eyelet they then are stretched using an insertion taper of the next even gauge, and then inserted.

The taper temporarily stretches out the hole to accomodate the wider flanges, and then when the eyelet is in place, the tissue shrinks to the original gauge. Gauntlet warns, "CAUTION: To accomplish piercings large enough for eyelets great patience is required. Never push stretching too fast or the earlobe can be torn. When the hole is large enough for an eyelet, facilitate insertion and avoid damage to the earlobe by using a convex insertion taper of the next larger size."

It is also possible to insert eyelets in fresh piercings. Piercing needles are available up to 6 gauge from Pleasurable Piercings. One could pierce to the next size larger than the eyelet (e.g., pierce to a 6 gauge for insertion of an 8 gauge eyelet) but the eyelets would tend to fall out in normal wear. Anecdotal evidence indicates it is fairly routine to stretch fresh piercings to the next gauge with out tearing by using a well-lubricated (with anti-bacterial ointment) insertion tapers inserted fairly rapidly with a strong twisting motion. Then the eyelets can be inserted in standard fashion by following the taper just as one follows a piercing needle with jewelry.

The hole will snap back against the narrow part of the eyelet. person was innitially pierced at 6 gauge in both lobes and had them immediately stretched to a 2 gauge using the technique just described with a 2 gauge insertion taper. The piercing was done as an experiment by Wild Bill of Pleasurable Piercings at the request of a piercing-knowledgeable customer. As a precaution intermediate sized jewelry was on hand so that the stretching could be abandoned mid-way if any tearing had occorred. The stretching was only slightly more intense than the 6 gauge piercings which were relatively painless.

When eyelets are the initial insertions in fresh piercings, care is simple. Sensative Ears is used a number of times daily to irrigate the piercings. In the first few days there may be some swelling so that the flanges pop below the surface of the earlobes. As crusting loosens from the cleaning solution, gently po the eyelets so that both flanges are outside the hole. Regardless, once the eyelets are properly placed and loosened by the irrigation, grasp the flanges between thumb and forefinger and gently rotate them in the hole. These care techniques were used with the fresh 6 gauge piercings stretched to 2 gauge described above, and they healed without complication in 4 weeks.

When eyelets are inserted by stretching they generally remain in place during normal daily activity. But when drying ones ears with a towel, cleaning the eyelets, or sleeping they do have a tendency to pop out unexpecedly. They also are small enough to easily be lost down drains. Thus one is advised not to clean them over sinks, not towel in the shower, etc. One way of preventing loss of the eyelets is to insert small rings or wire through them.

Nipple Piercing

This section by Phaedrus

and I chose not to. Mainly because I am rather unfamiliar with that group, and there is enough non-vanilla in my post to warrant not posting there. If a reader familiar with r.a.b. feels that this experience would benefit that group, then by all means feel free to repost it there.

All names used herein are used with the consent of the owner of said name. And if you were there and I did not mention you by name, it is only because I forgot to ask you. It is not because I have forgotten you.

Right. Onward.

It's been a full 7 days now, and I -think- I've processed enough to be able to post my piercing experience in a more or less coherent fashion.

I've been wanting a nipple piercing for over a year now. Some of you here back then may recall when I first posted about wanting one. Part of the waiting has been pondering, part because the time was not right.

So the time was right last weekend. Beverly Block had told me that she had been trained in piercing. We had talked about it a little over a year ago, and nothing had been said since. When I saw Bev at a Berkeley lunch on Friday, I asked her if she would do it at a ritual the next night.

After lunch and running amok in a certain storefront in Oakland, we headed across the bay to the Gauntlet. It was wonderful having Bev with me. She got into a professional argument about ring gauges for male nipples with a worker at the Gauntlet. And while Bev conceded the point, it felt good having a knowledgable advocate with me. I picked out a beautiful gold ring and Bev specified a needle and something with the ominous name of "pusher". At several points, the Gauntlet person discussed technique with Bev. Most delightful.

The next afternoon, I opened the Gauntlet bag and checked out the needle for the first time. I won't say that I came close to backing out, but I will admit that I thought about it.

That night at the ritual, after opening circle, Bev told those present that I was to be pierced next. I wanted people who -wanted- to be there to be present. It may sound strange, but I wanted people to be there because they wanted to be present, not because I wanted them there. I have to ponder that further sometime -- there's something odd there.

Anyway. I notice that Bev is a little nervous and encircle her bicep to get her attention. We lock gazes, and I tell her to breathe with me. She calms and returns to preparation.

I'm a little nervous, mainly because I do not know what to expect. My first piercing ritual, and I'm the piercee. Figures. I feel as if the ring is -already- in place, and the ritual is only matching realities.

I have my symbols: a length of black ribbon, an amethyst about my neck, a pewter earcuff. I mention to STella that our symbols are so much a part of us, and she tells me that we -are- our symbols. Once again, dear STella, dead on target.

It's time, and I lay down on the table clad only in my standard black playparty briefs. People gather about me, and I make it clear at some point that I -want- to be touched. It was at this point that I closed my eyes and did not open them until I looked at the ring in my body.

I concentrate on my breathing and feel the wonderful energy from my friends about me. I could almost sense the boundaries of the safespace that encircled us.

Bev fastens the hemostat on my left nipple and it -HURTS-. Goddam, it hurts. The stub-your-toe kind of hurt. Oh, lovely, the needle isn't even present yet and I'm a'hurting. Oh, well, I think.

The pain from the clamp starts to subside. I'm conscious mainly of my friends touching me. I can't distinguish who is touching me where...all I can feel is being enfolded in love and caring.

Bev tell me to accept the needle into my body, and it flows into me. No sensation of pushing, more like the needle was sucked into me. There is no pain, but rather an intense sensation that I have no name for. There is, however, and ragged edge to this sensation, and I do not allow myself to feel that. Rather, I passed that edge on to my rage which holds an image of my father. Let him feel that ragged edge.

The sensation is an icy clarity similar to that clarity that follows a mind-shaking insight. That's the closest I can come to describing it. I hear a most unusual sound, and realize that I am "screaming". I call it a scream only because I do not know what else to call it. I have never heard a sound like that before. It is not coming from any higher level center of my brain. It feels like it is coming from a deeper, animal part of my physical brain.

Bev asks me if I want to look at the needle, and I tell her no, thank you, I hate needles. This evokes laughter from the circle.

Suddenly a rush starts at my head and travels down my body and I realize that Wolf is out. I feel full of the Power around me, and I hear my body start to growl. A "Yes!" comes from a person over my head, and the circle feels even more together somehow. Since Wolf usually only comes out for self-defense or toppish rather violent lovemaking, I keep an eye on him. This situation is neither and I do not want him loose. He behaves, enjoying the feeling of the Power the ritual has evoked.

I'm so busy watching Wolf that I do not notice Bev taking the needle out or inserting the ring. I do notice that something has happened to disturb Bev, though I haven't a clue what it was. There's some sort of blaming going on, so I pull out the old joke about the blame stage of a project should be the -last- phase of a project and we aren't there yet.

Bev tells me that I can look at the ring now, but before I do I make a Gift to those with me.

I finally open my eyes and look into a small mirror Bev is holding. It is -beautiful-! Just how it is supposed to look. The realities have merged, and that brings me a warm glow of completion.

Ah. The gold ball is lost. That was the disturbance earlier. No matter. Even that occurrence feels right to me. The entire sequence of events feels perfect to me. I would not change a thing.

The circle slowly dissipates, and STella stays close to me as I slowly rise up in stages. Very slowly. I stumble about the dungeon for a bit, just to prove to myself that I can, then collapse on a handy bed. People wander by and now and again a friend cuddles and talks with me.

To those of you who shared this wonderful event in my life with me: thank you. I feel a bond with each of you. And, now that I am back in Illinois, I miss you terribly. It's funny, but all I have to do is look at my ring to remember the feelings of being with you in that circle.

And thank you, Beverly. You nor anyone else could have done better.

Postscript: the next day, I got an amethyst bead to replace the gold one that was lost. The ring achieved its proper state much faster because the original bead was lost. I am very pleased.

And, btw, my nipple is healing -very- nicely.

Phaedrus

Triangle Piercing

This section by Susan

Well....I got mine done by Raelyn Gallina in mid-February. I was expecting a very painful experience; a lot of people had told me it would be much more intense than my clit hood piercing. Actually, it wasn't. I don't know if it was my (mostly) lack of nerves this time - the clit hood was my first non-earlobe piercing and I was scared to death - or that I was more psychologically ready for this one or what, but it was not nearly as bad. Bled like crazy, though. I think happy thoughts about blood - keeping the wound clean and all that. It was swollen at first, but the swelling went down in about a day. It was a bit interesting to sit and cross my legs for about two days, and then it itched for a day or so. After that, I've hardly noticed it except occasionally when I manage to get it twisted a little in sitting or something. At six weeks, I would call it fully healed, and it has been almost no trouble. I cleaned it first twice a day for about a week then once daily with Triadine (generic Betadine). I am wearing a surgical steel captive bead ring in it.

Actually, I shouldn't say I've hardly noticed it. Rather I have hardly noticed any *pain* from it. For the first few days it was so intensely *pleasurable* I had trouble concentrating - it was a perfect, intimate touch in *exactly* the right place, if you know what I mean.... *grin* Thankfully, that hypersensitivity has faded a bit. But I still have only to think about it to be able to feel like someone has placed one exquisitely delicate finger, just so... my, this is distracting to write.... :)

I'm delighted with the piercing, and recommend it highly to everyone who has the right anatomy for it (not every woman has enough flesh for this one, don't get your heart set on it until you are sure it can be done).

It also goes beautifully with the clit hood piercing, which is also horizontal with a matching ring. They sort of nest around my clit. I am thinking of getting another clit hood piercing above the existing one, so that I will have a set of three rings in a row.

Niebuhr Piercing

by Denise "Ambient" Robinson

Niebuhr... When I saw the first photos of them, I thought, my goodness, what a STOOPID IDEA. Little did I know I would come to enjoy it immensely. "Why?" people always ask me... Well, my response is so that people will make eye-contact with me(having tremendous ta-tas can be a disadvantage, ya know). My main reason is that its an originality thang. Noone I've ever seen in person has one, and I wanted somethang visible to set me apart. Purely poseur. I refuse to pierce anyone with it for that reason. The other reason is the Pain In The Ass Factor.

It definitely receives a high PITA rating for many reasons: the actual piercing, healing, and visibility. The piercing itself can be rather dangerous considering the location of major nerve trunks and blood vesseld in the area. Make sure your piercer pinches the area they're about to pierce before poking you to ensure they're not hitting any major nerves. If you feel pain any where other than where the pinch is, ferget it. If you don't have much skin in that location, you may as well nevermind- if you can't go too deep, it'll reject *fast*. Apart from the pinch method, thats about the only difference in method from any other piercing. Clean it, mark it, clamp it, poke it. We used a 14ga surgical steel barbell between 5/8"-3/4"long (to allow room for cleaning) with 3/16"balls (to allow me to see around the thang!). I wouldn't use any larger of a gauge, simply cuz I wouldn't like the potential visible bulge under theskin. It shouldn't be a painful piercing. Unfortunately, the piercer to whom I went ended up taking about 3 seconds to get the needle through, having not used a cork (supposedly to ensure it being straight), so I admit that it *did* hurt, but I feel that it *shouldn't* have hurt that much, done quickly. Oh yeah, for the first 72 hours, I experienced caked blood on the balls of the jewelry, hence I recommend holing yerself up for a weekend so's not to freak out your friends... I've used Bactine (Benzalkonium Chloride) to clean mine with great results... Twice a day, and any time I get excessively sweaty or dirty. Healing a surface piercing seems to be a full-time job for about six months. Neglecting it for a few days, or playing rough with it seems to be enough to set it off (but then of course it could be considered to be a good thang- a nice barometer for your health, so long as you don't mind pus excreting from between yer eyes). As for the visibility thang, it can be real frustrating wearing glasses or sunglasses, or having braids or dreadlocks that catch in the thang. If its not 100% straight, boy, is it ever obvious. And if it starts to reject, it ain't a pretty sight. So far I've been lucky, and it seems to be nice and even and straight. I must say, if this actually stays put, I'll be incredibly loathe to ever remove it. Its among the few of my piercings that really feels like it belongs.

BOOKS AND MAGAZINES

BODY ART

Publications Limited, PO BOX 32, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR29 5RD England

Note: Body Art imposes self censorship to stay on the legal side of the rigid Pommy obscenity laws. They show body modifications for anthropological and decorative purposes, not for sexual purposes. Body Art does not show the same level of explicit material that you will find in PFIQ.

BODY PLAY AND MODERN PRIMITIVES QUARTERLY

Insight Books, PO Box 2575, Menlo Park, CA 94026-2575 USA Sample copy US$12, $14 Airmail. 4-issue subscription, US$45 or $55 Airmail. This publication produced by Fakir Musafar.

EROTIC PASSION

Published by Creative Art Collection, Postfach 1317, L-1013 Luxembourg. Distributed in Germany by: ZBF-Vertriebs GmbH, Schlossbergstrasse 23, D-6200 Weisbaden / Shiernstein

FLESH CANVAS

Rodan Publishing, PO Box 139B, East Molesey, Surrey KT8 9YQ England. tel. (081) 941-7580, fax (081) 941-7582. 2.95 pounds ($4.95 US) single issue. 28.30 pounds / 12 months. Equal coverage of tattoos and piercings above the waist, with photographs of the piercing process.

IN THE FLESH

Published semi-annually by OB Enterprises, Inc., Suite 2305 450 Seventh Ave., NY, NY 10123-0101. Single copy: $4.95

MODERN PRIMITIVES

Re/Search Pub., 20-B Romolo St., San Francisco, CA 94133 USA US $18.00, ppd. Send SASE or 4 IRCs for a catalog.

PIERCING FANS INTERNATIONAL QUARTERLY

Gauntlet, Inc., 2215-R Market St,, Ste 801, San Francisco, CA 94114. Write for order form. Signature & declaration of 21+ age required.

PIERCING WORLD

Published by P.A.U.K., 153, Tomkinson Rd, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV10 8DP England. Quarterly, full-colour publication. Annual Subscription: pounds16 UK, pounds20 Europe, pounds25 overseas. Subscription to PIERCING WORLD brings automatic membership of P.A.U.K. Detailed color and B&W photos of piercings and tattoos, unusual jewelry designs, multiple piercings, piercing techniques, including all genital piercings. The magazine also includes a classified ads section and a list of EPPA registered piercers. Piercing World is also available through Pleasurable Piercings, 7 Garfield Ave, Hawthorne, NJ 07506, at $10 for single copy.

SAVAGE

Published quarterly by Paisano Publications,Inc. Subscriptions: PO Box 1025, Agoura Hills, CA 91376-1025 (818) 889-8740. Single issue: $4.95

VIDEOS

THE "HOLE" EXPERIENCE

Prince of Pain Productions, Body Basics, 613 Briar, Dept. 0B, Chicago, IL 60657. $69.95 plus $10 S & H.

MISTRESS OF THE RINGS (VHS)

25 minute video on the art of body piercing, featuring Mette Hintze of the Black Universe in Copenhagen, who talks about and demonstrates piercings, from ear lobes to genitals. Approx. DKR250

Det Dansk Filmvaerksted, Steen Shapiro and Anne Marie Kuerstein, Versterbragade 24, DK-1620 Copenhagen V, Denmark tel: +45 3124-1624, fax: +45 3124-4419

PIERCING WITH A PRO VIDEO SERIES (VHS, PAL, BETA)

#1 - The 9 Traditional Male Piercings - $69.95

#2 - The Female and Unisex Piercings - $49.95 + postage. Available through Gauntlet catalog (see PFIQ entry above)

PIERCING NIPPLES (VHS)

By Pleasurable Piercings, Inc., $39.95 US + postage. Pleasurable Piercings, 7 Garfield Ave, Hawthorne, NJ 07506 (201) 779-2782. Navel, nostril, septum piercing videos available soon.

PIERCED AND PAINTED (VHS)

75 min of tattooing & piercing; "explicit scenes of body tattooing, full frontal nudity & actual genital piercing." $29.95 US. 1-800-748-7853. In Canada: 1-800-361-7361

WILDCAT INTERNATIONAL VIDEOS (PAL, VHS)

16 Preston St, Brighton, BN1 2HN England, (0273) 323758 Wildcat offers a very wide selection of videos, mostly "show off" collections featuring heavily/uniquely pierced & inked men & women. Contact Wildcat Int'l for catalog, availability.

ON-LINE

BODY MODIFICATION EZINE

http://www.io.org/~glider/bme.htm/ email contact [email protected] (Shannon Larratt)

This is a www site devoted to all forms of body art and modification; many 24 bit pics, text, programs, links to other sites. For beginners (basic jewelry designs) and veterans (surface piercing techniques). None of the piercing images available at this site are intended to be presented in an erotic context and should not be construed as pornography.