Piercing has been practiced for thousands of years, from ancient civilisations to the modern day. Today, there is a vast range of piercing types available, each with its own unique means of aftercare. This article will discuss the history and origins of piercing, the various types of piercings available, and what kind of aftercare is necessary for them.
Piercing, the art of inserting jewelry into the body, can be traced back as far as the Neolithic Period (about 8,000-10,000 years ago). Piercing has an extensive history, and evidence suggests that it was widespread throughout many different ancient cultures, including the Aztecs and Egyptians.
In ancient times, piercing was often used in religious and spiritual ceremonies, such as marking a rite of passage or signifying an allegiance to a particular god. In addition, piercing was also associated with beauty, and it was common for both men and women to use piercings to decorate their bodies. In some cultures, pierced ears were popular among babies and young children, indicating fertility and a long life.
Piercing was not only seen as a form of art and expression, but also as a form of healing. People of various cultures believed that piercings held therapeutic properties, and would pierce parts of the body that were associated with a certain ailment in order to cure it. While this is no longer a widely accepted practice, it is an interesting testament to the history of piercing.
When it comes to piercing, there are a variety of different types to choose from. Ear piercings are one of the most popular types and include lobe piercings, helix piercings, tragus piercings, and more. Facial piercings are also popular and include nose piercings, lip piercings, eyebrow piercings, and more. Body piercings can include belly button piercings, navel piercings, nipple piercings, genital piercings, surface piercings, and dermal piercings. Each type of piercing has its own unique set of rules when it comes to proper aftercare and health risks.
For those who want to express themselves with piercings but don't have the pain tolerance for more traditional options, non-permanent piercing options are also available. These include ear cuffs, nose cuffs, fake eyebrow rings, and magnetic piercings. Non-permanent piercing options are a great way to try out a new look without having to commit to a more permanent option.
No matter what type of piercing you are looking for, it is important to do your research before getting any piercing. Speak to your doctor about any concerns and be sure to read up on the risks associated with each type of piercing. With the proper information and care, piercing can be a fun and safe way to express yourself.
Aftercare for piercings is an important part of the process in order to ensure that your body is properly healing and that your piercing looks healthy. Immediately following a piercing, you should clean the area with a solution such as an antimicrobial soap and water or a sterile saline solution. During the healing process, you should also avoid submerging the piercing in water, touching the piercing with unclean hands, participating in any physical activity that can cause trauma to the area, and wearing any jewellery or accessories that may irritate the piercing.
Once the piercing has healed, it is important to keep the area clean by washing it daily with an antimicrobial soap and water or a sterile saline solution. It is also important to regularly inspect the piercing for any signs of infection and to carefully remove any crusting that may have formed around the piercing. If you experience any signs of infection, redness, swelling, or discharge from the piercing, it is advised that you contact a medical professional.
Finally, if you are planning on changing, removing or replacing the jewellery in the piercing, it is important to do so safely and carefully. Make sure to use clean tools, follow all of the necessary safety precautions, and keep the piercing site clean. Doing so will not only ensure that your piercing looks great but also that it remains healthy and heals properly.