Getting a piercing at a mate’s place?

So you’ve been browsing Instagram and Pinterest and seen some rad piercings.  You looked into going and seeing a professional piercer, but thought it was a bit expensive and saving is hard for you.  

“How hard can it be really?”…So you and your mates have bought some piercing needles from ‘Ebay’ and some awesome looking jewellery from ‘Wish’. Your gear has finally arrived from some unknown overseas location, and you are going to get together on Saturday night, share a few drinks and pierce each other.

What should I consider?

Before you sit in your mate’s bedroom and wait for them to stab you, think about what’s actually going to happen – Is your environment clean and sterile?  Is the piercing equipment and jewellery sterile? Are the piercing needles manufactured to Australian standards? What is the jewellery made of – is it safe to use in an initial piercing? Are they wearing gloves?  These are just a few things that you need to consider even before the technical proficiency of the the actual piercing (gotta love a couple of wonky nipples).

Don’t Put Your Health and Safety at Risk

Things can, and often do, go wrong.  Go to a professional piercing studio where the body piercer is trained to work with high standards of infection control, workplace disinfection, equipment sterilisation, and the premises are monitored by the health department.

Below are some of the known infections that you may contract if you have a “backyard” piercing.

Bacterial infections: There are a number of bacterial infections that can spread by poor hygiene practices, unsterile equipment or cross contamination, by an amateur body piercer.

Hepatitis B: This is transmitted via blood, so there is a risk of contracting it directly from the person piercing you if they are infected, and it can also be contracted through the use of unsterile jewellery and equipment.  Hepatitis B is a viral disease and is curable, however; it can take years to recover. The virus has a vaccination regime available.

Hepatitis C: This virus is also carried in the blood, and is potentially fatal if left untreated (leading to liver cancer).  Those infected often show no early symptoms and are unaware of their Hep C+ status. Equipment that hasn’t been sterilised or bad instrument hygiene standards by an amateur body piercer can pose a major risk. Like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C can be passed on via an infected person through simple things such as minor skin lesions (eg., torn cuticles).  Hepatitis treatments are available, however; they are long term treatments and are not a 100% guarantee you will clear the infection.

HIV: HIV is also a blood borne virus and can be transmitted in exactly the same ways as viral hepatitis.  There is no vaccine or cure available at this time.

So, if you think a wonky, swollen or oozing piercing is the worst that can happen – think again.   A decision to cut corners can have life changing impacts. Make sure you see a reputable, independent, experienced body piercer for all your piercing requirements. Not a mate who’s handy with a needle; not a high street chain store or hairdressing salon; and NEVER EVER anyone who uses a piercing gun (more on that in another blog at a later date).

Thanks for reading.

Sharon x

Accredited Advanced Body Piercer

Piercing Perfection