Ear & Body Piercing/Monroe Piercing

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Expert: Brian Skellie - 11/4/2009


Question
I got my Monroe pierced by my friend on 10/24 the next day yea it was a little swollen. I went to the store and bought me a new ring for it. I put a clear one in on 10/26 it was also okay with swelling. Well on 11/2 my lip started to get bigger&bigger i went to sleep and woke up with my lip BIG time swollen i did take out the stub b/cuz it was way in there that i couldn't see it and this morning 11/4 i put it back in and iced it and took Motrin. Is it infected or is it suppose to do that?? I have a hard spot all around the hole  

Answer
Heat, swelling, redness, pain and discolored discharge are all common signs of infection. I suggest that you see a doctor right away.

The clear retainer you put in was probably not safe: neither clean enough, smooth enough or chemically stable for a piercing - most are not with the exception of autoclave sterilized quartz retainers with a silicone o-ring to hold them in place.

It is not safe to buy or insert jewelry that is not autoclave sterilized.  

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Brian Skellie

Expertise

I can answer questions in regards to and not limited to: jewelry safety, specifically material, shape, proportion, and related issues; aseptic technique and sterilization as it applies to piercing safety; ethical issues of technique and bedside manner; the aftercare and recovery process for piercings. *Available for consultation.

Experience

Body artist and founder of Piercing Experience, http://piercing.org/ and SciCan Authorized Dealer of STATIM Sterilizers and related infection control products http://statim.us/

Organizations
Over ten years with ASTM and APP, Currently serving on the APP Board of Directors as International Liaison, formerly as Treasurer 1997-99.

Publications
The Point Journal of the Association of Professional Piercers, USA Today, Atlanta Journal Constitution, Atlanta Magazine, Creative Loafing

Education/Credentials
I regularly participate and teach in many APP and related body art educational programs. I keep current certifications for OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens, First Aid, and CPR.

Awards and Honors
Best Freehand Piercer, Best of Atlanta

Past/Present Clients
Tens of thousands of one on one client experiences as the founder of Piercing Experience in Atlanta, GA, USA http://www.piercing.org/ *Body jewelry design and safety expert: Member ASTM committee F04(www.astm.org)and former Member AAMI (www.aami.org) Research advisor and educator for the APP for over a decade(www.safepiercing.org) teaching advanced studio setup, sterilization and equipment management, freehand piercing, aseptic/sterile technique and much more. Distributor and Body Art expert for SciCan StatIM sterilization and infection control products. http://statim.us/

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