AboutBrian 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.
*Also available for live online video consultation.
Experience Body artist and founder of Piercing Experience, http://piercing.org/ and SciCan Authorized Dealer of STATIM Sterilizers and related infection control products
Organizations ASTM, AAMI, APP
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 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: former 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 for SciCan StatIM sterilization and cleaning products. http://www.piercing.org/statim/
Question Hi! I had both of my nipples pierced in March 2009, and I did use a 14g, however, the tech did tell me that when he put the barbell in that because my nipples were a bit larger he said "the barbell is abit too snug for comfort, so I would watch this and if it feels uncomfortable switch to a longer barbell". Well, I did switch because I wasn't able to tell if it was the barbell or the welling of my nipples was making me uncomfortable. However I noticed that the discharge (crust) building around the pierching. I was told this is my body trying to heal its.
But I also noticed recently an foul odor associated with the discharge. does this mean I have an infection? What do you suggest I do?
Answer A healing piercing should form a scab of sorts, such as described at http://care.piercing.org/ and the excess of this may need to be cleaned away using sterile gauze, distilled water and a mild soap such as liquid castille soap, well diluted.
The odor is probably sweat or bathing products mixed with the discharge. It may indicate infection, so please see a doctor if this does not get better, or if it gets worse. Heat, swelling, redness, pain and discolored discharge are all usual signs of infection.
14 gauge is thinner than average for a wide piercing, I suggest that you increase the size if possible to 12 gauge at your nearest convenience. http://piercing.org/faq/stretching.html explains how. http://jewelry.piercing.org/ explains quality standards, so you can know more about whether yours is safe. Lower quality jewelry in material, shape, size or finish can damage your tissue and prevent normal healing.
