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 Ello,
About 10 weeks ago I got a VCH done and I love it. The
problem is that it seemed to be healing fine at first, but
something has changed. About 5-6 weeks ago the under-side of
my piercing became really red and sore. It is really fleshy
(like there is extra skin somehow). My piercer and her peers
have never heard of this type of thing occurring with a VCH.
There are no signs of infection but it is still sore. It
hasn't changed since I first discovered the problem, so i'm
not sure if it healed incorrectly or if it isn't healing.
I'm hoping someone has heard of this and knows what to do. I
love this piercing and I don't want to give it up unless I
must.
Thank you very much.
Answer The overgrowth of tissue you describe could be a sign of streptococcus pyogenes infection from unwashed hands or damage from pressure or friction. If the jewelry has any rough edges, or if you have been sexually active, even the friction at the joint where the bead connects the jewelry or from pubic hair could be the case. Another possibility is irritation from moisturizers in bath products or lubricants.
Frequent hot compresses tend to soothe the area, and http://care.piercing.org/ explains gentle care that could help. In many cases a change of care products is needed. The linked care suggests cleaning the area a mild castille soap to avoid irritation. You may need to visit your gynecologist to save the piercing.
