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 My daughter is on a swim team and is in the pool every day. She wants to get her ears pierced. Is it considered safe to swim the same day she gets her ears pierced? She would also be diving, is that okay to do? Thanks very much.
Answer It is best for her to stay out of bodies of water to avoid contamination while she heals. This can complicate the healing process with infection, irritation and allergic reactions. http://care.piercing.org/ explains what to do in case she does get them wet, but it is still better to avoid swimming while she heals. People have survived worse, but the risk may outweigh the desire for ear jewelry if they end up painful and scarred.