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Ear & Body Piercing/swimming after piercing

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Expert: Brian Skellie - 6/27/2009


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.

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Volunteer

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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