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Ear & Body Piercing/Questions Answered by Expert Brian Skellie

SubjectDate Asked
Skin growing over nose piercing inside the nose2/2/2012
  Q: Well as I've said before got my nose pierced about over two months ago well I changed my nose screw ...
  A: From what you describe, the piercing is not healed, and you should have a professional do the change ...
Redoing second holes?2/1/2012
  Q: I got my second set of piercings in my ear lobes about 3 years ago. However the hole on my right ear ...
  A: See a dermatologist for options to help you remove the scar from the old piercing that is not ...
nipple piercing1/22/2012
  Q: I got my nipple pierced about 3 months ago. my left one is doing fine. the right however is giving ...
  A: The piercing could be infected, and salt water mix may not be enough to help. ...
Problem with left earlobe piercing1/17/2012
  Q: I hope you can give me some insight and advice. About a year ago my 7 year old daughter wanted her ...
  A: Have you taken her to see her healthcare provider? Infection in ear piercings can progress to ...
Please help my nostril (bump)1/11/2012
  Q: Well my nose piercing is about 3or4 weeks old and today I noticed a crusted area around it and I was ...
  A: It seems that you might have a problem with your jewelry. http://jewelry.piercing.org/ describes ...
Lip piercing1/10/2012
  Q: I got my lip pierced 3 days ago and have received very mixed opinions on the after care. I got told ...
  A: You are correct to avoid moisturizer. There is not anything particularly good for everyone in this ...
ear infection on my ear1/9/2012
  Q: is there any solutions to try to get rid of the bump i got the loops in from professional i been ...
  A: If you are still wearing the jewelry you were originally pierced with, first try gentler care. Some ...
Lip piercing1/8/2012
  Q: I got my lip pierced 3 days ago and have received very mixed opinions on the after care. I got told ...
  A: There are many care suggestions that can be helpful, and some of them are conflicting, but you ...
Frenum stretching..1/2/2012
  Q: Hey Brian, Happy New Year and thanks for the service. I have a question regarding my frenum ...
  A: For this sort of tissue, if the jewelry or placement is not quite right, the area can develop ...
Belly Piercing1/1/2012
  Q: So about 2 weeks ago I got my belly button pierced. I clean it twice a day in the shower with dial. ...
  A: First, don't touch your piercing or move it around, except for if absolutely needed during cleaning. ...
itchy eyebrow piercing12/24/2011
  Q: let me start by saying thank you for answering all my questions these pass few weeks! i just got my ...
  A: Hair is not likely, rather I mention chemical irritation from hair products like shampoo and ...
itchy eyebrow piercing12/24/2011
  Q: let me start by saying thank you for answering all my questions these pass few weeks! i just got my ...
  A: Itching could indicate that your piercing is sensitive to the aftercare you are using, the jewelry ...
nose piercing12/17/2011
  Q: im thinking of getting a nose piercing but was wondering what is better to get it pierced with a ...
  A: Nostril jewelry, a small bar with your choice of gemstones in titanium is the most easy to heal in ...
navel piercing is dry and hard to move!12/11/2011
  Q: hi this might be a dumb question but is it okay for a two week old navel piercing to be dry and hard ...
  A: Yes, this is normal because a new piercing will form a scab, like any other small cut or puncture ...
Lip piercing infection12/4/2011
  Q: Okay, i got my spider bites, which is a lip piercing done on like a week ago, and it swelled the ...
  A: What you should expect from the healing process is described at ...
labret piercing12/3/2011
  Q: i pierced myself 8 days ago everything is fine..no infections no pain thank god !! or naythin! But ...
  A: In case a piercing placement is not as intended, the sooner the jewelry is removed the better. It ...
hip microdermal question12/3/2011
  Q: i have question, i am really wanting to get my hips pierced but i heard that a very skilled piercer ...
  A: No matter how skilled the piercer is, single point piercings and surface piercings can be risky and ...
microdermal hip piercings12/2/2011
  Q: i was wondering if i could get micro-dermal hip piercings if i have a lot of stretch marks?? they ...
  A: Yes, you can probably have them, though they may not be stable. Single point piercings by any name, ...
stretched earlobes too low11/27/2011
  Q: this is my right ear.
  A: From the look of this ear, it appears that either your starting point was off center, or your ...
stretched earlobes too low11/27/2011
  Q: so I got my ears peirced when i was about 1 and i decided to stretch them. My left ear was at a ...
  A: You may be able to have this corrected by a qualified professional piercer through a process of ...
Off center ear piercings noticed when enlarging to fit thicker jewelry11/25/2011
  Q: I got my ears pierced when I was really little, and I didn't realize until a year or two ago that ...
  A: It would be best to visit one of my colleagues nearby for a free consultation. In many cases, you ...
slashed my tragus11/20/2011
  Q: okay, so i had my tragus pierced some time back (more than 6 months)..just recently though i ripped ...
  A: Ouch!I hope that you area able to heal the area without disfigurement. See a dermatologist or ...
Tongue Piercing + canker sore10/28/2011
  Q: I got my tongue pierced a month ago and had a canker sore the next day after I got it pierced. The ...
  A: Have you seen your piercer for a free consultation? It might be your jewelry, it might be your ...
Nostril piercing still red after 6 months10/20/2011
  Q: ..So, I got my nostril pierced about 6 months ago. I did go to reputable piercer and she placed a ...
  A: From what you describe, you are probably still healing. Upload or email me a picture to give me a ...
Lip piercing bump10/17/2011
  Q: I got my lip piercing in late May (2011) and everything's been fine since then until a week or two ...
  A: and no this is not normal, but should be something that you can bounce back from. I see this mostly ...
nipple piercing infected?10/9/2011
  Q: i had my nipple pierced 3 weeks ago and i have been ensuring that i keep cleaning it twice a day ...
  A: From what you describe, you probably broke the thin lining of tissue growing in that side by ...
Industrial Piercing Swelling 8 Months Later?10/5/2011
  Q: I got my industrial piercing 8 months ago and I LOVE it. However, in the past 2 days it has been ...
  A: If you get sick while healing a cartilage piercing, it can become uncomfortable. Mono is awful, get ...
sticky bloody bump10/4/2011
  Q: Had the piercing since Aug. This is like the 7th time i've had naval pierced. My skin apparently is ...
  A: From the photo it is clear that your jewelry does not have an appropriate surface finish, and from ...
Navel piercing9/27/2011
  Q: Hey :) I had my navel pierced 4 months ago and I'm frightened that it may be rejecting, I can't see ...
  A: If the jewelry seems that it is changing position, you should have it checked by an experienced ...
Thickness of jewelry (gauge size) and eventual shrinkage9/23/2011
  Q: What is the gauge size that I can go to with me ears being able to go back to normal size??
  A: There are a number of factors affecting the healthy way of enlarging a piercing. The process of ...
Navel piercing bump9/19/2011
  Q: I had my navel pierced on July 10 - ever since, it has been healing alright, with a little bit of ...
  A: It seems that you have a few good ideas of why the piercing may be irritated or infected. Stop by ...
Ear Stretching.9/13/2011
  Q: I am currently at 7/16" and want to go up to a 1/2". I've been typically stretching based on ...
  A: http://stretching.piercing.org/ explains what I normally suggest for enlarging a piercing. I don't ...
New Industrial Piercing9/8/2011
  Q: I've got 4 Cartilage piercings in my left ear and they've all healed really well, no problems with ...
  A: Don't panic! Hello Lauren, Some bleeding from an ear cartilage piercing can be scary or ...
Ear Piercing Abscess9/8/2011
  Q: I have an ear lobe piercing that is infected and I've had difficulty getting it to heal. Recently, I ...
  A: A bump like this probably did not result from letting it scab, rather from injury, infection or ...
Bump around tongue piercing.9/8/2011
  Q: I got my tongue pierced and have had it done for about a week or so. I'm not sure how long I've had ...
  A: In my experience, a hardened bump around an oral piercing could be the result of chemical ...
wondering9/4/2011
  Q: i do all my friends piercing have been for about 10 years i have no licence and im trying to fugure ...
  A: What is it that you would like to do? In your area, there might already be legal requirements for ...
recurrent lobe infection8/30/2011
  Q: I have several lobe piercings that I retired a couple of years ago (meaning, I don't wear anything ...
  A: The piercings probably have some sort of residue or bacterial colony in them that is acting up with ...
scar tissue from monroe8/28/2011
  Q: I got my Monroe about 4 months ago but because I am in marching band it got very irritated and skin ...
  A: *** <b><u>To clarify:</u></b> 1. You have a bump that grew on your upper lip (monroe) piercing 2. ...
help!8/24/2011
  Q: I've had my tangus piercing for a year already. And I just ripped out and spilt my ear what should I ...
  A: Sorry to hear about your accident! I hope that your tragus repairs itself rapidly. Cartilage ...
cartilige piercing lump the same color as skin8/20/2011
  Q: I got my cartilage pierced about two months ago and it never healed. It still hurts and a small lump ...
  A: The lump is likely caused by irritation and as I described, there are a number of sources that you ...
cartilige piercing lump the same color as skin8/18/2011
  Q: I got my cartilage pierced about two months ago and it never healed. It still hurts and a small lump ...
  A: Your cartilage will take much more than 2 months to heal, so don't worry too much at this stage in ...
Tongue piercing8/17/2011
  Q: I just recently got venom bites *basically two tongue rings* and one of my tongue ring HURTS while ...
  A: Off center tongue piercings pass through muscle fibers, and usually are more tender than the average ...
torn belly piercing8/16/2011
  Q: Is there a way to repair a torn naval piercing? My naval now has two miniature elephant ears - so ...
  A: See a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon for thorough repair options. A qualified professional ...
piercing8/11/2011
  Q: i used to work at claires accessories about 10 years ago and got a certificate for ear piercing. i ...
  A: Learning piercing has become much more complicated with its growing popularity. That certificate ...
2 day old industrial8/11/2011
  Q: Took a shower and my ear was burning like crazy! Was it most likely my shampoo? I mean I dont know ...
  A: Don't worry! http://care.piercing.org/ describes how you can cover your ear with a plastic cup while ...
Time for basic certification? Yes, join the APP and/or APT8/9/2011
  Q: At least in terms of bbp, sterilization, disinfection, and some other possibly agreed upon mostly ...
  A: Toast, I agree with the idea that a minimum standard should be upheld by professionals. This is ...
Starter Earring Stuck in Hole8/8/2011
  Q: I got my lobe pierced about a year ago. Everything was going well with the piercing, until ...
  A: I'm glad that you were able to solve your worry. As far as the size you wear from this point ...
Starter Earring Stuck in Hole8/7/2011
  Q: I got my lobe pierced about a year ago. Everything was going well with the piercing, until ...
  A: Where are you located? Perhaps I can refer you to a qualified professional in your area for a free ...
Small Gauge Scalpling7/30/2011
  Q: Hey there. I've had my first earlobe piercings for over 20 years now and decided to start stretching ...
  A: You are probably correct in assuming that the enlargement will amplify the asymmetry. ...
Is ear gauging permanent if you stop at 2 gauge?7/30/2011
  Q: So I started gauging my ears a while ago, and I got up to a 2 gauge hole. I had the 2s in for a few ...
  A: I can tell that you care very much about your daughter's future appearance, as a parent should. At ...
Small Gauge Scalpling7/29/2011
  Q: Hey there. I've had my first earlobe piercings for over 20 years now and decided to start stretching ...
  A: It might be possible to correct the placement, or have a dermatologist close them for you to start ...
Nipple piercing7/25/2011
  Q: I've had my nipple piercings for about 4 months and have had a pretty normal healing process so far. ...
  A: It seems to me that the switch was far too early. Your piercings were probably not healed enough to ...
Belly Button7/20/2011
  Q: I got my belly button pierced at this tattoo place called Thinkin Ink almost 4 months ago. The only ...
  A: There should not be a coating on your jewelry, however http://jewelry.piercing.org/ explains quality ...
Yellowish looking tongue?7/20/2011
  Q: I got my tongue pierced on Friday and it is now Wednesday. My tongue isn't really swollen anymore ...
  A: The discoloration of the discharge could be from your food or something else, like smoking. It is ...
ear piercing on minors7/15/2011
  Q: My 3 year old daughter whom i share legal joint custody, recently came from her mothers with her ...
  A: I appreciate your concern for your child's well being. Piercing your own child's ears is not ...
Tragus bumps7/14/2011
  Q: I've had my tragus pierced for about 3 months now but am still having problems with it. When it was ...
  A: From what you describe, this may be infection, not just irritation. You can continue to treat it ...
Piercing recovery7/14/2011
  Q: I got my nose pierced a month ago and everything was fine and dandy till i started to notice a small ...
  A: Often a piercing done at an angle to the tissue other than perpendicular, or with a slightly ...
vertical hood piercing7/12/2011
  Q: I have just recently gotten a vertical hood piercing about 2 days ago. Everything was fine. I was ...
  A: This could just be a bruise. A close, clear photo would help determine what might be the cause. You ...
Belly Button7/12/2011
  Q: I got my belly button pierced at this tattoo place called Thinkin Ink almost 4 months ago. The only ...
  A: Most common navel jewelry is 14g (1.6mm)and it is unusual that a piercer would have used anything ...
Industrial7/6/2011
  Q: I got an industrial piercing almost six months ago. I thought it was healing fine because it had ...
  A: From the look of it, you should be able to have something new and interesting done at a different ...
Old ear piercing still not healed7/6/2011
  Q: Years and years ago I got my ear lobes pierced. We had some difficulty with infection but eventually ...
  A: It could be infection or allergy. Warm and moist Georgia weather can keep the area sweaty, which can ...
Industrial7/5/2011
  Q: I got an industrial piercing almost six months ago. I thought it was healing fine because it had ...
  A: The upper piercing may have been damaged, infected or could have been done at an angle that was not ...
Sterling silver7/3/2011
  Q: My friend recently gave me a pair of sterling silver earrings that she made by hand to celebrate me ...
  A: As beautiful as sterling silver looks, it is not a safe material for extended wear. ...
Helix dilemma7/1/2011
  Q: I've had my helix pierced for almost 7months now, the first 3 month was healing up pretty good so i ...
  A: If you replace the jewelry with a titanium post, stop changing the jewelry, and continue your ...
belly piercing6/30/2011
  Q: i ve had my belly pierced for a few months now. and yesterday noticed that some of what im assuming ...
  A: It sounds like you are aware of the sweating and damage that caused this bump to appear. It can get ...
Lip piercing6/28/2011
  Q: I got my left bottom lip pierced a little over 3 weeks ago. It was healing really good, the piercer ...
  A: Yes, go back to the shop and have the longer bar sterilized and reinserted for you. Although some ...
lump6/28/2011
  Q: I got my nose pierced for the second time (there are 2 studs on one side of my nose), and a little ...
  A: Often a piercing done at an angle to the tissue other than perpendicular, or with a slightly ...
medusa piercing6/25/2011
  Q: i got a medusa piercing about two months ago and just recently noticed a small bump in the inside of ...
  A: This lump is likely to be scar tissue from the damage that you describe. Oral tissue rarely forms ...
Tragus Piercing6/19/2011
  Q: I have had my tragus piercing for a little over a month now, and it has always secreted a little ...
  A: Since your piercing is just over a month old, what you describe seems normal. It may be a bit ...
Belly Button piercing done wrong? or just my "body type"?6/18/2011
  Q: So I got my belly button pierced 4 days ago for my birthday and I am not happy with it. The piercing ...
  A: From the picture, it looks like a normal type of placement as far as navel piercings go, with ...
Why is my 6 week old belly button piercing bleeding?6/17/2011
  Q: Approx 6 weeks ago i had my belly button pierced and its never bled or oozed but When i went to ...
  A: The simple answer is that your piercing is not fully healed, so it can bleed if injured. A six week ...
How long before repiercing after injury6/15/2011
  Q: I got my ear lobes pierced at a tattoo parlor. They placed in what I think is called a small ...
  A: Generally, the longer you wait after injury, the better chances you have to repierce. If it is ...
How long before repiercing after injury6/15/2011
  Q: I got my ear lobes pierced at a tattoo parlor. They placed in what I think is called a small ...
  A: If the area is getting better now, it may be safe to have a qualified professional piercer take a ...
Ear Lobe Piercing6/10/2011
  Q: Ok so right now it's almost Friday and I pierced my ear this past Saturday. I know all the risky ...
  A: Yes, it does seem that your piercings may be infected. *Clearly you understand that you took a ...
Piercing6/8/2011
  Q: I decided to have my friend pierce my monroe for me. However, the inside is blue/purple and red. I ...
  A: The risks involved with piercing are best avoided by visiting a qualified professional piercer : ...
Cartilage piercing6/6/2011
  Q: I got my cartilage pierced with a gun and I really want to gauge it with a CBR or just a regular ...
  A: Gun post thickness is often between size 20 and size 18. The thickness of the metal can be measured ...
I think my ears are infected6/5/2011
  Q: Bah humbug. I got my ears pierced for a second time in my lobe about 2 months ago, so now I have 2 ...
  A: Yes, it does seem that your piercings may be infected. *It is very important that you do not touch a ...
Bellybutton piercing through scar tissue6/5/2011
  Q: In February 2010 I had surgery where they removed part of my colon. Now I have a foot long scar that ...
  A: It depends on the surgical scar. In most cases piercing is not the problem, as most any are can be ...
Tragus Piercing6/4/2011
  Q: Brian - I got a tragus piercing a little over a month ago. I had been going to the gym and using ...
  A: If your tragus has a bump, it is possible that the pressure and friction from the headphones, may ...
piercing bumps6/3/2011
  Q: I had my earlobes pierced for the first time in DECEMBER. I went to an APP member studio. He used ...
  A: Each piercer will tend to have their own opinion based on their observations and experience. In my ...
lip percing6/3/2011
  Q: got the monroe done and now my lip is black and blue inside and out, could this be from the things ...
  A: The bruising is from broken blood vessels. It could be from rough handling or an unluckily misplaced ...
Complicated midwifery 15/18/2011
  Q: What is ear piercing? Its technique,principle,standard,guideline,when to carryout and complication.
  A: Start with the information at www.safepiercing.org from the Association of Professional Piercers. ...
cartilage piercings painful & red5/16/2011
  Q: I have had a cartilage piercing on one ear for over a year now and felt little pain with it. I ...
  A: Placement tends to be the most important aspect of pain with piercings. Cartilage (chondracyte ...
white lump on new tongue piercing5/15/2011
  Q: i got my tongue piercing about a month ago, and on the bottom of the piercing is a white ring and ...
  A: This could be irritation or infection. Infection is pretty unlikely. Most of the time when we see a ...
Labret stud5/13/2011
  Q: im Nuwan from Sri Lanka, i got my labret stud done a week ago,but lately i have been experiencing ...
  A: The bleeding is not surprising if you move the jewelry around while it is new, like breaking any ...
Pus from forcefully enlarged ear???4/25/2011
  Q: I know I am not gauging my ears the correct way... but i decided to speed up the process.... and now ...
  A: The best solution to help your damaged piercings recover fastest would be: 1. Let them shrink a ...
Navel Piercing (discolored, want to remove it)4/22/2011
  Q: It is also purple-ish colored darker than my skin color. Is it normal and what can i do to make the ...
  A: Heat, swelling, redness (or purple color), pain and discolored discharge are the most common signs ...
tragus piercing bleeding4/14/2011
  Q: i got my tragus pirecing done yesterday afternoon and after cleaning it today and moving dry blood ...
  A: Don't worry! Rest, ice, compression with sterile gauze and elevation are the suggested first aid ...
Double Flare Plugs4/14/2011
  Q: I was wondering if any size of double flare plugs make your earlobe hole smaller? Say if the ends ...
  A: No, double flare plugs do not tend to make holes smaller. You will notice that your piercing will ...
RAISED BUMP TO FRONT OF TONGUE PIERCING4/13/2011
  Q: U HAD SAID PREVIOUSLY THAT U DIDNT SEE THE UNDERNEATH OF THE PIERCING TO KNOW WHAT THE POSSIBLE ...
  A: It depends on your health, eating, drink, drug and smoking habits. Compare it to the time it takes ...
RAISED BUMP TO FRONT OF TONGUE PIERCING4/13/2011
  Q: U HAD SAID PREVIOUSLY THAT U DIDNT SEE THE UNDERNEATH OF THE PIERCING TO KNOW WHAT THE POSSIBLE ...
  A: "Migrating" is just a euphemism for tearing through from a tilted piercing to a relatively ...
lump to front of tongue piercing4/11/2011
  Q: i had my tongue pierced and a month after doing so there was this lump that came up to the front of ...
  A: Since the pictures don't give me a clear view of the bottom ball and the placement, it is not ...
lump to front of tongue piercing4/10/2011
  Q: i had my tongue pierced and a month after doing so there was this lump that came up to the front of ...
  A: From the picture, it appears that you still have some localized swelling and that can cause a ...
eyebrow jewelry length4/9/2011
  Q: what's the typical length for eyebrow jewelry? I'm ordering a new one online and there's 5/16" and ...
  A: Do not order jewelry online if you have not measured your existing piercing accurately. It is all ...
Tongue piercing4/8/2011
  Q: I was born w/ my tongue connected (meaning: I can't lift it up) but I can flip it from side to side ...
  A: I've never seen a tongue that I could not pierce. The tongue webbing does not pose an obstacle for ...
nipple piercing advice4/8/2011
  Q: I am a D cup and I was reading a post on straight versus curved. You said straight is better. I have ...
  A: The piercing goes in one side and comes out the other, barring some very unlikely internal ...
Nose Piercing Sinking4/6/2011
  Q: So I got my nose pierced...with a gun..and it doesnt hurt at all, thank god...BUT my stud seems to ...
  A: "Gun" jewelry is not appropriate for nostril piercing, and can embed in your skin because of the ...
Healed cheek piercing4/4/2011
  Q: I've had my cheeks pierced for four years now with no problems other than the occasional infection ...
  A: This looks like it could either be scar tissue that developed from previous infection or a sort of ...
Snake Eyes4/4/2011
  Q: i had my snake eyes for a month now and notice a white bump on my tongue near one of ball. Also i ...
  A: The raised white bump of tissue could signal irritation or infection, though infection in your ...
Vertical Hood Piercing4/1/2011
  Q: I first had my hood pierced (vertical) about 4 years ago. The piercing was very shallow and neat ...
  A: The first step would be to leave jewelry out of the piercing and allow it to contract as much as it ...
nipple piercings4/1/2011
  Q: i got my nipples pierced 2 weeks ago the first days were uncomftarble the pain went away but now its ...
  A: Heat, swelling, redness, pain and discolored or smelly discharge can all be signs of infection. ...
gauge size3/27/2011
  Q: I have tunnels in zero size right now but i want to go bigger. I was wondering how big i can go so ...
  A: At this point, it may not be possible for the holes to close at all, though they will surely ...
Removal of body piercings3/25/2011
  Q: If body piercing removal tools are used on more than one person in a congregate living situation, ...
  A: There is not anything reasonable or effective for home cleaning or reprocessing of tools for reuse ...
industrial piercing3/24/2011
  Q: i got an industrial piercing about a month and a half ago and its been completely fine apart from ...
  A: It may simply be that the angles are not aligned, and that the single bar should be replaced by two ...
puffiness and swelling of naval ring3/20/2011
  Q: I could really use your help. I just got my naval pierced for the second time. I waited nine months ...
  A: Gentle aftercare and quality jewelry are important : care.piercing.org and jewelry.piercing.org ...
eyebrow piercing; to do or not to do?3/18/2011
  Q: ) I've been wanting to pierce my eyebrow for awhile, but i'm scared it will get infected. I pierced ...
  A: A trusted colleague of mine refers you to http://www.facebook.com/binho.barduzzi He's in Lisbon, and ...
eyebrow piercing; to do or not to do?3/18/2011
  Q: ) I've been wanting to pierce my eyebrow for awhile, but i'm scared it will get infected. I pierced ...
  A: Bom día Patricia, As you have probably read, a piercing needs to be done safely with sterile ...
Nose piercing bump3/16/2011
  Q: My nose piercing is about two months old and I have a smallish bump right underneath the jewelry on ...
  A: If you have a bump, and it does not go away easily with simple aftercare and quality jewelry, a ...
Possible ear infection?3/6/2011
  Q: I got my upper ear pierced about 7 months ago and so far I have not had any problems with it. But ...
  A: It is possible that the jewelry does not conform to quality and safety standards as described at ...
nipple piercing3/4/2011
  Q: my husband and i have been concidering getting my nipples pierced but i have a few concerns. i have ...
  A: Nipple piercings can be done for just about any size or shape. The experience with a qualified ...
Bleeding lip piercing3/4/2011
  Q: I got my lip pierced about two weeks ago. Everything was just fine, and I was cleaning it the way my ...
  A: Heat, swelling, redness, pain and discolored discharge are the most common signs of infection. ...
Nose piercing3/2/2011
  Q: I had my nose pierced 2 days ago at a professional piercing studio. I was given good aftercare ...
  A: In my experience, having successfully switched thousands of new nostril piercings for customers who ...
daith piercing2/23/2011
  Q: i own and operate a tattoo/piercing studio in alberta canada . recently i had a customer stop by ...
  A: It is possible that infection or damage to the cranial or facial nerves could cause pain or other ...
New Rook Piercing2/18/2011
  Q: I got my right rook pierced about a week ago and the pain seems to be getting worse. The pain is ...
  A: Try http://care.piercing.org/ gentle aftercare, and frequent cold compresses [a soft ice pack, such ...
Infection of the cartilage ??2/16/2011
  Q: 6 weeks ago I got my ear cartilage pierced. I kept it clean twice a day with the cleaner they gave ...
  A: After 6 weeks a cartilage piercing is not usually healed enough for a change of jewelry. In this ...
MicroDermals2/11/2011
  Q: i have two microdermals in my chest and iv had them for 1-2 months and the bottom one gets a bit red ...
  A: Any piercing can get irritated during the healing process. At <90 days they are probably not healed, ...
Scars/swelling from dimple piercings2/10/2011
  Q: I plan on getting my cheeks pierced in a couple months, and I was just wondering how bad will the ...
  A: Scars and swelling vary from person to person substantially, and your jewelry quality, placement and ...
Rejected navel piercing repierced with problems2/10/2011
  Q: Last year I got my naval pierced and it rejected. I waited a year to re pierce my naval. My piercer ...
  A: I would not qualify a re-piercing in a previously rejected area as more likely to stay simply ...
ear piercing problems2/8/2011
  Q: got my ear lobe pierced in december but i had to go to school so i took out the earring after 3 ...
  A: Anything you put in a piercing, especially while healing should meet http://jewelry.piercing.org/ ...
Can you help me2/8/2011
  Q: I've had my pa for about a year now. It was peirced at a 6ga since then I've stretched it to a 0ga. ...
  A: Drop to a smaller size, at least back to 2g or whatever size last you started the stretch from to ...
infection or ulcer?2/5/2011
  Q: I've had my tongue pierced for about 5 years and never had any problems with it at all, but the ...
  A: An infection on a piercing this old is very uncommon. Did you recently remove or change the ...
Monroe stud too small?2/1/2011
  Q: I got a Monroe piercing about 5 weeks ago and the swelling has gone down. I had to buy a clear ...
  A: Try my colleagues at: http://www.body-piercing.com.au/ www.polymorphbodypiercing.com.au/ ...
Monroe stud too small?2/1/2011
  Q: I got a Monroe piercing about 5 weeks ago and the swelling has gone down. I had to buy a clear ...
  A: It seems as if you can tell it is too short. I'm not satisfied with the quality of any of those ...
Infected Nipple Piercing2/1/2011
  Q: I got my nipples pierced two years ago and one of my piercings got infected. It looked like a red, ...
  A: The returning infection is likely from colonized jewelry. http://jewelry.piercing.org/ explains ...
crooked dermal piercings1/31/2011
  Q: my wife had a dermal piercing redone today. the problem is when she had it done the dermail was ...
  A: It would be worth giving your piercer another chance. It is possible that the skin structure is ...
cartilage piercing infection?1/30/2011
  Q: I got my cartilage pierced around 6 days ago and it was fine after, until 2 days ago, a few strands ...
  A: You should only remove jewelry when a doctor tells you to, and when an ER doctor tells you to, it is ...
Can My Clitoral Hood Piercing Be Reinserted?1/26/2011
  Q: Can a previously pierced clitoris(hooded) be re-pierced once it has closed up? I took the piercing ...
  A: In my experience the piercing can nearly always be reopened with the correct tapered guide. The ...
badly done piercing for 3 month old1/25/2011
  Q: I took my 3 month old daughter to get her ear pierced and the lady had actually pierced her ear and ...
  A: It is probable that your piercer was not qualified. There are no certifications for professional ...
belly button bars1/24/2011
  Q: I've had my belly button pierced for years but I still don't know what lengh bar I am using. I found ...
  A: I would not suggest any of these. The quality of the materials is not up to appropriate safety ...
belly button bars1/24/2011
  Q: I've had my belly button pierced for years but I still don't know what lengh bar I am using. I found ...
  A: Curved jewelry is measured by the distance straight across between the balls. Common sizes are 8, 10 ...
badly done piercing for 3 month old1/23/2011
  Q: I took my 3 month old daughter to get her ear pierced and the lady had actually pierced her ear and ...
  A: You should be able to remove the jewelry yourself and let the area heal. Follow up with a visit to ...
ear strech gone wrong1/22/2011
  Q: so, i streched my ear up to 10mm and had it for 3-4 years now,its still not fully healled.but the ...
  A: http://stretching.piercing.org/ explains my suggestions for enlarging a piercing gently with ...
tongue piercing1/19/2011
  Q: I had a kidney transplant in 2006. and of course take many drugs that suppress my immune system. ...
  A: You should discuss this with your healthcare provider. I would not suggest that you get any new ...
Ear piercings1/18/2011
  Q: How many different ways can someone SAFELY pierce their ears, at the same time? What types of ear ...
  A: This question is pretty general, but here are some links to help: ...
tongue piercing1/13/2011
  Q: I very recently got my tounge pierced, and it hurt so much that i took it out the day i got it ...
  A: This is probably the same response your tongue and other oral tissues would have from injury. The ...
tongue piercing.1/13/2011
  Q: I very recently got my tounge pierced, and it hurt so much that i took it out the day i got it ...
  A: If the piercing was done with all sterilized single use items, you should not have to worry about ...
Eyebrow piercing1/12/2011
  Q: and thanks in advance for your time. Getting right on with it then, I think I might like to get an ...
  A: My colleague Ashley Misako works about an hour from you just over the border in Missouri. It would ...
Eyebrow piercing1/12/2011
  Q: and thanks in advance for your time. Getting right on with it then, I think I might like to get an ...
  A: Glad to help, Depending on where you are located, I may be able to refer you to an experienced ...
is my industrial infected?1/7/2011
  Q: i got my industrial done about 3weeks ago. it still swollen badly. the top hole doesnt hurt as much ...
  A: Redness, swelling, heat, pain and discolored discharge generally indicate infection. A clear picture ...
vertical hood piercing still sore after a few weeks1/6/2011
  Q: I got a vertical hood piercing about 5 weeks ago and I am having discomfort when I urinate and ...
  A: Other than some normal sensitivity in the first week or two, the piercing should quickly normalize. ...
snake eyes tongue piercing1/2/2011
  Q: i wanted to get a snake eyes tongue piercing and i wanted it to have curved jewelry to be more ...
  A: My colleague Johnny does good work at Native Rituals http://goo.gl/MlOvR The major issues are ...
belly button bubble1/2/2011
  Q: I have gotten my belly button pierced in the beginning of October, at first, it was fine. After i ...
  A: Without a picture, it is difficult to know what kind of bump you have. In this case, the new piece ...
snake eyes tongue piercing1/1/2011
  Q: i wanted to get a snake eyes tongue piercing and i wanted it to have curved jewelry to be more ...
  A: I suggest loose straight barbell jewelry for healing, and that you make sure to have it shortened by ...
Vertical hood piercing12/29/2010
  Q: I had my hood pierced 3 years ago, upon having my third child my doctor advised me to take the ...
  A: There is an exceptionally good chance that the jewelry will be easy to reinsert with a tapered ...
Tongue Scarring12/28/2010
  Q: I've recently gotten my tongue pierced. Ive had it for almost a month now. My tongue was swollen for ...
  A: It appears that the piercing was off center and possibly misplaced as you mentioned. The procedure ...
Ear Cartilage Piercing12/28/2010
  Q: I am constantly being told how bad it is to get a rim piercing with a gun, but I would like to know ...
  A: The enormity of the health risks due to gun piercing should not be understated. The problems are ...
Frenum piercing 'accident'12/24/2010
  Q: A few weeks ago I caught my frenum piercing and ripped the surrounding skin, it's all healed now but ...
  A: This tear and the resulting enlarged hole are not likely to contract with this sort of piercing. A ...
Nose piercing12/23/2010
  Q: I pierced my nose a couple of years ago and recently put the stud back in. It doesn't hurt to the ...
  A: Heat, swelling, redness, pain and discolored discharge are usually signs of infection. *HOWEVER if ...
nose piercing bleeding/care12/23/2010
  Q: I would like to get your advice in how to clean my nose piercing with what I may have at home. I ...
  A: Bleeding could indicate that your jewelry is being moved enough to damage the opening of the ...
navel piercing12/22/2010
  Q: I love all piercings but my favorite is the navel piercing. Ive had it re-pierced 2 additional times ...
  A: From what you describe, it seems to me that your first two piercings were superficial or misplaced, ...
Re-piercing Navel 12/22/2010
  Q: so I had my bellybutton pierced for about three or four years, but I had to take it out for an ...
  A: The piercing, once healed is not likely to ever close on it's own. *In many cases, a skilled ...
ear blowout12/19/2010
  Q: so , i stretched my ears from 2g to 0g. and it was fine for 2 nights , i slept on the one ear though ...
  A: It is best that you let the piercing shrink a size or two to stabilize. An eyelet or plug with a ...
Tongue piercing12/18/2010
  Q: I've had my tongue piercing for about a month and two weeks and i noticed i have this white bump ...
  A: It does appear that your piercing is: 1. irritated [probably will get better quickly], 2. off ...
Multiple piercings on the same day12/9/2010
  Q: I'm getting my second hole on my ears done tomorrow, above my gauged first holes, those are at a ...
  A: Two or three piercings in the same day is a very common arrangement. As for enlarging your ears, I ...
belly peircing scar12/8/2010
  Q: heey, i just wanted to no i had my belly periced the day before school started this year, when i ...
  A: It is possible that you'll need to see a dermatologist to treat the scar prior to attempting to ...
Ear lobe piercings not healing 5+ Months12/5/2010
  Q: I got my lobes pierced more then 5 months ago. I have 2 stainless steel posts in each ear. They do ...
  A: It is possible that the jewelry is not suitable for the piercing, or that you are sensitive to the ...
Labret Piercing11/25/2010
  Q: I have a question about my lip piercing. I just got it pierced last night at a professional piercing ...
  A: Try more ice, and stop by the studio for a longer post right away. A bit of dental wax can be used ...
re-piercing nose11/22/2010
  Q: I had my nose pierced for couple years now, but my nose stud had fallen out and before i could put ...
  A: Stop by the studio for a free consultation - you may be pleasantly surprised to know that we very ...
Navel piercing11/18/2010
  Q: I got my navel piercing done over a year ago and the skin got so stretched I cant even wear a ring ...
  A: Stop by the studio for a free consultation. See a dermatologist if the problem gets worse. ...
bump on my rook piercing11/17/2010
  Q: I've had my left rook pierced for almost seven months. I got it pierced with a 16g surgical ...
  A: Without a closer look, it can be difficult to determine the best care for an irritated or scarred ...
Monroe piercing11/17/2010
  Q: I had my piercing in for about a year and a half now... its kind of like my gum has grown over the ...
  A: It seems that you have been wearing jewelry with a small disc inside or may have damaged or ...
piercings11/10/2010
  Q: I was thinking about getting a micro dermal piercing but i play basketball so i am kinda unsure ...
  A: I would not suggest an easily damaged piercing such as this for any person active in sports. The ...
nose piercing11/9/2010
  Q: i got my nose pierced last December and had no problems with it until recently. I have developed a ...
  A: If you have a bump, and it does not go away easily with simple aftercare and quality jewelry, a ...
Triple Corkscrew Healing Time Approx?11/9/2010
  Q: I just got my triple corkscrew done a few days ago. Just curious as to how long it could take for ...
  A: You may find that these cartilage piercings are slow healing, up to a year in some cases. They do ...
Broken link11/7/2010
  Q: I'm very eager to see your aftercare instructions but the link appears to be broken; would you ...
  A: We just updated the site, and are updating links. http://piercing.org/care redirects to our simple ...
Scar removal/reduction for former lip piercing11/7/2010
  Q: So i got my lip pierced twice, and both times it scared pretty good. i was wandering if thre was ...
  A: If you have no plans to wear jewelry in these holes again, seek the advice of a dermatologist or ...
Vertical Hood Piercing (is this normal)10/31/2010
  Q: I got my vertical hood piercing three days ago. The place I went to was professional and clean but ...
  A: Useful and thorough aftercare instructions from my studio are here: ...
Crooked Navel Re-Piercing10/28/2010
  Q: my daughter had her navel pierced 10 days ago. The piercer had trouble getting the needle through, ...
  A: It might be fine in 3 weeks to 3 months. It depends on the healing factors for your daughter. If ...
2nd ear lobe piercing??10/28/2010
  Q: Okay, so I decided to pierce my ear lobes again. I did everything, I burned the needle and then ...
  A: I understand it can be difficult to try to pierce yourself, especially with a needle that is ...
Navel piercing10/26/2010
  Q: I want to get my navel pierced, but haven't been able to find anyone who can recommend a place to ...
  A: We do have an APP member in Buffalo at The Cowpok 177 Elmwood Ave. Buffalo, NY 14201 Phone: ...
piercings10/21/2010
  Q: i have a healed VCH piercing and i wanted to kno if its ok to put belly barbels in the hole wen ...
  A: See the following link for an explanation of how to determine if your jewelry choice is safe for ...
took out nipple piercings10/20/2010
  Q: Hey Brian I recently took out my nipple piercings that I have had for about 2 years. I was ...
  A: Since you have had them for 2 years, they are healed, and will shrink on their own. The channel of ...
is it bad?10/18/2010
  Q: is t bad to pierce ur own lip at the age of 13 thats kinda what i did and my mom didnt know and i ...
  A: Infection, scarring and problems with placement and jewelry tend to be the biggest issues with ...
Earlobe stretching: Blowout - How to recover?10/16/2010
  Q: I'm at 3/4ths, and my left ear is blow out pretty bad ( from taping WAY too fast) Dumb, I know. I'm ...
  A: Good idea to downsize, also to tuck under, and to facilitate the recovery, wear jewelry with very ...
Microdermal10/14/2010
  Q: I have been doing SSS at least once a day some times twice with chamomile tea and keeping a ...
  A: Redness, swelling, pain, heat and discolored discharge are the most common signs of infection. They ...
hiding a rook piercing10/11/2010
  Q: i've been wanting to get a rook piercing in one ear. i got it all lined up and i got the money for ...
  A: Although small jewelry and keeping your hair down over the area might help, moms seem to have an ...
Navel (Bellybutton) Piercing, Infection or something else?10/5/2010
  Q: I had my navel pierced more or less a month and a half ago. A few days later, a bump started to form ...
  A: From the photo, it appears that the jewelry is not unusually small. If you ordered a new piece, make ...
Dry skin around enlarged piercings10/4/2010
  Q: got a question for ya. I've been gauging my ears for a few years now; one is a size 2, the other a ...
  A: Your jewelry for enlarged ear piercings should be removed before you bathe, allowing you to clean ...
flesh tunnels10/2/2010
  Q: I stretched my ears pretty quickly when i was younger to put in tunnels, i'm trying to let them ...
  A: The scar tissue can be removed affordably by a dermatologist or healthcare provider by a minor ...
industrial piercing10/2/2010
  Q: hey. i got my first piercing (industrial) 4 months ago and i had no problems. the past couple of ...
  A: This seems like you could be describing an infection. See a dermatologist or your healthcare ...
Is my tragus piercing too shallow9/30/2010
  Q: I had my tragus pierced and I absolutely love it. But when I had got it done I'm afraid it migrated. ...
  A: I apologize for the delay, I have been traveling abroad to teach at conventions. From the photo, ...
New ear piercing and sports....9/25/2010
  Q: My 8 year old niece just got her ears pierced a couple weeks ago and has now just started playing ...
  A: Each time they are removed, if the piercings are not fully healed, the tissue will swell closed. ...
Brass piercing9/21/2010
  Q: I know brass isnt the greatest idea, but at the moment I have a brass nail in my freshly pierced ...
  A: You have made it clear that you know this is not a reasonable replacement for jewelry. You are much ...
clear stud9/17/2010
  Q: Hey there, getting my lip pierced in afew weeks and was just wondering if it was okay to get it done ...
  A: I mention the plastic products available in my http://jewelry.piercing.org/ quality description ...
NAVEL PIERCING9/16/2010
  Q: I HAVE GOING MY BELLY PIERCE TWICE FOR THE PAST 2 YEARS AND DON'T KNOW IF MY BODY EJECTING THE ...
  A: This could be from a number of issues: -The shape of the area and the jewelry may not be ...
Infant Ear Piercing9/13/2010
  Q: I got my 3 month old daughter's ear's pierced yesterday and found that the left piercing is pointing ...
  A: The area should be fully healed before you reattempt to pierce the ear. This tends to take longer ...
Labret piercing, possible infection9/12/2010
  Q: I got my labret piercing a few months ago and I haven't really had any problems with it until now. I ...
  A: It seems that you are well on your way following your doctor's previous advice. In most cases, the ...
Bumps on cartilage [industrial, scaffold] piercing9/11/2010
  Q: I got my scaffold piercing back in June and it has bumps growing around it and I guess I have been ...
  A: Try gentler care as described at http://care.piercing.org/ and see a dermatologist for treatment. ...
Another cartilage question9/11/2010
  Q: Sorry, but your answer gave me another question. You said that the piercing shrinks if you take the ...
  A: The answer to your second question is subjective and varies from person to person based on the ...
Cartilage Piercing9/10/2010
  Q: I was hoping you could answer a quick question for me regarding cartilage (helix) piercing. Once ...
  A: A piercing will not close if it is fully healed, but it will shrink a lot. - The longer you have had ...
Tragus9/8/2010
  Q: I have been considering a double Tragus piercing. About 3 months ago I got my first tragus piercing ...
  A: Since cartilage piercings such as the tragus can take up to a year to fully heal and strengthen, it ...
Need your suggestion9/8/2010
  Q: I'm in love with piercings, but my problem is I play sports that do not allow piercings (soccer+ jiu ...
  A: You are correct, there is a chance of damaging the delicate skin that may not be fully formed. This ...
Need your suggestion9/7/2010
  Q: I'm in love with piercings, but my problem is I play sports that do not allow piercings (soccer+ jiu ...
  A: You could certainly try to heal to some extent and then remove and reinsert the jewelry after a few ...
should i say good bye to my monroe ?9/6/2010
  Q: Its tender and the flat part is sometimes covered by this layer of skin. I actually just took a few ...
  A: You have options at the moment, and in my experience the piercing should get well soon. ...
Belly Button Piercing9/5/2010
  Q: Ok...I'm 17 and I want to get my belly button pierced but my parents wont let me. I've already had ...
  A: It will be worth it to wait until you are at least 18 years to have it re-pierced by a skilled ...
Cartilage piercing,possible infection?9/5/2010
  Q: About 3 months ago I got my cartilage on both ears pierced at a store in the mall. A few weeks ...
  A: Heat, swelling, pain, discolored discharge are the most common signs of infection. I suggest that ...
Tongue piercing9/1/2010
  Q: I have a crack infront of my tongue ring , thier are no signs of infection. The ball has sunk a ...
  A: It seems that your piercing may have been done at an angle off from the ideal perpendicular ...
VHP jewelry8/29/2010
  Q: I got my piercing recently and she used a size 14 curved barbell, which is usually what they use for ...
  A: Yes and no - There are some quality pieces available that work for both the navel and hood. ...
Helix Bump8/26/2010
  Q: I had my helix pierced 3 and a half months ago, and have had no problems with it until about two ...
  A: From what you describe, the bump may have been from irritation and infection, but the infection has ...
monroe piercing8/25/2010
  Q: I got my Monroe piercing Saturday and today is Wednesday... it didn't swell any during the first ...
  A: Since some swelling is normal, you should try gentle care and ice as described at ...
Major bleeding with bump!8/24/2010
  Q: I got my naval piercing about 4 months ago and I have been getting bumps on and off continuously, ...
  A: See your physician or dermatologist if symptoms get worse or do not clear up in the next few days. ...
Will an enlarged piercing close if you remove the jewelry?8/24/2010
  Q: Once you have enlarged your ear lobe piercing to a much bigger hole in order to wear a tube earring, ...
  A: A piercing will not close if it is fully healed, but they will shrink a lot. - The longer you have ...
Labret piercing8/22/2010
  Q: Okay, I got my labret pierced about 6 days ago, everything went smoothly and I went home with a ...
  A: Consider gentler aftercare as described at http://care.piercing.org/ and avoiding smoking for as ...
Bridge piercing scar.8/20/2010
  Q: My bridge piercing got really sore and weepy (clear fluid) so I took the bar out (which was way too ...
  A: It seems that you still have some swelling if the scar tissue feels hard to you. It can take some ...
Good vs. Bad8/14/2010
  Q: I am very interested in getting a VH piercing & have been doing a lot of research. However I'm very ...
  A: Prudence in choosing a qualified piercer is important for any procedure involving your comfort and ...
Discolored Earring Hole8/9/2010
  Q: I just had my lobe double pierced yesterday. This was my first time at an actual piercing place, ...
  A: The mark that was made for your piercing placement may be the cause of the discoloration, if it does ...
ear cartilage bumps8/4/2010
  Q: i had my cartilage pierced and after the 12 months of leaving it in an caring for it like required, ...
  A: You could stop by the studio to have a qualified professional piercer reopen the piercings if they ...
Red bump on inner navel piercing?8/1/2010
  Q: I got my belly pierced almost 2 months ago, and now there's a red bump inside of my belly button. ...
  A: Often a piercing done at an angle to the tissue other than perpendicular, or with a slightly ...
nose piercing7/30/2010
  Q: Hey Brian...I have a couple of questions. I got my nose pierced 5 weeks ago and I am ready to change ...
  A: I would advise for you to have your jewelry changed by a professional piercer with appropriate ...
Normal healing?7/29/2010
  Q: I've got a two week old navel piercing. It's got a pink ring around either opening around the ...
  A: A picture would be helpful, but from what you describe it could be a bit irritated, but close to ...
Wrist micro dermal won't heal7/28/2010
  Q: I got three wrist micro dermals six months ago. Two are perfectly healed but the one on my wrist ...
  A: Try gentler care, as described at http://care.piercing.org/ with dry hot compresses instead of wet ...
problem with cartilage piercing7/21/2010
  Q: I got my cartilage pierced 3 days ago. It felt fine till I did a dive off the diving board this ...
  A: Try gentle aftercare suggestions described at http://care.piercing.org/ to soothe the area with a ...
Major ear trouble7/21/2010
  Q: Okay, well i got a piercing done 2 weeks ago by a gun on my ears, just the soft part though. And ...
  A: Stop by the studio or see your healthcare provider for further help if it does not get better ...
Tragus shrinking7/20/2010
  Q: I got my Tragus pierced and finally changed the ring, and the gauge I thought I put in said 16 but ...
  A: Make sure that your jewelry meets http://jewelry.piercing.org/ quality and safety standards before ...
Infected Microdermal Anchor7/20/2010
  Q: I've had my hips pierced for approximately four months, and they have recently become infected. The ...
  A: It seems that the infection has spread, and it could be from contaminated water that you have bathed ...
excess skin on my lip piercing7/20/2010
  Q: I got my lip pierced on the left side almost two months ago. It's healed easy and pretty fast. I've ...
  A: If you have any swelling and excess scar tissue growth like this, the piercing may be too delicate ...
When can I change piercing?7/19/2010
  Q: How long do you generally have to wait to change navel piercings? I've heard everything from 6 ...
  A: As soon as you feel healed like it, you should be able to change jewelry with the kind of ...
ear ring infection7/18/2010
  Q: The back of my ear ring is stuck in my ear. the skin overgrew on it and you can only see alittle ...
  A: See your healthcare provider if you can not grasp the jewelry on both sides to undo it. A doctor ...
Reopening tongue piercing7/15/2010
  Q: After having my piercing for two years I took it out this past February and have decided yesterday ...
  A: When you reinsert your jewelry, it is always best to carefully use an autoclave sterilized, tapered ...
blood blister, piercing7/13/2010
  Q: I pierced my nose in April and recently it has developed a blood blister. What should I do about ...
  A: http://care.piercing.org/ explains frequent hot compresses along with a jewelry change and the ...
Different sized navel rings7/12/2010
  Q: I got my navel pierced 6 months ago, but i think it was pierced with a shorter bar, because when i ...
  A: Navel jewelry comes in specific sizes, like shoes and clothing, and should fit properly for comfort ...
Hip piercings7/9/2010
  Q: So yesterday I got my hips pierced but for some reason when I got it pierced the right side stung ...
  A: The sensitivity and nerves are different all over your body, though you might expect two piercings ...
gun cartilage piercings swollen7/8/2010
  Q: alright, about a week ago i got my cartilage pierced at claire's... i have been following through ...
  A: http://care.piercing.org gentle aftercare suggestions should help. Ice contrasted with hot ...
Is this a keloid?7/3/2010
  Q: So I've had a nose piercing bump for the past month now, and I've been using different treatments ...
  A: My suspicion is that the jewelry or the angle of the piercing causes your irritation. Often a ...
Body jewelry breaking??7/3/2010
  Q: I had my nipples pierced about 3 weeks ago. I had the round rings put in (not barbells). Last ...
  A: That piece seems like it was not up to http://jewelry.piercing.org/ safety standards. This also ...
monroe piercing discolored hard area7/3/2010
  Q: I got my piercing about a month ago and I really like it but all the way around the piercing it is a ...
  A: Common signs of infection are heat, redness, pain, swelling and discolored discharge. Normal ...
hand web piercing7/1/2010
  Q: i desperately want my left web pierced between my thumb and index finger. i am right handed and use ...
  A: I would like not to sound harsh, but my advice is simply do not pierce your hands. The first time ...
nose piercings6/28/2010
  Q: If you get your nose pierced can the hole close like and ear piercing?
  A: Essentially, all piercings create a small tunnel through skin that heals with a layer of scar ...
3 year old navel piercing infection6/27/2010
  Q: Hey Brian, I had my navel pierced 6 years ago and removed it 3 years ago as my body seemed to be ...
  A: The damage done during the jewelry insertion was probably very minor, and would have resulted in a ...
Bad healing in my tongue piercing?6/27/2010
  Q: First...I'm sorry for my bad english V.V Second: My tongue piercing. I did the piercing about 2 ...
  A: Part of the problem could be from tissue damaged if your piercing is not at a right angle -|- as it ...
Irritated ear piercing swells. Is it from allergies?6/26/2010
  Q: I talked to you before. I have another question. Is it possible to have an allergy to certain ...
  A: Make sure only to wear jewelry meeting http://jewelry.piercing.org/ standards for at least six ...
Nose Piercing Aftercare Question6/25/2010
  Q: I just had my nostil pierced two or three days ago. I was told to clean it with alchol. Everywhere ...
  A: Try gentler care as described at http://care.piercing.org/ and upgrade your jewelry as soon as ...
LOWER LEFT LIP PIERCING6/25/2010
  Q: About two months ago i got my lower left lip pierced, it seemed as though it was healing fine until ...
  A: It should get better on it's own, provided that you avoid irritation. Try gentler aftercare, such as ...
New Lobes6/24/2010
  Q: I just got 2 new lobe piercings yesterday, (two captive bead rings). The piercer just told me to ...
  A: I do not pierce with rings to avoid this problem. Rings tend to get dirty, then when turned the ...
what to look for when buying a navel ring6/23/2010
  Q: i was wondering when i look for belly button rings what should i look for on the package to tell ...
  A: http://jewelry.piercing.org/ explains this in detail. Anodized titanium body jewelry will fade ...
Micro-dermal implant infection?6/23/2010
  Q: I got my micro dermal implant on my nape 14 days ago. It was perfectly fine until approximately 3 ...
  A: 1) No, they are not implants, they should be referred to rather as jewelry with a single point of ...
Enlarged earlobe piercings red, swollen, and itchy6/22/2010
  Q: i did my gauges on my own so if they get red n swoolen n lil itchy any reason why dat happen any to ...
  A: http://piercing.org/stretching explains how you might best gently enlarge your piercings without ...
Ear Stretching Question6/22/2010
  Q: i know the best course of measure to take when stretching your ears is to wait about a month between ...
  A: http://piercing.org/stretching explains how you might best re-enlarge your piercings. Since they ...
Micro-dermal implant infection?6/22/2010
  Q: I got my micro dermal implant on my nape 14 days ago. It was perfectly fine until approximately 3 ...
  A: For this reason and other long term problems, I do not suggest single point piercings, often ...
navel piercing ring turned orange6/21/2010
  Q: i bought a really pretty silver belly button ring and ive been wearing it for a couple months. I ...
  A: http://jewelry.piercing.org/ explains the safety and quality standards that apply to body jewelry. ...
"Grounding"?6/19/2010
  Q: I'm looking into getting some microdermals, and I was looking at local piercers in my town.... A ...
  A: "Grounding" as referred to in this sense was part of the title of a continuing education course that ...
abandoning a cartilage piercing6/19/2010
  Q: I have an ear head piercing that is 6 weeks old, and seems to be healing well. However, I'm not ...
  A: Assuming that your piercing is healthy, it should be safe to remove. Ideally you should visit your ...
I am thinking about taking out my angel bites....6/18/2010
  Q: Around the end of march of this year I decided to get the piercing I was dying to get for awhile. ...
  A: If you want to keep them, and make them better, the first suggestion I can give you is to compare ...
VHP6/16/2010
  Q: I just got my VH piercing about 2 days ago. It is not swollen to my knowledge and I have been ...
  A: Loss of sensation from a hood piercing is a myth, and a mean one at that. Disinformation like this ...
Vertical Hood Piercing6/14/2010
  Q: I got a VCH almost a year ago. I have been trying to find a piece of jewelry for it that doesn't ...
  A: Stop by the studio for a free consultation if you are in the area. Our staff can take care of the ...
monroe piercing6/11/2010
  Q: okay soo i just got my monroe sunday and its friday now..i've been doing all the proper care for ...
  A: Stop by the studio for a free consultation. A bigger disc for the back, and or a longer post should ...
Another Keloid question6/10/2010
  Q: I had my ears pierced when I was 5 with a gun at a store in the mall. Shortly after I developed ...
  A: Though steroid injection is a common treatment for excess scar tissue, it is done after the scar ...
older tongue piercing problem6/10/2010
  Q: ok ive had my tongue pierced for about 3 years now i had to get my wisdom teeth taken out at the end ...
  A: From what you described, you tore the interior and have created excess scar tissue, which can take ...
Restretching.6/5/2010
  Q: Ok, So i had my ears stretched at an inch. But due to my left ears infection i took the plugs out in ...
  A: I weigh in on the side of enlarging your piercing again if you want, but with special care taken to ...
3 yr old piercing that wont heal!!!6/1/2010
  Q: hey. I got my nose piercing in 2007. I let it grow up in 2009 and even now, in 2010, it still ...
  A: A fine idea, indeed. Stop by for a free consultation at your nearest convenience. I'm available by ...
3 yr old piercing that wont heal!!!5/31/2010
  Q: hey. I got my nose piercing in 2007. I let it grow up in 2009 and even now, in 2010, it still ...
  A: From what you describe, your piercing broke a minor blood vessel. Nose bleeds are common, and ...
Keloid scarring5/31/2010
  Q: Short story – standard ear piercing age 15, wore cheap/nasty earrings for years, and my earlobes ...
  A: Your chances of healing properly are better if you can have the piercings done by a qualified ...
Dermal Anchor Piercing5/31/2010
  Q: I would like to get a small dermal anchor on my cheek, just below my eye. I've seen this done and it ...
  A: I do not suggest that you try this since this type of piercing can be more complex aftercare, and ...
ear lobe purple5/29/2010
  Q: Why is the very bottom of my ear lobe purple? I rinsed my earrings in hydrogen peroxide before ...
  A: I'd suspect that the jewelry does not meet http://jewelry.piercing.org/ standards for quality and ...
snakebites(infection? hypertropic scarring5/27/2010
  Q: hmm lets see its been about 4-5 months and my snakebite still hurt, the right pierceing hurts a ...
  A: See a dermatologist if the problem does not resolve itself with gentler aftercare as described at ...
post-piercing infection5/25/2010
  Q: I got my belly button pierced in New York 5 days ago. The Tattoo Parlor told me to wash with an ...
  A: Heat, redness, swelling, pain and discolored discharge are all common signs of infection. The ...
industrial5/21/2010
  Q: i have had my industrial done since feb 2 this year and i have to pick off this hard yellow stuff of ...
  A: Try a gentler approach to care as described at http://care.piercing.org/ and don't pick the scabbed ...
industrial piercing5/21/2010
  Q: should i be worried if i have a bubble on both top and bottom of my piercing is were the holes are ...
  A: Often a piercing done at an angle to the tissue other than perpendicular, or with a slightly ...
Tongue Piercing5/19/2010
  Q: The first time I had my tongue pierced the woman pierced my tongue very far back and crooked, so I ...
  A: The red, sore bump could be some form of scar tissue, but the cause may be difficult to discern. In ...
Belly piercing problem...5/18/2010
  Q: I'm having very frustrating problem. I've had my belly button pierced THREE times during the past ...
  A: The D shaped ring is still stressful for the same reasons of pressure, friction and external ...
Crooked Septum Piercing5/17/2010
  Q: I seen one of your answers of how to fix a crooked septum piercing by using first aid tape, or ...
  A: Think of it like headgear for braces or a retainer. If the jewelry can be braced into the correct ...
Belly piercing problem...5/15/2010
  Q: I'm having very frustrating problem. I've had my belly button pierced THREE times during the past ...
  A: Eyebrow jewelry can be difficult to heal with a ring because of pressure, friction and contamination ...
tongue piercing keloid or not?5/12/2010
  Q: i just got my tongue pierced 5 days ago and 2 days ago i noticed a red (looked like blood filled) ...
  A: Try gentler care as described at http://care.piercing.org/ as this could be a reaction to chemical ...
Navel piercing: 5 years old and still forms discharge5/12/2010
  Q: I had my naval pierced for 5 years, and the bottom still crust sometimes. What does that mean? What ...
  A: If you find a discharge, that means that the inside of the piercing still has a broken skin surface. ...
Navel piercing bump5/11/2010
  Q: I recently got my naval pierced about 2months ago, it's been doing fine, until today i recently ...
  A: Yes, please have it changed to a closer fitting, smaller anodized titanium curved bar for the first ...
Navel piercing bump5/11/2010
  Q: I recently got my naval pierced about 2months ago, it's been doing fine, until today i recently ...
  A: Often a piercing done with slightly irritating shape or material like steel or an alloy of gold ...
Belly piercing problem...5/7/2010
  Q: I'm having very frustrating problem. I've had my belly button pierced THREE times during the past ...
  A: It seems like you haven't had the best luck with this piercing, but it should be easy to fix. Either ...
Dimple/cheek piercing bled during jewelry change5/7/2010
  Q: Hey i got my dimples done about a month ago, i went to go change them and when i took the bar o ut ...
  A: You should visit your piercer to let them know about your problems. Dimple/cheek piercings can ...
lip stud guage change5/7/2010
  Q: I went from a 14g to a 16g lip stud, and the back of the (the flat back) 16g sinks into the back of ...
  A: Larger backs for the thinner 16g post are available that meet safety and quality standards as ...
Uneven piercings: will they eventually look centered when enlarged.5/5/2010
  Q: I had my ears pierced unevenly and never realized it until I began to stretch my earlobes. One of my ...
  A: These will not even out. The easiest solution would be to let only the uneven piercing shrink for a ...
tongue piercing5/5/2010
  Q: Okay I pierced my tongue with a professional on Friday and now its Wensday it I hardly notice any ...
  A: Try gentler aftercare as described at http://care.piercing.org/ for your comfort, and see your ...
sternum piercing5/3/2010
  Q: which type of ointment should i use on my sternum piercing? i did a lot of research and it says not ...
  A: No type of ointment should be used on healing piercings for aftercare. http://care.piercing.org ...
Hood piercing allergic reaction?5/1/2010
  Q: I just recently got a hood piercing about 3 days ago and it's starting to irritate me. I am allergic ...
  A: http://jewelry.piercing.org/ explains safety standards for jewelry, and perhaps covers some of the ...
nipple piercing4/30/2010
  Q: if i was to take it out would the nipple go back to normal size so it would look like my other ...
  A: The piercing itself should shrink, but there will have been tissue changes and some scar will ...
Nose piercing: Bump4/26/2010
  Q: I've Had my nose pierced for about 5 months now and it looks as if it is getting irritated. Some ...
  A: Often a piercing done with slightly irritating shape or material like steel or an alloy of gold ...
navel piercing after tummy tuck4/25/2010
  Q: Is it ok to get pierced after having a tummy tuck? ANSWER: In many cases yes, although the tension ...
  A: There are possibilities for infection with navel piercing if the area is herniated, or if the tissue ...
navel piercing after tummy tuck4/25/2010
  Q: Is it ok to get pierced after having a tummy tuck?
  A: In many cases yes, although the tension on the tissue in the area can take months to relax enough ...
bellybutton & ears4/22/2010
  Q: i have had my ears pierced twice and they have been infected both times to the point where i had to ...
  A: The problems you have had with your piercings could have had something to do with the safety ...
snake bite piercings4/21/2010
  Q: . i was wondering where i can get snake bite piercings cheap at the age of 14. and how much it would ...
  A: Under the age of 18, many studios do limited or no piercings for minors. There are legal, physical ...
Tragus piercing4/18/2010
  Q: Brian, I was recently thinking of getting my tragus piercing done, by one of my friends, who has ...
  A: Piercing yourself at home can be very dangerous, with risks from infection and severe scarring to ...
Bleeding lip piercing?!4/16/2010
  Q: i had my piercing done a week ago, i got a bit bruised on the inside of my lip (don't know if that's ...
  A: Considering that the oral area is very vascular, piercing can occasionally break a small blood ...
VCH piercing4/16/2010
  Q: I got a VCH 6 days ago, and it was doing great until now. Doesnt hurt, looked like it was healing ...
  A: Heat, swelling, redness, pain and discolored discharge are all signs of infection. The piercing may ...
new nose piercing jewelry4/16/2010
  Q: this may sound like a really weird or stupid question but I got my nose pierced 2 days ago. The ...
  A: Metal and skin do not form permanent bonds when it comes to body jewelry. What you have is also ...
After a Rejection4/15/2010
  Q: I had a trasverse lobe piercing done about 7-8 months ago- it was my first piercing. I had troubles ...
  A: The longer you wait for the first piercing to heal and the tissues to soften, the safer it will be ...
tongue ring4/14/2010
  Q: I got my tongue pierced 4 1/2 weeks ago and I still have the long ring in. I have tired to put a ...
  A: It is possible that the piercing is not healed enough for a piece as short as the one you tried to ...
ear piercing4/14/2010
  Q: i just got my ears pierced so that i could have bar in it but i dont no how to put the bar into my ...
  A: First, make sure that the jewelry meets http://jewelry.piercing.org/ quality and safety standards. ...
Monroe piercing4/14/2010
  Q: I got a Monroe piercing about 2 weeks ago. After about a week, the swelling stopped and the normal ...
  A: Redness can be a sign of infection, but it usually comes along with heat, swelling, pain and ...
ANTI BROW PIERCING4/13/2010
  Q: I REALLY WANT TO GET AN ANTI BROW PIERCING... BUT IDK WHAT KIND OF PIERCING I SHOULD GET A CURVED ...
  A: Depending on your facial anatomy, this piercing can be as easy as an eyebrow piercing, and a 18 or ...
Ear Piercing4/12/2010
  Q: My 5 year old had her ears pierced 1 month ago she was pierced high on her lobe she does not want me ...
  A: It is probably already past the time when removal would assure that the piercings would close. A ...
tragus ear piercing problem (i can't finish my response..i will write again to finish)4/11/2010
  Q: My Tragus is swollen, no discoloration other than the two small bumps surrounding the jewlery. I ...
  A: Question following: /// while cleaning my tragus before bed the jewelry popped through the ...
Hood Piercing Troubles4/11/2010
  Q: I have had my hood pierced for about 2 years now and have never had any troubles with it. Just ...
  A: This could be infection, which usually shows symptoms of heat, swelling, redness, pain and ...
industrial4/9/2010
  Q: i got my industrial pierced 2/19 of this year, after a while of looking at pictures on the internet ...
  A: In fact, my favorite long bars for the ear are 18g threadless titanium as I mentioned. The ends from ...
Don't try this at home: How to pierce your industrial4/8/2010
  Q: i want to pierce my own industrial, but i dont know how to. i dont want to pay like 40$ to get it ...
  A: Piercing yourself at home can be very dangerous, with risks from infection and severe scarring to ...
Nose Piercing Bump4/7/2010
  Q: I got my nose pierced about 2 1/2 months ago, and about a month ago a bump formed right next to the ...
  A: This could be a pyogenic infection or inflammation from harsh aftercare or a rough or irritating ...
Stretched ears4/6/2010
  Q: I have my ears stretched to 11/16 (18millimeters of an inch) and i was just wondering if they will ...
  A: All piercings shrink, and the final amount of contraction tends to be determined by the amount of ...
tip of tongue numb after piercing4/5/2010
  Q: Hey, I got my tongue pierced about 5 days ago. It feels fine and isn't really swelling anymore but ...
  A: This is not unheard of from tongue piercings, and generally not the best result of placement. It ...
Industrial piercing age4/4/2010
  Q: I was going to get an Industrial Piercing soon and I was wondering how old you have to be. I'm 14 ...
  A: Many piercers only work on people of 18 years or older, and that is the regulation in many areas. ...
Don't try this at home: septum piercing4/4/2010
  Q: I pierced me septum. at home. with ice and a safety pin. It was incredibly stupid. I know, now. I'd ...
  A: Fair warning: There really is no reason to pierce yourself in unsafe conditions when there are ...
industrial4/3/2010
  Q: i got my industrial pierced 2/19 of this year, after a while of looking at pictures on the internet ...
  A: Professional piercers stand behind their work, and are usually willing to help find solutions when a ...
Uneven ear piercing4/3/2010
  Q: I had my 3 year old's ears pierced yesterday (Apr. 1st) and they are not even. I like the position ...
  A: The sooner the jewelry is removed on the one side, the better. I usually suggest that you let it ...
diabetes4/1/2010
  Q: sir, I have had many piercings and none haven taken,but for a prince albert. I find ...
  A: With precautions it is usually possible to heal piercings even if you are diabetic. With quality ...
Permanent piercings3/31/2010
  Q: I'm interested in making my labia rings permanent. They're 18K solid gold CBRs. Since they're gold, ...
  A: Gold plumb solder may be an option, although I have only heard tall tales about this being possible. ...
Nose piercing jewelry3/31/2010
  Q: I got my nose pierced recently and I want a gem in it ive bought two different ones from two ...
  A: I would strongly suggest that you do not change the jewelry yourself for a recent piercing, and ...
Nipple Piercing grown in?3/29/2010
  Q: I had my nipple pierced nearly ten years ago, however I am now at a stage where it's more of an ...
  A: Your jewelry should move freely if soaked in warm water, then washed with soap and water, then ...
Healing of a normal earlobe3/28/2010
  Q: I have an earlobe for 4 months. Can I take out the jewelry for any length of time without any risk ...
  A: Essentially, the longer you have the piercing, the longer it will take to shrink. If the tissue is ...
conchy chonch3/28/2010
  Q: I've had my conch pierced for about 3 months. I got it done at the same place I've gotten 3 of my ...
  A: Often a piercing done with slightly irritating shape or material like steel or an alloy of gold ...
VCH question3/26/2010
  Q: I had a triangle and VCH done in November. The triangle took a while to heal properly, but the VCH ...
  A: Piercings in these delicate placements tend to seem healed as soon as they have epithelialized a ...
tragus piercing / ear pops3/26/2010
  Q: I got my tragus pierced earlier this month and I've noticed that when i swallow that ear pops. Is ...
  A: The piercing should have nothing whatsoever to do with the pressure or ear popping unless the ...
Monroe Piercing3/26/2010
  Q: I really want to get my monroe pierced, but the only problem is that I participate in Debate during ...
  A: If you have enough time to fully heal the piercing over your summer break, you may be able to use a ...
Medusa Piercing infection?3/25/2010
  Q: I just recently got my medusa pierced in December of 2009. For the first couple months of it being ...
  A: Stop by the studio for an autoclave sterilized longer post as soon as possible. The piercing has ...
discoloration from ear jewelry corrosion3/25/2010
  Q: i used to wear cheap earings and I still do but I used to sleep in them and never clean them and ...
  A: See a dermatologist for scar reduction options for argyria. Many of the chemicals from the cheap ear ...
navel piercing3/24/2010
  Q: I've had my navel piercing for over 2 years. When I last removed my jewelry and put the new one in, ...
  A: This seems like an infection, possibly an abscess or streptococcus pyogenes. Please see a doctor or ...
New Tongue Piercing3/23/2010
  Q: I just recently got my tongue pierced on Friday the 19th of March. Its fine and I am takeing care of ...
  A: This is more likely scar tissue from irritation and not a keloid. Your jewelry, aftercare, ...
lip piercing3/20/2010
  Q: i watched some videos and basically i just want to know if when i go to get it done should they be ...
  A: So far I've not seen many quality procedures on videos out there, so I hope that didn't scare you ...
Abandoning an earlobe piercing3/19/2010
  Q: I have a normal earlobe for 4-5 months and I am not happy with it and I do not want it anymore. If I ...
  A: When you remove any piercing, the tissues that have grown during the healing process in response to ...
ear piercing enlargement3/19/2010
  Q: ive just started streching my ear i put a 2m in but on day 2/3 my lobe became red and swallon ive ...
  A: http://jewelry.piercing.org/ covers the safety considerations http://piercing.org/stretching covers ...
microdermal implant3/17/2010
  Q: .....hi....I am writing you to get some information on microdermal implants for a male in the pubic ...
  A: To be completely honest, I don't believe that this type of piercing is reasonable for any area where ...
A bubble???3/16/2010
  Q: So I got my earlobes pierced on december 16th, or about then. My ears were fine (they did have ...
  A: http://care.piercing.org/ gentle aftercare and a visit to your doctor should help save your ...
New Tongue Piercing3/15/2010
  Q: I had my tongue pierced five days ago and the swelling has decreased, but a small yellow white tag ...
  A: Right, as far as it goes, other than by prescription mouthwashes are not part of oral wound healing ...
New Tongue Piercing3/15/2010
  Q: I had my tongue pierced five days ago and the swelling has decreased, but a small yellow white tag ...
  A: This may be scar tissue in reaction to an irritant oral care product such as toothpaste. Try gentler ...
Navel Piercing3/14/2010
  Q: ive had my belly done for about 3 and a half months now, and i notest the other day that i have ...
  A: http://care.piercing.org/ gentle aftercare should be able to help. The bump is likely an infection ...
Discoloration Around Tragus Piercing3/14/2010
  Q: I had my tragus pierced about a year ago. At first, everything went fine. However, about a couple ...
  A: Often a piercing done with slightly irritating shape or material like steel or an alloy of gold ...
top ear cartilage piercing3/13/2010
  Q: I'v had the top of my ear cartilage pierced three days ago. it keeps swelling up and then going ...
  A: http://care.piercing.org/ can help explain what to expect from a healing piercing and for gentler ...
Tongue Piercing3/13/2010
  Q: I got my tounge pierced 3 days ago and when i stick my tounge out and look behind the bar i can see ...
  A: Stop by the studio for a free consultation if you are near http://www.ninjaflower.co.nz/ The angle ...
My tongue peircing3/12/2010
  Q: I got my tongue peirced 5 days ago I've been rinsing with lyseryn regularly but now I have noticed a ...
  A: Try gentler aftercare as many people find that they are sensitive to the oral care products while ...
Self pierced ear cartilage3/12/2010
  Q: i did it my-self 2days ago. i wanted to kno if it was infected or is just healing and wut ways i ...
  A: http://care.piercing.org/ can help explain what to expect from a healing piercing. ...
discolored hip surface piercings3/11/2010
  Q: ive had my surface hip piercings for about 2 months now, and they feel great but there still pretty ...
  A: The discoloration may take as long as a year to go away, or may stay even after you take out the ...
I think I had a blowout when I gauged my ear. There is a scar. What can I do?3/10/2010
  Q: I gauged my ears to 0 about a year and a half ago. When I went from 2 to zero it went in ok, but it ...
  A: The most functional method I've noted to reduce scarring is: First, take out the jewelry to let the ...
Monroe3/9/2010
  Q: I have had my monroe pierced for about 6 weeks now and it was totally on its way to being almost ...
  A: Ice and a change of aftercare should help as described at http://care.piercing.org/ Make sure to ...
monroe3/9/2010
  Q: I have had my monroe done for almost 9 weeks. The swelling and redness went away,after about a week ...
  A: Your piercing was probably not completely healed enough to be a sturdy barrier against foreign body ...
Tragus3/9/2010
  Q: I'm not sure if I'm being over-cautious (my mom is getting sick of looking into my ear and telling ...
  A: http://care.piercing.org/ explains further gentle care, and one thing that can be problematic is ...
rook and tragus piercing3/7/2010
  Q: I got my rook and tragus pierced about last august and they seem to be all healed. If I take them ...
  A: If you have them reinserted by a professional with a tapered insertion guide and proper ...
swelled piercing3/7/2010
  Q: One of my newly pierced cartilages has been swelled up for more than 2 months straight. I'm not ...
  A: The swelling probably has very little to do with the vein, and taking it out should not be needed. A ...
Cartilage infection3/6/2010
  Q: I got a cartilage piercing around 2007 in the summer, and i really think it is infected. It shows ...
  A: The first step is gentle care as described at http://care.piercing.org/ and the second would be to ...
Belly piercing red bump3/4/2010
  Q: So this time i have a different question involving the same subject... I'm not sure if this is your ...
  A: If you have already removed the jewelry, see a doctor if it gets worse or does not get better. This ...
vhp3/4/2010
  Q: I got my hood piercing about three week ago. Since the piercing I have notice a funny smell. I have ...
  A: Try gentler care as described at http://care.piercing.org/ as your body may be irritated by the ...
Industrial Bar.2/28/2010
  Q: I've had my industrial for about 7 months now, am i able to leave the bar out for an hour and a half ...
  A: Your piercing will probably not be removable even for a few minutes without a having to use a ...
Helix Piercing Abcess2/28/2010
  Q: Help! I need advice on how to go about the draining and healing process for a Helix abcess. My ...
  A: See a doctor or dermatologist if the signs of infection do not clear up within a few days. ...
Infected nose stud?2/26/2010
  Q: So i got it pierced both sides not even two weeks ago and the left side looks ok. but the right side ...
  A: See a dermatologist if the problem continues, but it may be fine with gentler care: ...
curious2/26/2010
  Q: How do I remove a circle eearing from my ear without wire cutters?
  A: If it has a ball, the ball usually comes off with a bit of pressure to the side. If there is a gap ...
Navel Piercing & Tummy Tuck2/25/2010
  Q: It's really starting to get to me having to see these stretch marks from my pregnancy 3 years ago. ...
  A: It is likely that your surgeon will give you the final word on this, but in some cases you can keep ...
cant get my hood piercing bar out2/24/2010
  Q: hi i really need help had my hood pierced about 2 years ago never took it out but want to now but ...
  A: Stop by the studio for a free consultation if you have trouble getting it off with gloves. Try to ...
belly piercing ring size/healing bump2/24/2010
  Q: I got my belly button pierced back in October. A few weeks ago I noticed a weird red bump that ...
  A: As far as germ killing products, this is where you want to consult with your dermatologist. There ...
belly piercing red bump2/24/2010
  Q: I got my belly button pierced back in October. A few weeks ago I noticed a weird red bump that ...
  A: http://jewelry.piercing.org/ explains the quality standards that you should hold your jewelry to. ...
Navel Piercing2/23/2010
  Q: I just got my belly button pierced a week ago and the first couple days it was fine but now on the ...
  A: http://care.piercing.org/ explains in detail gentle care for your navel, including frequent hot ...
VCH Piercing Problem2/20/2010
  Q: I got my VCH pierced a few days ago. I noticed at first that only the top ball was visible and that ...
  A: It would seem that either your piercing was performed in a manner that transverses more tissue than ...
vertical hood piercing2/20/2010
  Q: I got this piercing a few months ago... last night my boyfriend was being somewhat aggressive with ...
  A: Push it back through if you can, and then visit a shop for a larger piece of jewelry. Larger ends ...
I just got my Monroe piercing on Feb 13th.2/18/2010
  Q: My piercer told me to clean it with Dial soap, and swish sea salt in my mouth. I ran out of sea ...
  A: http://care.piercing.org/ describes an even gentler method of care that can help avoid irritation. ...
scar swollen over stud2/17/2010
  Q: okay so I have my tagus pierced and I changed it yesterday from a ring to a stud. I woke up this ...
  A: Often a piercing done with slightly irritating shape or material like steel or an alloy of gold ...
Re-piercing belly button2/16/2010
  Q: I had my belly button pierced in 2001, and in 2005 I had to take it out due to an operation, after ...
  A: The hole is probably still open, but has tightened in the middle like an hourglass. If you push, ...
re-sizing a nipple piercing2/15/2010
  Q: I had my nipples pierced with 14 gage bars for a little over a year and decided to take them out. It ...
  A: The hole is probably still open, but has tightened in the middle like an hourglass. If you push, ...
industrial bar2/14/2010
  Q: I am sOo confused! I have an industrial bar ear piercing.. I can't tell if its a keloid or a ...
  A: The bumps could be indicative of infection, stressed angles of the piercing or damage to the tissue. ...
Placement of vertical hood piercing2/14/2010
  Q: I had my piercing done at a reasonably reputable place (for North Dakota, which is not saying much), ...
  A: Different jewelry may be all it takes for the piercing to look more to your liking. Better vertical ...
VCH & Toilet Paper...2/14/2010
  Q: I've been staying at my mothers house for the past week and she has really soft toilet paper. I've ...
  A: From what you describe as aftercare, the fibers could be irritating, but will probably wash away. My ...
my belly button piercing2/11/2010
  Q: Okay so I got my belly button pierced about 1 1/2 to 2 months ago. I've been taking pretty good care ...
  A: Heat, redness, pain, swelling and discolored discharge are the most common signs of infection. The ...
Hood piercing infected :(2/10/2010
  Q: about 2 1/2 months ago I got a vertical clit hood piercing. In the past few days I have noticed some ...
  A: Changing your aftercare to http://care.piercing.org/ should help. You'll likely want to change to a ...
Nose stud staining around the hole2/10/2010
  Q: Is there any treatment for removing the discoloration and if so what is it ( I checked up Argyria, ...
  A: In my experience, the grayish discoloration is likely localized argyria from the ion transfer and ...
crooked septum2/7/2010
  Q: I saw in a previous answer of yours say you can fix it with dental floss or special retainers mine ...
  A: If the piercing is really crooked, sometimes you can make an orthodontic headgear type of device to ...
Prince Albert2/5/2010
  Q: I am currently 43 years old, I have always wanted a prince albert. Can you tell me what the smallest ...
  A: In my experience, size 8g is the smallest comfortable starting size. This piercing heals and loosens ...
Clit hood vertical piercing2/4/2010
  Q: The healing time - how long time it usually takes, I can enjoy sex with my husband?
  A: http://care.piercing.org/ explains gentle care. You should be able to experience intimacy when you ...
Ex-Nose Ring/Stain2/3/2010
  Q: I had my nose pierced for 4 years. I took it out over a year ago. I still have a gray/dark spot ...
  A: This stain comes from tarnish that is released into your skin from jewelry that does not meet ...
swelled cartilage2/1/2010
  Q: I'm getting worried because I had my upper cartilage pierced one month ago (with a gun, like all my ...
  A: Please stop piercing yourself with a gun. It is not safe at all. The swelling could be from ...
industrial piercing (see-through skin)2/1/2010
  Q: So I got an industrial back in early november and I've had it for 3 months now. I took care of ...
  A: If the piercing was done in a way that it passed through the cartilage at a grazing angle, the area ...
off center nipple piercings1/30/2010
  Q: any suggestions on straightening off center nipple piercings? i had rings in when i had them pierced ...
  A: Some piercings can be balanced in the opposite direction -/- from their inaccuracy -\- and taped in ...
Monroe Piercing1/30/2010
  Q: I had my Monroe professionally pierced 7 weeks ago. I was told the healing time is 6-8 weeks and I ...
  A: Usually we change the jewelry for you to a shorter post after the swelling is gone. This is commonly ...
Industrial [ear piercing] bleeding1/27/2010
  Q: last night i got the industrial pierced on my right ear, i got the barbell; which goes from top to ...
  A: This may be from the angles of the two piercings not quite lining up, keeping the wound open. Have ...
Triple corkscrew barbell cartilage piercing1/24/2010
  Q: I have a triple corkscrew barbell in my right ear. It is basically and industrial helix that goes ...
  A: Possibly: Damage to the jewelry Angles of placement that are inappropriate Damage to the specific ...
Triple corkscrew barbell cartilage piercing1/24/2010
  Q: I have a triple corkscrew barbell in my right ear. It is basically and industrial helix that goes ...
  A: From what you describe this could be a pyogenic infection, the jewelry quality may be part of the ...
Cartilage--keloid?1/21/2010
  Q: I had my upper cartilage pierced for about 2 months but there was a bump (similar to a blister, very ...
  A: The bump could have been from irritation or infection. It could have been a keloid, but they are ...
nose piercing1/21/2010
  Q: I pierced my nose on Monday. Wednesday I changed it to a smaller stud. I am now worried I shouldnt ...
  A: You are correct in your concern. Changing a healing piercing at home can lead to infection, disease, ...
problems with my industrial?1/20/2010
  Q: i got my industrial done about half a year ago. i clean it with a saline solution twice a day, and ...
  A: >Stop by for a free consultation if you are in the area. What you describe could be infection or ...
Bump in front of my piercing1/19/2010
  Q: I got my tongue pierced about a month ago, and about a week ago I got this really weird looking bump ...
  A: The bump is not likely a keloid or infection. It is most probable that the angle of the piercing ...
VCH Question1/19/2010
  Q: I just got a hood piercing last night at 8 pm is it normal for it to bleed? I have been doing the ...
  A: You should be fine - Bleeding for the first few days is not uncommon. http://care.piercing.org/ ...
swollen earlobe1/18/2010
  Q: it's really swollen and has a lump behind the actual piercing. Do i have to take the piercing out? ...
  A: Heat, swelling, redness, pain and discolored discharge can each indicate infection. See a doctor or ...
belly button piercing question1/17/2010
  Q: I am a high school cheerleader and this is my last year cheering but i am going on a summer vacation ...
  A: I would suggest that you don't do it until after the season. The problems generally will be evident ...
BELLY PIERCING1/16/2010
  Q: OKAY, THE FIRST TIME I HAD IT IT WAS OK UNTIL SKIN STARTED TO PEEL OFF AT THE HOLE AND LATER IT ...
  A: What you describe is rejection, and it will probably happen again if the same jewelry, method, ...
Tragus Jewelry Gauge1/14/2010
  Q: I have had my tragus pierced for almost 2 years now. I have never taken the orginal surgical ...
  A: http://jewelry.piercing.org/ has the safety standards for body jewelry that I suggest you read. 18 ...
cartilage piercing1/13/2010
  Q: I took my initial earring out before the piercing healed, and the 2nd earring is a smaller gauge. ...
  A: The opening will shrink around the jewelry that is currently in place. It is safer to have a ...
clithood piercing1/13/2010
  Q: but i have a vein directly in the middle of the hood,can it still be done?also i had my navel ...
  A: There are several variants on placement for a hood piercing, and usually it is possible for ...
Dimples1/13/2010
  Q: I just got my dimples peirced, two weeks ago. And the jewelery my peircer had put on it is the same ...
  A: Stop by the studio for a free consultation. You piercer should be glad to see you or you could come ...
Dermal Anchor1/11/2010
  Q: I want to get a dermal anchor on my chest. Can you please tell me how the do it and what tools the ...
  A: Here are some of the studios that I have interacted with that are on your side of the country: ...
Industrial1/10/2010
  Q: I got my industrial pierced 2 days ago. It's still really swollen which i understand, but the bottom ...
  A: http://care.piercing.org/ explains scabbing and bleeding for a new piercing is normal. It's better ...
Dermal Anchor1/10/2010
  Q: I want to get a dermal anchor on my chest. Can you please tell me how the do it and what tools the ...
  A: Techniques vary, but essentially using appropriate sterilization and aseptic precautions a qualified ...
Dermal Anchor1/10/2010
  Q: I want to get a dermal anchor on my chest. Can you please tell me how the do it and what tools the ...
  A: Because of the long term problems of easy injury, infection and rejection no matter how well they ...
problem with nose piercing bleeding1/8/2010
  Q: I got my nose pierced a little over 2 weeks ago. Everything was going fine... I was keeping it clean ...
  A: From what you describe it seems that the piercing has attempted to form a scab, and had that scab's ...
Possible navel piercing rejection?1/8/2010
  Q: I recently changed my navel ring to a titanium barbell because I started having redness and ...
  A: From what you describe this could be rejection, particularly since the irritation returned and the ...
New nose piercing question1/7/2010
  Q: I recently got my nose pierced. I have a ring in, as I talked to several friends and my piercer ...
  A: In my experience, moisturizer can irritate the area and promote infection, swelling and scarring. ...
Industrial Piercing1/6/2010
  Q: I have a couple questions about my new industrial ear piercing. The first is about twisting the ...
  A: She could consider having the jewelry switched to two separate pieces. The tension between the two ...
Industrial Piercing1/5/2010
  Q: I have a couple questions about my new industrial ear piercing. The first is about twisting the ...
  A: Handling, sleeping on, twisting or otherwise moving the jewelry does introduce germs and increase ...
Nose Piercing Irritation1/5/2010
  Q: About 3 months ago I got my nose pierced. I've accidently yanked the stud on my towel and while ...
  A: This may need the help of a dermatologist if the change in care product and method does not help ...
Barbell bead won't come off.1/4/2010
  Q: I got my rook pierced last March with a 16 g curved barbell (externally threaded). I want to take ...
  A: I suggest that you stop by the studio for a free consultation. Since this jewelry is in a tricky ...
navel piercing migration1/3/2010
  Q: i was just wondering if you could give me some advise on my navel piercing since it migrated and i ...
  A: It is good that you removed this piercing to avoid tearing that last bit of tissue. With time and ...
dry skin & no feeling ?1/2/2010
  Q: so i've had my industrial done for a bout 5 months now, it hurt really bad for the first couple ...
  A: You can use the Satin as a soap, but you must rinse with distilled water and dry it completely as ...
dry skin & no feeling ?1/2/2010
  Q: so i've had my industrial done for a bout 5 months now, it hurt really bad for the first couple ...
  A: Excess dry skin in cold weather is pretty common, though it does often point to overcleaning the ...
Monroe piercing1/1/2010
  Q: I have a monroe piercing and last night the ball to my piercing fell out (I was still using the ...
  A: Did you try the ball on the other jewelry? Much of what is available has interchangeable parts, ...
help12/31/2009
  Q: ok i did ma industrial piercing 3weeks ago n i have been cleanin it with warm salt water as was ...
  A: Read through the information at http://care.piercing.org/ for gentler care and to know more about ...
Eyebrow Piercing12/31/2009
  Q: I had my eyebrow pierced about 2 months ago, and I opened it many times, but now when I want to open ...
  A: Do you mean open the jewelry or are you referring to removal and reinsertion? At two months, an ...
Monroe Piercing12/31/2009
  Q: I've had a monroe piercing for about 5 weeks now. I tried to take it out one day but it was too ...
  A: It should be able to be removed and changed by a qualified professional with appropriate sterile and ...
Blistering nose ring12/30/2009
  Q: Okay,I have had the bridge of my nose and now my nostril and both resulted in a blister.I would like ...
  A: From the look of the bump on your bridge piercing in the photograph, the possibility of infection ...
wages12/30/2009
  Q: Hey, I'm doing a budget project for math where we have to choose a career and find a rate of pay or ...
  A: I couldn't verify that claim for you. If you do the math with how many services per hour X hours ...
wages12/30/2009
  Q: Hey, I'm doing a budget project for math where we have to choose a career and find a rate of pay or ...
  A: Most artists make commission on their work, sometimes on jewelry sales, and some make tips. Few make ...
microdermals12/29/2009
  Q: I was just wondering if anyone knew what the age limit is on getting microdermals done in kansas. ...
  A: Most professionals work with a minimum age of 18 years worldwide for exotic piercing such as you ...
INDUSTRIAL PIERCING12/28/2009
  Q: I got my industrial piercing about 2 weeks ago. This thursday will be three weeks. It was doing ...
  A: Stop by the studio for a free consultation. The bar could either be bent or changed for two separate ...
tongue piercing12/28/2009
  Q: I had gotten my tongue piercing 11 days ago (12/17) and I noticed that i have a small red bump in ...
  A: The bump is likely to be from the angle of the piercing leaning back from perpendicular and may go ...
Monroe Piercing12/27/2009
  Q: So about a week ago I got my monroe piercing done, the swelling has gone down but what I've noticed ...
  A: The jewelry should be changed only by a qualified professional with appropriate sterilization and ...
Monroe Piercing12/26/2009
  Q: So about a week ago I got my monroe piercing done, the swelling has gone down but what I've noticed ...
  A: A picture would help to show the extent of the problem. You should stop by to visit the studio to ...
Lip / Labret healing question12/26/2009
  Q: OK so it's been 3 weeks & 1 day since I got my LaBret pierced. I had MILD swelling for the first 4-5 ...
  A: Your discoloration is not likely to indicate an infection, and you are not likely to have to remove ...
Navel piercing: does white discharge equal infection?12/24/2009
  Q: i just got a belly pricing a week and go and now white stuff is coming out of it and i was just ...
  A: Consider gentler care. http://care.piercing.org/ expains in detail what to expect from a healing ...
how to minimize the scar from a rejected belly piercing12/24/2009
  Q: i have had my belly perIcing for sometime now and recently it got red and swollen and scab up which ...
  A: Although there will likely be a permanent mark of some sort, there are some options a dermatologist ...
Dark Navel Piercing12/22/2009
  Q: I had my navel pierced in May of 2008. I've never changed the ring, or taken it out. When I first ...
  A: Depending on the jewelry quality as http://jewelry.piercing.org/ describes, the healing and scarring ...
piercing & type 2 diabetes12/22/2009
  Q: My daughter is 14 and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes on 12/16/09. She wants to get her nose ...
  A: Healing can be slower and more complicated. Her age can affect the issue as well, as minors have ...
tongue pierced12/21/2009
  Q: I got my tongue pierced about 7 days ago and yesterday I started noticing some sort of white piece ...
  A: The post is too short, and your tongue has swollen beyond its capacity. Please stop by the studio ...
Older piercing has restarted pus12/21/2009
  Q: I've had my nips pierced for over two years. about 6 months ago they started getting crusty again ...
  A: This could be an infection of several different types from many possible reasons such as bathing in ...
Piercing12/18/2009
  Q: I want to become a professional body piercer but i don't know where to start. Do i have to go to ...
  A: http://piercing.org/pe/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9&Itemid=36 has my basic ...
Tragus piercing and keloid scarring12/18/2009
  Q: I want to get my tragus pierced but I'm afraid of keloid scarring. I have five ear piercings(all ...
  A: If you have not had problems with scar tissue with other piercings, it is not much more likely that ...
dermal anchors12/17/2009
  Q: do you do dermal anchors? if so,where do you work at?
  A: I work by appointment in friendly studios mostly between the US East Coast and Europe. Because of ...
A bump on a tongue piercing12/14/2009
  Q: i have had my tongue pierced for about almost a month and i have this bump in front and a lil pus ...
  A: A bump on a tongue piercing tends to be from an inaccurate angle that puts stress on the area. ...
LYMPH FLUID or PUS, HELP!!!?12/11/2009
  Q: Well since my piercing was made a month ago or so on, (it is a labret piercing) i have been taking ...
  A: It seems that you have experienced normal healing, along with some irritation from the care products ...
Navel piercing bruised12/11/2009
  Q: So I got my belly button pierced a few weeks ago and it bruised a couple days later and has stayed ...
  A: Some piercers use clamps or other forceful methods to manipulate the skin when pierced, which can ...
vch piercing12/11/2009
  Q: I just got my vch piercing last tuesday and it has a little discharge coming from it and a slight ...
  A: http://care.piercing.org/ explains what to expect from normal healing and gentle care. The odor ...
closing12/10/2009
  Q: my ear has been pierced for a month and is still closing what is wrong why is it still closing and ...
  A: http://care.piercing.org/ explains what you should expect day by day while you heal. A month is ...
nose piercing12/8/2009
  Q: I've had my nose pierced for a couple of years. About 6 months ago it came out and grew up. Well, I ...
  A: Piercing at home can cause infection, scarring and particularly when repiercing the potential for a ...
I got my dimples pierced12/6/2009
  Q: About 2 days ago I got my dimples pierced and now puss is coming out.. What should I do??
  A: I normally suggest that people avoid cheek and dimple piercings. There are some significant side ...
Dimple piercings12/6/2009
  Q: Hey I'm getting my dimples pierced in about a month and I was wondering what precautions should I ...
  A: I suggest that people avoid cheek and dimple piercings. There are some significant side effects that ...
nose piercing12/4/2009
  Q: i got my nose pierced recently but i didnt like it and removed itmyself two hours later.the stud was ...
  A: For your safety, leave jewelry changes to your piercer while your piercing is less than a year old. ...
Is it possible to have a nipple piercing start to reject in as quick as 1 week?12/4/2009
  Q: I got my nipples pierced exactly one week ago. I've been researching the dreaded rejection because ...
  A: A before and after photo would help determine the progress most easily, but yes a piercing can ...
nipple piercing12/4/2009
  Q: I've had my nipples pierced for about a week. just yesterday is felt kind of sore as if it were the ...
  A: Heat, swelling, redness, pain and discolored discharge are normally signs of infection. To your ...
Infected belly piercing scar while pregnant12/2/2009
  Q: I am currently 8 months pregnant and by expanding belly is causing some problems with a scar I have ...
  A: See your doctor at your nearest opportunity. Although this may just be irritation from the ...
reinsert navel piercing12/2/2009
  Q: What should I do if I want to re open my belly button piercing? Should I get it done ...
  A: Stop by the studio for a free consultation. We can normally reinsert jewelry for only the cost of a ...
I think my nose pericing is infected!!12/1/2009
  Q: about 3 to 4 months ago i got my nostril pierced and everything was fine and dandy until last month ...
  A: Often a piercing done with slightly irritating shape or material like steel or an alloy of gold ...
Vertical Industrial piercing questions11/25/2009
  Q: So Back in August, I had a set of vertical industrials done. They seemed to be pierced evenly on ...
  A: A bump can often be from pyogenic infection. See a dermatologist or doctor for most effective ...
Navel piercing11/24/2009
  Q: I have had my belly button pierced for 2 to 3 months now. I have been soaking it once a day with sea ...
  A: http://jewelry.piercing.org explains jewelry safety standards in detail. Titanium is a very highly ...
Repiercing11/24/2009
  Q: I've had my belly button pierced twice and both times it has migrated and rejected within 3 months. ...
  A: http://jewelry.piercing.org/ information on quality standards could shed some light on the problems. ...
Navel Piercing Emergency11/20/2009
  Q: I've had my belly button pierced since August 2009, it's now November 20th, and it's pierced at the ...
  A: This looks like it could be a pyogenic bacterial infection. See a doctor or dermatologist. The ...
monroe piercing11/15/2009
  Q: i got my monroe done a couple months ago, but now right above the piercing is a big lump of my ...
  A: Often a piercing done with slightly irritating shape or material like steel or an alloy of gold ...
Tragus piercing soreness11/15/2009
  Q: I had my tragus pierced about one month ago. It is still real sore. It's not infected (not runny or ...
  A: When you move the jewelry, it may be tearing the tissue, even when cleaning it with a ring shape. >> ...
Healed Vertical Clit Piercing11/12/2009
  Q: So..I got my vertical hood sometime in March and it has been great since then. However I haven't ...
  A: When you are ready, it is best to stop by the studio for a free consultation. Often a different size ...
Sore earlobe11/9/2009
  Q: i am 21 and i have had my ears pierced for more than 10 years and everytime i wear earrings, my left ...
  A: You may be sensitive to the jewelry, or it might not have a smooth enough surface finish to avoid ...
lip piercing worry11/8/2009
  Q: I've had my bottom lip pierced for about 8 months & recently I noticed on the inside that it has a ...
  A: A picture would be helpful, but this could be scar tissue discoloration from oral care products, ...
preventing tunnel like scar from nose piercing11/7/2009
  Q: Is there any way to prevent a tunnel like scar from nose piercing? prior, during and after removal?
  A: When a piercing is performed and jewelry is inserted, your body defends itself and soon after begins ...
Monroe Piercing11/4/2009
  Q: I got my Monroe pierced by my friend on 10/24 the next day yea it was a little swollen. I went to ...
  A: Heat, swelling, redness, pain and discolored discharge are all common signs of infection. I suggest ...
Tongue piercing11/2/2009
  Q: What are the risks of tongue piercing? How to take care of a tongue piercing? What are the eating ...
  A: http://care.piercing.org/ explains most of what you need to know in terms of care and feeding. ...
forward helix11/2/2009
  Q: I am considering a forward helix piercing, but I have one concern with my lifestyle and the healing ...
  A: Although you will need to be particular about the aftercare http://care.piercing.org/ you should ...
Tragus piercing10/31/2009
  Q: About a month ago I had my tragus pierced. THe piercer told me to wash it 5 times a day with soap ...
  A: Bumps like this could be pyogenic bacterial infection, especially with the yellow color to the ...
tongue piercing and benadryl10/30/2009
  Q: i just had my toungue pierced a couple of days ago and was wondering if i can take benadryl for the ...
  A: http://care.piercing.org/ has been the most successful approach to aftercare for an oral piercing ...
Second hole not healed after a year10/29/2009
  Q: It's been more than a year since I got my second holes pierced and while one of them is fine, the ...
  A: The jewelry and care are likely to be the main problems. A change of jewelry to a safer piece, as ...
Vertical hood10/28/2009
  Q: Last year i got a vertical hood piercing, and just recently i have started having some problems with ...
  A: These are possible signs of infection, and will likely be taken care of by http://care.piercing.org/ ...
cartilage piercing10/27/2009
  Q: I have read over and over that cartilage piercing is more risky than lobe piercing, but I haven't ...
  A: One set of numbers would be related the longer healing process, 9 to 12 months on average. This ...
nipple piercing10/27/2009
  Q: I have read a few times that nipple piercings help stimulate nipples. But on the contrary, I have ...
  A: Sensation has quite a bit to do with surface area, so larger breasts are often reported to have the ...
Nose piercing10/26/2009
  Q: I got my nose piercing a month back,4 days later i changed the stud into a gold stud like my piercer ...
  A: This could be a pyogenic infection, and for that reason I first suggest that you see a doctor or ...
tragus10/26/2009
  Q: I went 3 days ago to and got my tragus pierced. Actually me and my daughter went. Her piercing looks ...
  A: The bump could be a pyogenic infection, and may need attention from a dermatologist or doctor. ...
Query on nostril piercing please10/25/2009
  Q: I had my nostril pierced with a needle 8 months ago and wear an 18g nose screw. My nose is fully ...
  A: Nose bones tend to be nothing but trouble. Most of them will get stuck, and tear the piercing on the ...
Tragus piercing10/23/2009
  Q: Hey, I had my tragus pierced just over 3 weeks ago now, and I'm really pleased, it swelled up a ...
  A: Stick to not removing it for the time being. Stop by the studio for a free consultation and have ...
earring infection:BAD10/22/2009
  Q: Help me!!..a few years ago, I had a friend pierce my ear for me and months later my ear was ...
  A: It seems that you have described the signs of infection or allergic reaction. A change of jewelry ...
Remove earring for short period.10/22/2009
  Q: I got my ear pierced about 4 days ago. However, it turns out that I may have to remove it for about ...
  A: Sorry for the delay, I was on the road. If you do remove the piercing, make sure to stop by the ...
Possible ear infection?10/21/2009
  Q: I've been wearing earrings made out of plain metal. Noticing dried pus around the earrings, I took ...
  A: Sorry for the delay, I was on the road for a few days. The metal may be irritating you, as what you ...
ear ind bar ?10/19/2009
  Q: if i go get a bar for my ear will it hurt?? how long will it hurt ?? and how much would it be?
  A: How a piercing will feel is subjective, some say it doesn't hurt and others say it does. Most people ...
Industrial piercing10/19/2009
  Q: How long does it usually take for an industrial piercing to heal?
  A: Ear cartilage heals at a slower rate than the surrounding skin because the cells get repaired ...
TONGUE10/14/2009
  Q: IS IT BAD TO GET A TONGUE PIERCING WHILE IM PREGNANT BUT IM ONLY 4 MONTHS?
  A: There are a number of risks involved in getting and healing a piercing that could result in serious ...
Helix Infection10/14/2009
  Q: 2 weeks ago my 14yr daughter had her helix pierced at a 'clinic'. I was not aware that they didn't ...
  A: Since she removed a piercing after a visit to the doctor, and she is already under the care of this ...
Lip jewelry too tight, causing tearing10/13/2009
  Q: Ok, first of all, if I have the terminology wrong....it's a bottom lip piercing ring. This was my ...
  A: Your piercing appears to have torn. It will probably get better, but for this and many other ...
pierced ear cartilage10/13/2009
  Q: I got my cartilage pierced 3 days ago and just this morning it started to swell up.I have been ...
  A: Cartilage piercings sometimes swell, but heat, swelling, redness, pain and discolored discharge are ...
Ear Stretcher...Infection?10/12/2009
  Q: i stretched my ear today in school to a size 2, with my best friends stretcher, she wiped it the day ...
  A: It is not safe to share jewelry or stretching implements with friends, no matter how well you may ...
Enlarged earlobe piercings uneven10/8/2009
  Q: I have had the gauge in my one ear for about 4 years and I got the second ear pierced recently. ...
  A: This may require a bit more work. If the piercings were not done evenly to begin with, or not ...
Does cartliage ever heal?10/6/2009
  Q: I have an anti-tragus that is going on 2.5 years old, and it seems to have never healed properly. I ...
  A: There may be an infection that you need to deal with. Some pyogenic infections can reappear if not ...
Hood piercing..10/5/2009
  Q: So I got my hood pierced 3 days ago. It is still bleeding, very swollen on one side, and on that ...
  A: I'll guess that the placement is horizontal, and that is possible to have bleeding and bruising if ...
gage sizes10/4/2009
  Q: What's the next size up from 7/16? Then all after that. I'm at 7/16s now and I want to go much ...
  A: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stretching_(body_piercing) has a handy chart comparison. Your piercings ...
nipple peircing10/2/2009
  Q: i have something going on with my left boob, which i got my nipple pierced on that side two months ...
  A: The longer you have had a piercing, the longer it will take for the hole to shrink. If the skin is ...
Navel piercing10/1/2009
  Q: I had my navel pierced for 4-5 years and never had any problems with it. Then I got pregnant and ...
  A: If you wear a thinner, safe piece for a few days, a slightly thicker piece will fit, then after a ...
Tongue peircing10/1/2009
  Q: I have a fake tooth in the front of my mouth but I really want to get my tongue peirced is that ...
  A: At the moment, there is no safe jewelry softer than prosthetic teeth. There are some options that ...
Male Chasitity Piercing9/30/2009
  Q: Hallo i want to do chasity piercing, but not know much about ir. I've heard most simple and ...
  A: In my experience, chastity piercings work best as symbolic rather than functional adornments, mostly ...
Slight Bleeding on Week Old VCH9/30/2009
  Q: I got my VCH piercing 8 days ago. I'm fairly sure that it's healing nicely- no crusties, very little ...
  A: Any new piercing can bleed if the jewelry is shifted in a way that it breaks the delicate seal that ...
piercing blades9/28/2009
  Q: e.g 16g blade and then once pierced I use a guide that goes on the end of the blade and tapers out ...
  A: The link works if you copy and paste into your browser. AllExperts doesn't allow html links. In my ...
clitoral hood piercing- no heightened sensation9/28/2009
  Q: Back in 4/09, I went to get my clitoral hood pierced. I have 2 friends that have had it done and ...
  A: Genital piercings tend to be more comfortable and interesting when the jewelry is perfectly ...
piercing blades9/27/2009
  Q: e.g 16g blade and then once pierced I use a guide that goes on the end of the blade and tapers out ...
  A: The jewelry should be made to fit the piercing implement. For example, all the barbells that I use ...
selection of starter jewelry with metal allergies9/27/2009
  Q: i'm planning several facial piercings and have finally selected a piercer, although he is good with ...
  A: From what you describe, you have only work unsafe jewelry and experienced the normal irritation that ...
How can I fit bigger jewelry in my piercing?9/26/2009
  Q: how do i get to 3/4 from just bigger than 5/8's
  A: The trick with stretching/enlarging piercings is to take things slow and easy. Understand that your ...
Lip piercing9/25/2009
  Q: How long would it take my lip piercing to close/heal up? I've hade it for 7 months. Would it close ...
  A: In a nutshell, it's a bit delicate, susceptible to infection and easy to damage while it is still ...
Lip Piercing9/24/2009
  Q: I want to get my lip pierced but my job is very strict about piercings. How long would I have to ...
  A: This may not be possible to hide completely, but there are some options: * small ends with flesh ...
my tongue pierecing is bleeding9/22/2009
  Q: i just got my tongue done almost 4 day ago and this morning i wake up with it bleeding like crazy i ...
  A: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation are key to basic first aid for a piercing. If it stopped after ...
eyebrow piercing9/21/2009
  Q: I have had 2 piercings in my left eyebrow for almost over 6 years now. i don't take them out very ...
  A: Your body secretes oil and sweat, and they mix with naturally shedding skin cells to form a paste of ...
Ongoing nose minor infections9/20/2009
  Q: I got my nose pierced about 5 years ago and am yet to change the jewellery. The reason being is it ...
  A: It would seem that if you have had the piercing for a long time, and have had recurrent problems, ...
Referal?9/20/2009
  Q: I am considering getting a gential piercing, maybe a VCH. But I am scared of losing sensation. I was ...
  A: Derek and Jesika at http://www.saintsabrinas.com/about.html are both colleagues of mine who I could ...
Sizing9/19/2009
  Q: I want to buy some eyebrow rings online but Im not sure about the lengths. Is there a big difference ...
  A: 3/8 = 6/16 whereas 5/16 is shorter. You must measure the length of the openings of your piercing to ...
ear piercings9/18/2009
  Q: ive had the bottom of my ears pierced for years and years but a few weeks ago i bought a new pair of ...
  A: The bump/ball is likely to be infection. The new jewelry probably damaged the piercing when you put ...
keloids9/18/2009
  Q: Is it possible that one can recieve an keloid from getting a belly piercing.
  A: With any piercing, several types of scars are possible. The most common is sometimes referred to as ...
cartilage piercing9/17/2009
  Q: Hey, I got a cartilage piercing on the top of my left ear about 3 or 4 months ago, and they used a ...
  A: The bump is likely to be infection. The new jewelry probably damaged the piercing when you put them ...
conch piercing bump after one week9/17/2009
  Q: i read about someones conch bump here but mine is different; i got my conch pierced like a week ago ...
  A: If your piercing is a week old, and already has a bump, it may be infection or it may be damaged ...
ear piercing9/16/2009
  Q: My daughter's ears were pierced 6 weeks ago. She wanted new earrings, we bought 14k gold earrings. ...
  A: It was probably too soon to change the jewelry. The crust is from raw tissue that is either still ...
Conch Piercing9/16/2009
  Q: i've had my conch piercing for almost a year now and it still hasnt healed but i can move the bar ...
  A: Your piercing has likely not fully healed from pressure, friction or irritation from chemicals in ...
skin healing over nose piercing9/14/2009
  Q: My girlfriend got her nose 4 weeks ago. A pus bubble appeared and the skin is healing over then ...
  A: From your description, the jewelry may be too tight, and have too small of an end for safety. ...
torn nipple piercing removal9/13/2009
  Q: I got my nipple pierced about a year and a half ago and it healed without problems. Actually, when I ...
  A: If your piercing was damaged enough, then it can migrate or reject as you describe. I suggest that ...
cartilage9/13/2009
  Q: 9 months ago I got my ear cartilage pierced. 2 days ago I switched out the earring, and put a ...
  A: It is possible that the piercing was not fully healed, that the new jewelry was not a safe material ...
Allergic to metals and want a nose stud9/12/2009
  Q: What can I do? Silver Stainless and Gold all make me miserable. Is there anything that is ...
  A: http://jewelry.piercing.org/ explains safety standards with body jewelry to your advantage. What I ...
what are the biggest reasons why piercings get infected9/11/2009
  Q: I want to get a tragus piercing but my mom won't let me because in her words "it's going to get ...
  A: Infection comes from contamination by unclean surfaces most likely things such as fingers, equipment ...
tongue jewelry9/10/2009
  Q: i have a bad cold and cough ever since it started my tongue ring has been hurting my tongue, i just ...
  A: It could be irritated or infected. The most common signs of infection would usually show as heat, ...
ear piercing9/8/2009
  Q: My daughter had her ears pierced almost a year ago. She finally let me take out the posts and she ...
  A: If you were unable to get the jewelry back through, it may be damaged enough to need that tapered ...
Navel piercing9/8/2009
  Q: I have a navel piercing and i had it done like 5 months ago.. Today i bumped it and noticed a small ...
  A: Don't take out the jewelry to clean it. Make sure that your jewelry meets the standards at ...
will my new nose ring get stuck??9/7/2009
  Q: First I would like to thank you for your time. I tried to ask my piercer this question, but I don't ...
  A: Don't worry, skin and jewelry do not permanently bond in this situation. I suggest that you do not ...
ear piercing9/7/2009
  Q: My daughter had her ears pierced almost a year ago. She finally let me take out the posts and she ...
  A: Even if the piercings have been healed for months, always take care in changing the jewelry. ...
cream9/6/2009
  Q: do you use numbing cream before piercing?
  A: Sam, Numbing cream is not needed for any kind of piercing procedure. I do not use it, or suggest ...
Nose Piercing9/6/2009
  Q: About 2 1/2 years ago I finally got my nose pierced after years of nagging my dad. Throughout this ...
  A: From what you describe, this most likely has to do with the quality of the jewelry that you have for ...
bump on lower part of industrial ear piercing9/5/2009
  Q: i got an industrial piercing (2 months ago) and recently a small bump has appeared on the bottom ...
  A: The bump you show may be from infection or irritation. Peroxide may be helping or may be hurting, so ...
Industrial Bar9/5/2009
  Q: i just got my industrial bar put in && well they used a plastic rod. i was wondering how long after ...
  A: http://care.piercing.org/ suggestions for aftercare should be gentler than the soap, and detail more ...
bumps by my bridge piercing9/3/2009
  Q: I've had my bridge pierced for about 5 months now. I had no problems with the piercing and once I ...
  A: Your piercing is not fully healed, and this could be for several different reasons. Don't pick at ...
prince albert piercing proceedure9/3/2009
  Q: I am interested in getting a prince albert so i would like to know exactly how it is done and if ...
  A: The procedure varies significantly from practitioner to practitioner. For example, I pierce from the ...
keloid9/2/2009
  Q: i had a keloid on the back of my ear for almost a year now is there any other way to get rid of it ...
  A: Some people with a bump of scar tissue have had success with over the counter scar remedies such as ...
uper ear infection...maybe?8/31/2009
  Q: I got my upper ear cartilage pierced on Wednesday, its now Sunday and it still hurts horribly like ...
  A: The jewelry that you were pierced with does not meet quality standards described at ...
a lump on my tongue piercing8/30/2009
  Q: I am having a peculiar problem with my tongue piercing. In front of my barbell, closer to the tip ...
  A: This could be an infection or irritation from the chemicals. Try a gentler care method, as described ...
belly piercing8/26/2009
  Q: I'm really worried about my belly piercing. I've had it for about 3-4 months now, and i have changed ...
  A: I suggest that you remove the piercing now, and give it several months to heal before you have it ...
Nose bleed after nostril piercing8/26/2009
  Q: I went to get my nose pierced. Everything was going fine until the piercer tried to put the stud in. ...
  A: If you have ever had a nose bleed, you will find that the experience can be quite similar. You could ...
upper ear peircings8/25/2009
  Q: My friend pierced my cartildge at home with a kit. It feels fine. I just can't turn or twist it like ...
  A: Consider a change of jewelry to a safer piece based on http://jewelry.piercing.org/ standards since ...
size for labret8/25/2009
  Q: I've had my labret pierced for over a year and have been wanting to get some new studs. I bought ...
  A: Do not purchase jewelry that has not been autoclave sterilized. Retail jewelry can carry infection ...
lip piercing8/24/2009
  Q: Well at school, my lip ring fell out and I just got it done two days ago, so I was afarid if I wited ...
  A: There is no way for us to know without testing the area. I suspect that you might get an infection ...
Belly piercing8/24/2009
  Q: When healing, should belly piercings shrink?
  A: Many piercings swell a bit while healing, and that shrinks a bit when healed. Shrinking of the skin ...
ear infection or keloid??? PLZ HELP8/23/2009
  Q: i have had my ears pierced for almost eight weeks now which i read is the total healing time...but ...
  A: See your doctor for help to save the piercing. http://care.piercing.org/ gentle aftercare should ...
how long to kiss with a labret8/23/2009
  Q: hi i just got my snakebites the 14 of august and i was wondering how long until i can kiss and give ...
  A: Average healing for the lips to the point where they are a sufficient barrier to infection appears ...
Tragus Piercing8/21/2009
  Q: So I got my tragus pierced on both sides 6 days and it was done with a gun. Stupid mistake number ...
  A: Sorry to hear about your pain, Costume ear jewelry is not appropriate for healing, so a change again ...
belly button8/21/2009
  Q: would it be safe to pirce my own belly button i have done all my other pirceings. which are my ear ...
  A: Because of issues with the quality of jewelry, the placement and proportion it is best to have this ...
plug shape8/20/2009
  Q: Will wearing triangle shaped tunnels alter the hole in my ear permanently?
  A: It might be possible, but I've never had anyone complain about it, as it has not been the most ...
cheek piercing8/19/2009
  Q: I got my cheeks pierced about 3 days ago. When I got them pierced my right cheek felt fine, but my ...
  A: It could be damage or too tight jewelry. It might get well on it's own. See a doctor if it gets ...
nose piercing8/19/2009
  Q: I have had my nosed pierced for the last 4 months, this is the second time it has gottin swollwen ...
  A: http://shop.piercing.org/ has the safest titanium nostril jewelry that I have had success with in ...
Sores caused by tongue barbell8/18/2009
  Q: I've had my tongue pierced for about 2 years, and occasionally I will have the problem of the bottom ...
  A: You might check your jewelry closely to see if there is a tartar build up or damage at the joint ...
ear lobe peirced about 2 weeks ago8/18/2009
  Q: I was just wondering if it was normal if my left ear kinda itches but the other doesn't. Their isn't ...
  A: If you are concerned about allergic reaction, check your jewelry against ...
Nose piercing, agh!!!8/17/2009
  Q: Oh, are you the same person I just emailed? LOL! I live in Atlanta and found piercing.org and ...
  A: I suggest that you visit the studio to let her change it for you gently. Leave your most comfortable ...
lip piercing8/17/2009
  Q: Okay so I've changed my piercing 3 times before. I've had it for 3 months. It was fully healed. Then ...
  A: At 3 months, the piercing is still likely to be delicate. Externally threaded jewelry or any item ...
Industrial piercing- infected?8/17/2009
  Q: I just got my Industrial done three days ago, and it has been sore the past two nights trying to ...
  A: Heat, swelling, redness, pain and discolored discharge can all be signs of infection. See a doctor ...
Nose piercing, agh!!!8/16/2009
  Q: Oh, are you the same person I just emailed? LOL! I live in Atlanta and found piercing.org and ...
  A: You may have a response from Christina at the studio already. I'll be glad to help. Simply put, ...
Removing a curved barbell (Belly Button)8/15/2009
  Q: I had gotten this piercing a while back but I want to change it now. I still have the starter in, ...
  A: It will be worth it to you to travel to Greensboro to visit my colleagues at Cape Fear Piercing, or ...
Tongue piercing problems8/15/2009
  Q: hi i have had my tongue pierced for about almost 2 months and i have this bump but it look like it ...
  A: Gentler care and attention to what you put in your mouth that could be irritating should help. ...
belly button piercing8/14/2009
  Q: its me heather again the one with the messed up looking belly button. it would only let me send one ...
  A: I am in Atlanta, GA at http://piercing.org/ Randy Adams Tattoo & Body Piercing 81.8 miles 6467 E. ...
Removing a curved barbell (Belly Button)8/14/2009
  Q: I had gotten this piercing a while back but I want to change it now. I still have the starter in, ...
  A: Almost all navel sized curved barbells unscrew. I strongly recommend that you visit the piercer or ...
belly button piercing8/14/2009
  Q: its me heather again the one with the messed up looking belly button. it would only let me send one ...
  A: The jewelry certainly did the damage. The problems were that it was externally threaded, made of ...
belly piercing problem8/13/2009
  Q: I HAVE HAD MY BELLY BUTTON PIERCED FOR 10 YEARS NOW AND ABOUT 3 OR 4 WEEK AGO I PUT IN THIS ...
  A: I got the picture of the navel itself, and it would be good to see the jewelry in question also. ...
belly piercing problem8/12/2009
  Q: I HAVE HAD MY BELLY BUTTON PIERCED FOR 10 YEARS NOW AND ABOUT 3 OR 4 WEEK AGO I PUT IN THIS ...
  A: You should be able to attach a photo when you send your question, or you can email me directly: ...
Please help me with my lip piercing!8/12/2009
  Q: I just got my lip pierced last month. It felt fine and was doing great. I clean it everyday and turn ...
  A: http://care.piercing.org/ aftercare suggestions should help get this back to normal. I suggest ...
hood piercing8/11/2009
  Q: I had a vertical hood piercing in May 2009 and for the most part it has healed quite nicely. the ...
  A: Often a piercing done with slightly irritating shape or material like steel or an alloy of gold ...
belly piercing problem8/10/2009
  Q: I HAVE HAD MY BELLY BUTTON PIERCED FOR 10 YEARS NOW AND ABOUT 3 OR 4 WEEK AGO I PUT IN THIS ...
  A: You may be able to re-pierce the area once the scar tissue has 6 months to a year to heal, however ...
lip piercing8/10/2009
  Q: ummm hi i had my lip pierced a couple of days ago and it hasn't really been bad at all but on the ...
  A: It sounds a bit irritated, but otherwise in decent shape. http://care.piercing.org/ aftercare has ...
my ear8/9/2009
  Q: i been working on my ears for about two months now my body heels things pretty fast and well now i ...
  A: It seems that you may have pushed your piercings too large, too fast. This can result in thick, ugly ...
2nd holes in earlobe not healed8/7/2009
  Q: About 5 months ago I went to a piercing place and I got second holes in my earlobe. My issue is that ...
  A: Aloha Kristen, It seems that you have not fully healed the piercings to the point where you can ...
Eyebrow piercing lump8/7/2009
  Q: alright so i got my eyebrow piercing on christmas ..3 months passed it was healed , but a month ago ...
  A: Your piercing was probably not healed to be sturdy enough to change the jewelry or sleep on it, and ...
nipple piercing cleaning8/6/2009
  Q: my name is renee and I've gotten my nipple pierced almost 3 1/2months ago and I having a problem ...
  A: Most likely the area gets sweaty, and that mixes with the healing fluids and shed skin to make a ...
care for barbell piercing8/5/2009
  Q: what would i have to do to keep my ear from getting infected or damaged if i have a barbell ear ...
  A: From your question it is not clear if you already have a piercing. If so, http://care.piercing.org/ ...
piercing in scar tissue from a tummy tuck7/31/2009
  Q: I have had my belly button pierced twice after I had a tummy tuck where the navel was moved from the ...
  A: The tissue may not be sturdy enough to hold jewelry, and it may take a few years to stabilize and ...
prince albert7/30/2009
  Q: it has been 7 days since i had it pierced i was wondering when i can change it to a bar and what ...
  A: Stop by the studio for a free consultation if you are in the area. If the jewelry is uncomfortable, ...
clit piercing7/30/2009
  Q: I am really interested in getting my clit pierced. And have been wanting it done for years, but the ...
  A: I may be able to refer you to a qualified colleague in your area to make sure you are taken care of ...
Cartilage Piercing7/29/2009
  Q: I had my ear piercing done about 10 months ago.I thought it would heal by now,it didn't hurt the ...
  A: If this is an ear cartilage piercing, the average healing time is around 9 months, provided that ...
bump on tragus7/29/2009
  Q: i had my tragus pierced about a month and a half ago and it had been healing fine up until two days ...
  A: Often a piercing done with slightly irritating shape or material like steel or an alloy of gold ...
industrial piercing7/28/2009
  Q: I got an industrial in November of last year, so I've had it for about 8 months. It doesn't hurt ...
  A: If you remove the jewelry, continue care until it is healthy and normal looking. The scar will ...
industrial piercing7/28/2009
  Q: I got an industrial in November of last year, so I've had it for about 8 months. It doesn't hurt ...
  A: If you take your jewelry out, you must have an autoclave sterilized tapered insertion guide that ...
Earlobe piercing shrinkage question7/27/2009
  Q: I didn't realize an earlobe piercing could shrink in such a short amount of time. I took the ...
  A: Stop by the studio for a free consultation. Often we can reinstall the jewelry if it has not been ...
Navel piercing bruising/scar7/27/2009
  Q: I had my navel pierced last year and the bar i was given was too short and bruised my navel at the ...
  A: This does not seem like a bruise from a short bar, as they are not long lasting. This is more likely ...
cheek peircings7/26/2009
  Q: hey, iv heard a lot of people have problem with lumps in there cheeks? im really wanting to get my ...
  A: I do not suggest that you get a cheek piercing. These can be hard to heal, even fairly close to ...
torn and inverted ear during enlargement [cats butt recovery]7/25/2009
  Q: ok... so.. i have gauges from 0-00 on the right ear it slid in no problem (a wince of pain) but the ...
  A: You may be able to remove and reinsert the jewelry while arranging the tissue in a more attractive ...
Nose piercing? damaged,infected,discolorated??7/24/2009
  Q: I had one nose piercing done with a needle last year and i let it close up.However this summer i got ...
  A: If the piercing was within the last few days, the black spot may have been where the piercer marked ...
tragus swelling7/24/2009
  Q: I got my tragus pierced on saturday. By monday it felt fine and had very little if no pain but on ...
  A: This could be the beginning of an infection. Heat, swelling, redness, pain and discolored discharge ...
Industrial Bleeding7/23/2009
  Q: I got my industrial done about 3 weeks ago and now it started bleeding (the top one closest to my ...
  A: If you take anticoagulant or blood thinning medications such as coumadin or aspirin for your heart, ...
Nose Piercing with a suppressed Immune System7/23/2009
  Q: Hey. I have Crohns Disease and the drugs I take suppress my Immune system. I want to get a nose ring ...
  A: If the doctor says no, I would follow the advice. Even with a normal immune system, scarring and ...
ear piercing7/22/2009
  Q: Ok well first off i had my ear pierced for about 3 weeks everything was fine until i attempted to ...
  A: http://care.piercing.org/ explains how to take care of a piercing safely and gently. Phases of ...
Best jewelry for nipple piercing7/22/2009
  Q: I recently turned 18 and I decided I want to get both my nipples pierced. I was just curious as to ...
  A: Glad to help, we'll be here to welcome you with a smile. We have refined the process at my studio, ...
swollen monroe after 1 month7/21/2009
  Q: I've had my monroe done for about 5 weeks now. The original stud was the kind that the ball screwed ...
  A: Your piercing has probably been infected from the start, as piercers who use jewelry such as you ...
crooked ear piercing7/21/2009
  Q: I've had my ears pierced for years, but more recently since I have been wearing hoops and other ...
  A: A dermatologist or plastic surgeon can easily correct the rip. Later once healed you have the ...
Tongue swelling problems.7/20/2009
  Q: ok, so I got my tongue pierced three weeks and two days ago and my tongue is still swollen. There ...
  A: It seems that the piercing was done a bit off center, and probably hurt the muscle on the side of ...
Navel piercing unhealed at 7 months7/20/2009
  Q: I've had my belly button pierced for 7 months now and I still don't think it has healed properly or ...
  A: Several factors weigh in to prevent healing. Do you sleep on the piercing? Is your jewelry loose ...
Ear piercing problems7/18/2009
  Q: I'm worried about one of my ear piercings. I got my ears pierced for the first time 2 months ago, ...
  A: It seems that your piercing was not healed enough for you to remove it safely without the hole ...
lip piercing7/17/2009
  Q: july 3 i got my lip pierced and it been fine till like 2 3 days aqo. one niqht i just woken up w a ...
  A: It seems that you may have damaged the piercing in your sleep, and you may have an infection. The ...
infections with body piercings7/17/2009
  Q: Which piercing has more of a infection rate: the tongue or the navel?
  A: There are no legitimate double blind clinical research studies on piercings and their different ...
Myths about the tragus piercing7/16/2009
  Q: In Feb. of 2008 I got my helix pierced. I had it for about 9 months when my teacher made me take it ...
  A: Nonsense. Piercings do not cause paralysis. They can be done poorly, with inappropriate jewelry or ...
Bump on Industrial Piercing7/15/2009
  Q: I had my industrial done on April 17. Its healing quite nicely and doesnt hurt anymore but where the ...
  A: This could just be damage from the piercing, or the angle may not exit properly. In many cases this ...
Transverse Problem7/14/2009
  Q: I have had a transverse/horizontal earlobe piercing for about 8 weeks. This morning when I woke up ...
  A: This seems like you may have slept on the piercing, but do check the balls to ensure that they are ...
about my belly button piercing7/13/2009
  Q: i got my belly button pierced 3 months ago in april and on the area of the piercing is kind of red ...
  A: The irritation and infection you experience is likely because your piercing is not healed yet. Even ...
ear gauges7/12/2009
  Q: is there anyway to fix uneven ear gauges? my left ar is perfect and points straight while my right ...
  A: You might be able to tuck the tissue into a pair of eyelets or plugs in a way that is more appealing ...
closing bridge piercing7/12/2009
  Q: i have a bridge piercing and i was wondering in case i dont want it any more if it closes and how ...
  A: If you take the jewelry out, the piercing will shrink, but most likely there will still be some sort ...
industrial piercing7/11/2009
  Q: ok so i got it about 4 months ago and at fist i thought it was infected so i cleaned it more often ...
  A: Peroxide if used carefully might help. Please consider the most important two things 1. to change ...
Navel Piercing has Bump and Discoloration7/11/2009
  Q: It was done with an approved captive ring, that I hated. It was just too large for my taste and ...
  A: This seems to have been a jewelry problem from the start, but we should not rule out infection. ...
keliods7/10/2009
  Q: i Have a keloid on my piercing how do i make it dissapear?
  A: Often a piercing done with slightly irritating material like steel or an alloy of gold (usually ...
lip jewerly embedding7/8/2009
  Q: i got my labret pierced a few days ago and it looks like the skin on the inside of my lips is going ...
  A: http://tongue.piercing.org/ explains details of what you should expect from most oral piercings. ...
belly piercing infection7/8/2009
  Q: I've had my belly pierced for about 2 months. It was fine until it started swelling and a little ...
  A: Both the product and the stomach sleeping will work against your healing process. The jewelry may be ...
tragus piercing7/7/2009
  Q: i had my tragus pierced 2 months ago, after one person told me my tragus was too small.. it was all ...
  A: http://care.piercing.org/ can get you on the right track again with gentle care and suggestions for ...
industrial piercing7/7/2009
  Q: ok so i got it about 4 months ago and at fist i thought it was infected so i cleaned it more often ...
  A: Cartilage can take more focus on care and jewelry quality to heal safely. Handling it and sleeping ...
Industrial Piercings7/6/2009
  Q: I got my industrial done July 2nd..if i want to go swimming this saturday July 11th..in chlorine..is ...
  A: You should avoid bodies of water until the piercing has sealed itself well with skin. This will ...
Working out with VCH7/5/2009
  Q: I would like to know how long after i get my vch done can i start working out again? Thanks!
  A: http://care.piercing.org/ suggestions can help with details. Your sweat should not be a problem, as ...
Industrial Piercing7/4/2009
  Q: I got an industrial piercing about 2 1/2 years ago. I was wondering how long, if at all, the bar can ...
  A: Removal and ease of reinsertion will mostly be dependent on your scar tissue, quality of the jewelry ...
Piercing My Own Tongue7/3/2009
  Q: I am bought some 14g needles and a stainless steel tongue ring on eBay and am expecting them any day ...
  A: This is not a good idea. http://jewelry.piercing.org/ can help you with safe jewelry, ...
lip piercing7/3/2009
  Q: i just did my own lip last night stupidly with a baby saftey pin,and my cousin did her's too. well ...
  A: Sorry to hear that you two hurt yourselves this way, and I hope that this does not result in a ...
infected earring hole7/2/2009
  Q: we got my 1 year old daughters ears pierced 4 weeks ago and today i noticed that her right ear lobe ...
  A: http://care.piercing.org/ can help, with gentle care suggestions instead of the solution which can ...
bump near nose piercing7/2/2009
  Q: My 14 year old daughter got her nose pierced 2 months ago. It was healing fine. About 1 month ago a ...
  A: This could be infection or irritation, if the symptoms persist, see a doctor or dermatologist to ...
Tragus Infection7/1/2009
  Q: I got my tragus pierced about a week ago, and it has become infected. I hit it when I woke up ...
  A: Stop by the studio, and we may be able to put the bar back in for you. This should be easy to do ...
dermal anchoring below eye6/29/2009
  Q: if my dermal anchor is slightly tilted and the bar is a little noticeable, do i have to get it ...
  A: I'm not a very big fan of anchors, as they tend to do this when bumped. If the anchor is surfacing, ...
VCH gone wrong6/29/2009
  Q: Ello, About 10 weeks ago I got a VCH done and I love it. The problem is that it seemed to be ...
  A: The overgrowth of tissue you describe could be a sign of streptococcus pyogenes infection from ...
swimming after piercing6/27/2009
  Q: My daughter is on a swim team and is in the pool every day. She wants to get her ears pierced. Is ...
  A: It is best for her to stay out of bodies of water to avoid contamination while she heals. This can ...
Questions on infected nipple piercing6/26/2009
  Q: I had both of my nipples pierced in March 2009, and I did use a 14g, however, the tech did tell me ...
  A: A healing piercing should form a scab of sorts, such as described at http://care.piercing.org/ and ...
Re-Stretching ears6/26/2009
  Q: I had both my ears stretched, one at 22mm and the other at 18mm. The one at 18mm was really inflamed ...
  A: http://piercing.org/faq/stretching.html is my basic set of suggestions. Never have someone enlarge ...
Hole in Nipple6/25/2009
  Q: I've got both nipples pierced but have recently noticed that one nipple has a hole in the middle ...
  A: This could likely be that the piercing has become shallower over time, which happens most often when ...
ear piercing6/25/2009
  Q: My 7 year old daughter wants to get her ears pierced. I have been reading about piercing guns and ...
  A: From http://www.safepiercing.org/piercing/faq/ What is the APP Position on Ear Piercing Guns? It is ...
Infected Indutrial Piercing?6/24/2009
  Q: I got my industrial pierced a little over two weeks ago now. At least twice a day I've been using ...
  A: This does appear to have swollen, irritated and scabbed tissue around the edges. ...
Dimple Piercing Problems6/22/2009
  Q: I have had my dimples pierced for about 3 months now, and i just recently went back to get the ...
  A: Swelling, heat, redness, pain, and or discolored discharge can all be signs of infection. Certainly ...
Cartilage Piercing Earring Allergy6/22/2009
  Q: I have had my cartilage pierced for about two years and it is completely healed and fine. I have ...
  A: This description seems like unsuitable jewelry, and probably not even autoclave sterilizeable. It ...
hood piercing infection6/21/2009
  Q: I have had my hood pierced for about 3 months now. It fully healed and I loved it. But then i woke ...
  A: Frequent hot compresses should help soothe the area. http://care.piercing.org/ explains gentle care ...
Tongue trouble6/21/2009
  Q: I got my tongue pierced on wednesday, i had very little swelling and no bleeding. I continued the ...
  A: http://piercing.org/faq/tongue.html and the care linked on that page can help you understand the ...
nose piercing6/20/2009
  Q: I had my nose pierced about 5 days ago. I am a little concerned that the stud has gone beneath my ...
  A: Stop by the studio as soon as possible to have a longer piece of jewelry with a larger head put in. ...
infection6/19/2009
  Q: I have had gotten these new earrings from a friend.So I put them on my both of my cartilage.A few ...
  A: Please see a doctor if this gets worse or does not get better. Antibiotic ointment may or may not ...
naval percing6/17/2009
  Q: I've had my bellybutton pierced for 2 months now and its starting to peel. This is the second time ...
  A: http://piercing.org/faq/rejection.html explains why this could happen. The jewelry quality, fit and ...
VERY bloody nose piercing6/16/2009
  Q: I've just come back from having my nostril pierced and the piercing went fine but as he went to put ...
  A: Noses can bleed copiously, even without piercings if they are damaged because of many small blood ...
Age6/15/2009
  Q: What is the youngest age that a person can get a nose piercing?
  A: This will depend on the legal restrictions in your area. http://piercing.org/faq/minors.html ...
tragus piercing6/14/2009
  Q: i just got my tragus pierced about a week ago and its still throbing and bleeding a little. it also ...
  A: Heat, redness, swelling, pain and discolored discharge are usually all signs of infection. ...
Nostril Keloid?6/12/2009
  Q: I got my nostril pierced a little over a month ago and after the third week I noticed what appeared ...
  A: Your nostril will probably improve condition with attention to gentle care and a change of jewelry ...
pustule on hood piercing6/11/2009
  Q: i have 2 vertical, 1 horizontal hood piercing. this morning i was cleaning it and noticed a pustule ...
  A: You will need to consider a visit or at least a phone call to your doctor if it gets worse or does ...
guages6/9/2009
  Q: I was shopping for dangling earrings and ear cuffs and they come in 18 and 16 guage, my friend told ...
  A: From as small as 20g to much larger thicknesses can be done with a needle in most cartilage ...
dimple piercing problems6/8/2009
  Q: I got my dimples pierced friday. they were fine and didnt hurt much. Its sunday now and my one is ...
  A: A photograph could help, but I suspect from your description of one swollen and the other not that ...
nose piercings6/7/2009
  Q: How much would it cost to get my nose pierced with just a small stud?
  A: info@piercing.org can give you the current piercing and jewelry together if you are interested in a ...
tragus piercing ripped6/6/2009
  Q: I got my tragus pierced a couple of weeks ago. Today it starting hurting and after examining it, I ...
  A: Depending on the shape of the jewelry, and the material and quality, the slit could be from a ring ...
piercing care questions6/5/2009
  Q: i was thinking about getting a industrial,a catilage,and a tounge piercing, i was wounder about how ...
  A: http://care.piercing.org/ explains this in more detail. Dried fluids will come off without much ...
Sore Tragus Piercing6/3/2009
  Q: I had my Tragus pierced about 10 days ago, i was actually surprised at how fast it seemed to be ...
  A: It is possible that the jewelry does not fit well, especially if you were pierced with a ring. ...
Industrial Piercing6/2/2009
  Q: I got a cartilage barbell piercing about 9 months ago and it's still not healed. In fact, it looks ...
  A: The piercing may be infected or placed in a way that is stressful on the area, or you may be ...
multiple piercings6/1/2009
  Q: Just out of curiosity, is it better to wait awhile between piercings even if they're not in the ...
  A: I commonly have clients who travel for multiple piercings, and offer discounts for such ...
Cheeck/dimple piercings5/30/2009
  Q: I want to get my cheecks pierced but I want to know how safe they are to take care of?also how hard ...
  A: http://tinyurl.com/pwjtpa This story by a colleague of mine might amuse you to read. I don't ...
Tragus Piercing5/29/2009
  Q: I got my tragus pierced about a month ago and a couple weeks ago i developed a bump on the back its ...
  A: From your description this could be an infection. Heat, redness, swelling, discolored discharge and ...
belly piercing closing up5/23/2009
  Q: I had my belly button pierced back in October (7 months ago), and a couple of weeks ago I lost the ...
  A: Any piercing will shrink, so don't force the jewelry back in. You will need a matching sized tapered ...
My navel piercing5/20/2009
  Q: I have had my piercing for almost 2 years and it has not fully healed. It is redder and hurts more ...
  A: The placement, jewelry material and proportion may not be right for you. ...
Tragus Piercing5/18/2009
  Q: i was curious as to if it would be a good idea to try and do an initial tragus piercing at a 6g? or ...
  A: I would not usually consider a large gauge tragus piercing, because of the space constraints. A ...
piercings5/17/2009
  Q: Ok I have 2 questions. My first is...I've had my ears pierced since I was a baby. The other day I ...
  A: First, the jewelry that you inserted may not have been clean enough or smooth enough to prevent ...
Needle vs. Punch?5/16/2009
  Q: my girlfriend is wanting her outer conch pierced at a 6. She is rather insistent that it be done ...
  A: I've had colleagues who work at aestheticsbodymod.com in Indianapolis that might be convenient to ...
Industrial Piercing5/15/2009
  Q: I just got an industrial piercing yesterday.. I understand there will be initial swelling since its ...
  A: It might be a bit early to be able to really tell. The swelling can last for a few days to a week. ...
Needle vs. Punch?5/14/2009
  Q: my girlfriend is wanting her outer conch pierced at a 6. She is rather insistent that it be done ...
  A: I don't ever use punches, and the piercings do heal well. However, the technique for larger gauge ...
industrial piercing5/13/2009
  Q: i got my industrial piercing done around the middle/end of Feb. The bottom hole doesn't hurt at all ...
  A: http://care.piercing.org/ can help with gentler care and frequent hot compresses suggested. With a ...
Keloid? [possible pyogenic granuloma]5/12/2009
  Q: I got a couple piercings in my helix and I think I have a keloid, I've attached a picture, sorry if ...
  A: That looks a bit more like an infection which is causing a granuloma. See a dermatologist and they ...
navel piercing rejection5/11/2009
  Q: I have had my belly button pierced for about 4 or 5 months now. I thought it was healing well ...
  A: You should probably remove the piercing before it rejects fully. http://piercing.org/faq/minors.html ...
granuloma5/10/2009
  Q: i got my nose pierced about 4 months before i got a bump which i found out was a granuloma that ...
  A: You could have probably upgraded your jewelry and had medical treatment to save the piercing, but ...
Conch Piercing Size5/3/2009
  Q: I was wondering what the standard size for a conch piercing is, like the length-or an easy way to ...
  A: http://piercing.org/shop has safe options in 16g threadless titanium barbells and custom jewelry as ...
Jewelry5/2/2009
  Q: I was wondering if you sold circular barbells, 18g, for the ear? I had my cartilage pierced at your ...
  A: Currently there are not any quality 18g versions of this style, but we have the captive bead ring ...
Vertical hood piercing4/30/2009
  Q: I got my hood pierced vertically three days ago. There is a dark bruise right below the top of my ...
  A: This bruising is not the ideal result, but not altogether uncommon. This tender tissue can swell ...
ear spacing help4/29/2009
  Q: Hey, I just got both lobes pierced a few weeks ago and iv begun to start spacing. I just have some ...
  A: Even an excellent piercer can accidentally misplace a pair of earlobe piercings on a bad day. ...
Nipple piercing bleeding/crust removing skin4/27/2009
  Q: Hey :) I've had my nipple pierced for about 2 months now. My piercer has had the change the bar a ...
  A: You will probably need a longer bar, or at least one that fits well and has a bit of room for ...
hood piercing swollen4/26/2009
  Q: This morning however i find that the piercing is swollen and sore i have a kidney infection and was ...
  A: The sensitivity change may have to do with the quality, proportion and position of your jewelry. ...
Cheek piercing4/25/2009
  Q: I would like to have dimples at my cheek. If I pierce my cheek but I don't want to put jewelry. Does ...
  A: I do not believe that you would get the desired result unless you healed the piercing with jewelry ...
my medusa is messed up4/23/2009
  Q: i got my medusa pierced in November of '08. in the past week, on the inside of my mouth a little ...
  A: The piercing may have been damaged during a jewelry change, by a skin care or oral care product or ...
Industrial Piercing Infection?4/22/2009
  Q: I got my industrial done a little over a month ago and I have a reddish purplish bump around the ...
  A: A bleeding discolored bump could be an infection. The http://care.piercing.org/ suggestions can help ...
monroe scar tisssue4/21/2009
  Q: i had my monroe pierced for about a year,took proper care of it, kept it cleaned and what not,the ...
  A: I suspect that your question would be what to do to lessen the appearance of such scar tissue. This ...
VCH problem?4/20/2009
  Q: My VCH piercing is less than a week old. The area immediately became swollen and the lower ball has ...
  A: The ball should resurface after apply frequent hot compresses, then the jewelry should be ...
Cartilage piercing4/18/2009
  Q: I got my left cartilage pierced about 4 weeks ago and if was fine until about 3 weeks after it was ...
  A: Pain, heat, swelling, redness and discolored discharge are all signs of infection, so from what you ...
nose piercing infection!4/16/2009
  Q: I got my nosed pierced about 5 weeks ago, and yesterday it developed what I think is an infection. ...
  A: Heat, swelling, redness, pain and discolored discharge all can indicate infection. If you lance ...
navel and cartilage piercings4/15/2009
  Q: hey, I actually have two questions... 1) So about two years ago I'd gotten my belly button pierced ...
  A: Your piercing may reject again, but it is probably too soon to tell. http://care.piercing.org/ ...
NAVEL PIERCING HELP!4/13/2009
  Q: so this is my 2nd time piercing my navel. the first time i had it for only a month but i had to take ...
  A: Glad to hear that you were willing to try again, and I'm sure you will be more careful this time ...
belly ring troubles4/10/2009
  Q: ive had my belly pierced for 6 weeks and it is quite red. it has recently started to peel in the ...
  A: When a piercing begins to peel, it may be rejection that you are dealing with from placement, ...
How long between piercings4/9/2009
  Q: I had my hood pierced (vert.) on 2/17, it's healed quite nicely and I'm due for a downsize in ...
  A: The longer you wait, the sturdier the tissue will be, and the easier the new piercing should heal ...
Anti-tragus piercing!4/7/2009
  Q: I got my anti-tragus done about a week and a half ago, first with a CBR but went back within a week ...
  A: Though this area is slower healing and easy to irritate, what you describe could also be infection. ...
tongue piercing/ nerve problems4/6/2009
  Q: i have my tongue pierced and do not have problems with the piercing itself. however, when i have to ...
  A: It may be possible to damage your piercing and the surrounding nervous tissue, especially with ...
Eyebrow piercing oozing periodically4/4/2009
  Q: My question is two-part: first, should my eyebrow piercing be oozing periodically after four weeks? ...
  A: Discolored discharge is usually a sign of infection, and frequent discharge with bleeding may also ...
hood and nipple piercing4/2/2009
  Q: I have to go get surgery and i have to take out all my piercings. its a 4 hour surgery and i have my ...
  A: Any piercing will shrink somewhat, and often more than you expect in a short period of time. Make ...
tongue piercing and beer4/1/2009
  Q: I got my tongue pierced yesterday and I had a beer last nite. Is it true, to your knowledge, about ...
  A: A colleague of mine from www.myspace.com/rockstarbodypiercing wrote a rant on this subject that ...
Nose ring3/31/2009
  Q: Hey, I want to change my nose ring but i want to use the same material i have now, because i ...
  A: http://piercing.org/shop/nose.htm has the safest titanium options for a new and still healing ...
Industrial peircing concern3/30/2009
  Q: ok well i got my industrial almost 3 months ago and well it seems to be healing but a bump or bubble ...
  A: The bumps could be scar tissue in the most likely scenario from pressure, friction and chemical ...
cartilage ear piercing3/26/2009
  Q: I got the cartilage in my ear pierced today and when I got home my husband didn't like and wants me ...
  A: If the jewelry is a ring shape, the ball comes off. It is held by tension, and will snap out of ...
lip infection ?3/25/2009
  Q: er,ive had my lip piercing for nearly a year now and it was done with a normal bar. i have two lip ...
  A: From what you describe the ring shape is bending/tearing its way to reshape the hole. The angle of ...
monroe piercing.3/23/2009
  Q: . is that normak? oh and also my ball of the piercing has embedded a hole in my skin where it sits ...
  A: Stop by the studio ASAP for a free consultation. The jewelry is too tight to allow for the swelling. ...
tragus piercing3/16/2009
  Q: It has been 8 months since I pierced my tragus and it seemed to be fine the first 3 months. But then ...
  A: Healing can take time, 9 months or longer with ear cartilage, but consistent problems and a ...
monroe piercing problem3/15/2009
  Q: All right so I got mone done in like mid january and it's now march. It didn't swell much and it was ...
  A: What you describe seems like it would have resulted from your handling, and possibly the irritants ...
Still hurts3/13/2009
  Q: I had the top part of my ear pierced about 9 weeks ago and it's still painful, is that normal?
  A: Continual pain is not at all normal. http://care.piercing.org/ should be able to help you with ...
lip ring such a bad thing?3/12/2009
  Q: I've read several of your answers in regards to lip piercings and I've noticed that you said lip ...
  A: Heal with the stud, then switch to the ring after the tissue is sturdy, 30-90 days later or longer. ...
Bleeding nose ring bump3/11/2009
  Q: I have a two month old nose piercing, and a few weeks ago I started to get the dreaded bubble. My ...
  A: The bleeding could indicate a strep pyogenes infection, granuloma or other such condition that I ...
Lower Lip Peircing After Care?3/10/2009
  Q: I got my lower lip peirced a few days ago, like the "madonna" but my bottom lip. I got it peirced ...
  A: http://www.piercing.org/faq/tongue.html covers some of these questions, and aftercare suggestions. ...
Tongue piercing3/9/2009
  Q: I'm a little worried about my tongue piercing i had about 3 weeks ago. I followed the aftercare ...
  A: http://www.piercing.org/faq/tongue.html explains much of what could be the problems related here. ...
tongue piercing3/8/2009
  Q: i just got my tongue pierced 3 days ago. they say the intial piercing hurts less then the after ...
  A: http://www.piercing.org/faq/tongue.html explains most of this. The white ring and the soreness and ...
Medusa: prevention of tooth erosion3/7/2009
  Q: I am interested in getting a medusa, (philtrum?), piercing. Unfortunately, with the way my mouth is ...
  A: Aloha Ana, The piercing will cause some erosion of tooth and gum unless placed well and switched to ...
nose pirecing discoloration3/5/2009
  Q: i had my nose pierced for about 2 years. i noticed it was looking kind of discolored and decided to ...
  A: This is probably skin stained from silver jewelry, often known as argyria. Contact your ...
Piercing at the top of the ear3/3/2009
  Q: Brian I have extreamly sensitive skin, I will have to have 14k jewelry can you pierce the top of my ...
  A: http://piercing.org/faq/jewelry.html explains about other materials even safer than 14k for the ...
Please Give Your Expert Advice2/28/2009
  Q: I am 19 years old.I have been fascinated with genital piecing and wish to get one. But wish to keep ...
  A: Glans penis piercing that enters through the urethral opening and exits where the V of the head ...
bump on nostril piercing2/26/2009
  Q: i got my nose pierced about 2 months ago. but gradually a bubble has been forming around my ...
  A: Often a piercing done with slightly irritating material like steel or an alloy of gold (usually ...
ear cartilage2/22/2009
  Q: About a month ago I got my cartilage pierced and it was fine for the first little while and then all ...
  A: Often a piercing done with slightly irritating material like steel or an alloy of gold (usually ...
New Tongue Piercing Help2/21/2009
  Q: I just got my tongue pierced about a month ago. I've been cleaning it with alchol free listerine and ...
  A: This could be either a tear in the piercing if the angle was steep -/- rather than -|- or ...
nose piercing help!2/20/2009
  Q: I got my nose pierced three days ago with a titanium screw stud and i now have crust/scab/dried ...
  A: http://care.piercing.org/ can explain more in detail, and has care instructions. Clean it off, ...
Shaping nose jewelry2/19/2009
  Q: I have several nose screws that I want to shape into a L, as that is what I wear more often.My ...
  A: Without polishing equipment, you will only be able to render them unwearable by bending them. I ...
Nose: to pierce or not to pierce?2/16/2009
  Q: When I was younger, I had several piercings in each of my ears. Eventually, a keloid formed behind ...
  A: It may be a problem, but there were likely other issues involved that caused the excess scar you ...
nipple piercing questions2/15/2009
  Q: Brian, I am a female strongly considering piercing both nipples. I have been reading heavily about ...
  A: Diabetics can experience slower healing in extremities that are pierced, including nipples. With ...
LIP PIERCING2/14/2009
  Q: i had my lip piercing for like 2 months now ,i just got a bump on the lower outside of the hole, its ...
  A: Often a piercing done with slightly irritating material like steel or an alloy of gold (usually ...
Re-Piercing Tongues2/11/2009
  Q: Does re-piercing your tongue hurt? I went to the hospital for operation and had to take it and leave ...
  A: Unless the piercing was damaged, 99% of the time the piercing can be re-opened without the need for ...
Eyebrow Piercing2/10/2009
  Q: My friend and I want to get our eyebrows done together for our birthdays (Which just passed), but as ...
  A: If you must hide it, a tiny band-aid should do the trick, or a quartz retainer as shown at ...
tragus piercing2/9/2009
  Q: on the 30th january this year i got my tragus pierced. it was fine until about 4 days after when i ...
  A: See a doctor for treatment, as this seems to have been contaminated. Hot compresses and gentle care ...
A few larger piercing questions2/5/2009
  Q: So I've been thinking about getting a few larger gauge piercings, but I do not know as much about ...
  A: Eyebrow piercings do not work very well at larger gauges, but you may be able to get it to with ...
How else can I get a license?2/5/2009
  Q: I want to get my license for piercing but I don't have the money to go to school for the medical ...
  A: http://piercing.org/faq/learning.html explains my general take on the subject. I do teach with the ...
is my monroe piercing infected?2/4/2009
  Q: I got my monroe piercing in september 2008 and every now and then it swells up i just changed it to ...
  A: Discharge can be a sign of infection. The jewelry quality may be a part of the problem, ...
does an enlarged piercing close?2/4/2009
  Q: For about a year I have been asking my mom if she would allow me to get gauges. Overtime she has ...
  A: Simply put, piercings do not close. Small piercings or large, they grow an internal lining of skin ...
nose piercing gage sizes2/3/2009
  Q: I got my nose pierced in New Zealand and have since then returned home to the States. I prefer a ...
  A: Size 18 (1mm) is the most common and comfortable. Thinner wire does sometimes tear and damage the ...
Navel piercing: bruising, peeling2/3/2009
  Q: I pierced my navel in June 2008 (I was 19 and will be 20 in March). It was healing quite well until ...
  A: http://piercing.org/pexy/recovery/recovery.html care information applies even if you are not wearing ...
Navel piercing: bruising, peeling2/2/2009
  Q: I pierced my navel in June 2008 (I was 19 and will be 20 in March). It was healing quite well until ...
  A: Try to order from overseas if you can. Perhaps you can find something safe in anodized titanium that ...
Ear piercing bleeding2/2/2009
  Q: My 4 yr old daughter has had her ears pierced about 8 weeks ago. About a week ago I noticed there ...
  A: The piercing is not done healing, and perhaps the cleaning was too vigorous or she banged it on ...
Navel piercing: bruising, peeling2/2/2009
  Q: I pierced my navel in June 2008 (I was 19 and will be 20 in March). It was healing quite well until ...
  A: http://care.piercing.org/ can help with gentle care and frequent hot compresses that should improve ...
Troublesome ear piercing.1/31/2009
  Q: I really hope you can advise. I would have normally gone to my piercer but he has left town!!!!! I ...
  A: See a doctor for treatment as what you describe could be infection. Pain, swelling, or heat, redness ...
Dorsal side penis piercing, antitragus problems?1/29/2009
  Q: I am considering getting a piercing on the top side of the penis. I'm not sure what the official ...
  A: The genital piercing is worth a try. Let me refer you to someone in your area. Where are you and who ...
piercing problem1/29/2009
  Q: I got my lip pierced last friday (it is now the following wednesday night).Everything seems to be ...
  A: This could be from a combination of things, irritation from pressure and friction as well as oral ...
Belly Button Infections1/28/2009
  Q: a month ago after I had my belly pierced I notice a swollen and red crusty edge around my belly ...
  A: A thickened area where the piercing was could be scar tissue. It would stand to reason that the ...
Aftercare of a hood piercing1/28/2009
  Q: I have been seriously considering a clitoris or hood piercing, but not sure yet which I will be ...
  A: http://care.piercing.org/ covers gentle care and protection. Usually distilled water, sterile gauze ...
Nosering infection1/27/2009
  Q: well I been having my nosering for two years now, I took my nosering out 2 days after I got it ...
  A: Stop by the studio for a free consultation when you can. You can throw away all of the products you ...
Ear piercing1/26/2009
  Q: She had problems with one of the ears developing little blood blisters and getting infected. ...
  A: See a doctor for care. Part of the problem with changing the jewelry in an irritated or infected ...
Wrong dimple piercing1/25/2009
  Q: i got a dimple piercing last thurs and i cant feel the bit inside my mouth anymore and its so ...
  A: Stop by the studio for a free consultation, the sooner the better. We can get it right back out for ...
lip piercing problem1/25/2009
  Q: I took out my lip ring to change it and a lump formed on the inside of my lip. I have the ring in ...
  A: Pay attention to this, and if there is any other further swelling, heat, pain, discharge or redness, ...
nipple piercing rejection/repiercing1/25/2009
  Q: My nipples have been pierced twice at a 14ga both times, but when I got them stretched to a 12ga ...
  A: This would have something to do with how they were enlarged, and what jewelry was inserted. Most ...
pierced ears with thick discolored scars1/24/2009
  Q: ok here is the issue. I've had pierced ears for a long time. I have 3 in each ear. 2 in the ear lobe ...
  A: The discoloration would depend on how much damage and what material and shape the jewelry was, and ...
Industrial1/23/2009
  Q: I got my industrial done almost two months ago, and I clean it for five minutes once a day with warm ...
  A: A clear, closeup photo would help. This may be normal healing, as the skin tightens as it grows ...
Bump beside my nose ring that keeps bleeding1/23/2009
  Q: I got my nose done a little over a month ago. It was doing fine but now out of nowhere I got this ...
  A: What you describe seems to be an infection, and you should see your doctor or dermatologist for ...
VCH improperly done?1/22/2009
  Q: About two days ago, I got a VCH piercing. At first examination, it seemed even and looked like it ...
  A: Wear loose clothing and have it checked. If the piercing seems to have shifted, visit the studio for ...
Dorsal side penis piercing, antitragus problems?1/22/2009
  Q: I am considering getting a piercing on the top side of the penis. I'm not sure what the official ...
  A: I try to stick to anatomical naming conventions for piercings, and as the dorsal side of the penis ...
Enlarged ear piercing looks like a Cat-Butt?1/22/2009
  Q: i think i might be developing a slight cat-butt effect in one of my ears(i haven't checked the other ...
  A: http://piercing.org/faq/stretching.html describes my suggestions on gentle enlargement of your ...
is it infected1/21/2009
  Q: i got the left side of my lip peirced like 2 or 3 months ago and its still giving me problems. it ...
  A: The piercing seems irritated or infected. The jewelry might be part of the problem, especially if it ...
piercer near effingham or carbondale, il1/21/2009
  Q: I have been studying piercings and plan on getting my hood pierced. I wish I was in the Atlanta ...
  A: I have not worked with anyone close to your area, but http://safepiercing.org/piercerLocator.php ...
Permanently Stretched Nostril Piercing?1/21/2009
  Q: Hell Brian, Thanks for volunteering! I have had my nose pierced for over five years and was wearing ...
  A: I suspect that the nostril bone you had worn for a while did some damage upon removal as well. If it ...
nose pierce bump for over 2 months!1/20/2009
  Q: I've had my nose pierced for 4months and had a bump for 3 of those months. At first it was small and ...
  A: You may have read my previous answers to similar questions. I frequently see this kind of bump ...
tongue ring placement too far back?1/20/2009
  Q: i got my tongue done a week ago and itz right down the back and itz really swallon and i cant poke ...
  A: http://piercing.org/faq/tongue.html can help explain more about oral piercings. The farther back ...
stubborn stud1/20/2009
  Q: i got my lip pierced about 2 months ago and i cant un screw the stud out? can u help me please?
  A: Stop by the studio for a free consultation or call. If you got the piece from Piercing Experience, ...
enlarging my ear piercing1/19/2009
  Q: 6mm at the mo and have just put the taper in but its burning and isnt even half way in has my tattoo ...
  A: Yes, this is too large of a jump at once. You are doubling the surface area nearly, which is much ...
nipple piercing1/19/2009
  Q: I recently got a nipple piercing a week ago...I have noticed my nipple is 2-3x larger than the other ...
  A: Heat, swelling, redness, pain and discolored discharge are all common signs of infection. The ...
I don't know what to do about my nose ring.1/18/2009
  Q: I got my nose pierced in the beginning of december and it was fine for a while and then I developed ...
  A: See a doctor, as this could be a strep pyogenes infection. Different aftercare ...
nipple piercing1/18/2009
  Q: I recently got a nipple piercing a week ago...I have noticed my nipple is 2-3x larger than the other ...
  A: As I described above, a tapered insertion guide should be used to enlarge the piercing and avoid ...
nipple piercing1/17/2009
  Q: I recently got a nipple piercing a week ago...I have noticed my nipple is 2-3x larger than the other ...
  A: Heat, swelling, redness, pain and discolored discharge are all common signs of infection. Some ...
cheek piercing1/17/2009
  Q: i was hoping someone might know how to get rid of a keloid on the outside of my cheek, well im ...
  A: http://piercing.org/faq/tongue.html applies to cheek piercings as well. http://piercing.org/shop has ...
Horizontal clitoral hood piercing/MRI1/16/2009
  Q: I have a horizontal clitoral hood piercing, which I have had for five years. I have to get an MRI on ...
  A: You should not have to remove the jewelry for MRI. Body jewelry is nearly all non-magnetic. Take the ...
my size1/16/2009
  Q: ok i goit my nipple pierced about # weeks ago and everything is fine< but im shoping for rings to ...
  A: 6 weeks may not be enough for you to switch to rings. Your better assessment of healing is to wait ...
vertical labret1/15/2009
  Q: I have been considering getting my Vertical Labret done But I have some concerns. Im worried about ...
  A: Infection is possible but usually easy to avoid with the right precautions for safety and aftercare. ...
cartilage piercing1/15/2009
  Q: I pierce my cartilage at monday and today is Thursday. It is red, swollen but not it is not pain. ...
  A: The greenish color can indicate infection, so you should see a doctor if it gets worse or does not ...
problem with my vertical hood piercing.1/15/2009
  Q: I had my vertical hood piercing done in June of 2008 and love it but i have recently been aware of a ...
  A: The jewelry is probably part of the problem. I suggest an autoclave sterilized anodized titanium ...
problem with my vertical hood piercing.1/14/2009
  Q: I had my vertical hood piercing done in June of 2008 and love it but i have recently been aware of a ...
  A: This seems as if you have damaged or contaminated the piercing in some way. Have you removed the ...
piercing age in New York1/13/2009
  Q: I was wondering what age you have to be in new york to get piercings without parental consent. do ...
  A: It's 18 everywhere, since you have to be at least 18 to sign a contract that gives informed consent. ...
my labret..1/13/2009
  Q: i pierced my labret this morning by myself. all of my friends here at school are telling me it's ...
  A: It is worth the wait to have it done by a fully qualified, experienced professional with proper ...
piercing my own belly button1/12/2009
  Q: im writing because i really want to get my belly button pierced but my dad already said no and gets ...
  A: It is worth the wait to have it done by a fully qualified, experienced professional with proper ...
Enlarged ears, jewelry falls out too easily.1/12/2009
  Q: I have my ears gauged to a 2 right now. I recently bought some earrings and the one in my left ear ...
  A: If the jewelry fits, but comes out easily try to leave it out when bathing and overnight. Consider ...
Ear lobe stretching!1/12/2009
  Q: Ok, so I believe that I have "cat butt" from stretching to fast i'm currently at 5/8 and I was ...
  A: 1-Yes, extra virgin olive oil should be suitable, with vitamins to soften the collagen and elastin ...
Ear Piercing bump1/11/2009
  Q: I have a seven year old piercing in my ear, it is the second hole above one I've had for fifteen ...
  A: This seems to be an infection. http://piercing.org/pexy/recovery/recovery.html can help with gentle ...
Monroe Piercing1/10/2009
  Q: I got my Monroe piercing on December 23rd. The inside seems to be healed pretty well, no complaints. ...
  A: This seems like it could be infection or irritation. Heat, pain, redness, swelling and discharge are ...
nose peircing1/10/2009
  Q: I just got my nose pierced yesterday and all day I have been fighting to keep the stud from sinking ...
  A: The stud is either too short through the piercings or has a tip that is too small for you. I hate ...
nipple piercing.1/9/2009
  Q: I just got my nipples pierced a few days ago, and they're pierced slightly behind my nipples. I'm ...
  A: Usual placement is at the juncture between the nipple and the areola, or pigmented area at the base. ...
letting an ear piercing close over1/9/2009
  Q: I got my ears pierced a few days ago and already I'm really regretting having them pierced. I'd ...
  A: If you do not want to wear your piercings, you can remove them and care for them as described at ...
Helix piercing1/9/2009
  Q: I just did my piercing this morning i was wandering how is supposed to feel the first couple days?? ...
  A: http://piercing.org/pexy/recovery/recovery.html explains what to expect. Some tenderness is common, ...
Industrial Piercing1/8/2009
  Q: I was with my best friend buying a lip ring and the guy who sold it to her was talking about how his ...
  A: Titanium is an excellent material for safety and a number of other quality reasons explained at ...
microdermal finger piercing1/7/2009
  Q: i got a microdermal piercing put into my finger about three months ago. it healed perfectly fine ...
  A: Once the swelling is down, then you may be back to normal. This type of jewelry has not proven to ...
Rook Piercing1/7/2009
  Q: I want to get my rook pierced and was wondering what the best initial jewelry is for it and any ...
  A: http://care.piercing.org/ explains care principles and a link to our aftercare suggestions. ...
BB piercing after TT1/7/2009
  Q: I had a tummy tuck and have tried twice to get my belly button pierced without success. It ends up ...
  A: From what you describe, the tissue might not support jewelry. It may require lighter anodized ...
cons about body piercings1/6/2009
  Q: what are some of the bad reasons to get "somethings" pierced what are the effects of getting them ...
  A: Piercing should be for fun and adornment, or for your personal reasons. You should not get any ...
My Industrial.1/6/2009
  Q: I got My Industrial Maybe 2 weeks ago. The Person that Did mine didnt give me any aftercare tips ...
  A: http://care.piercing.org/ can help you with what you need to know about gentle care and a link to ...
Nostril Piercing1/5/2009
  Q: Okay, I hate to confess this but I JUST got my nostril pierced this morning and I already changed ...
  A: Infection is likely, so see a doctor if heat, swelling, redness or discharge appears. Never put ...
Tongue Piercing maybe infected?1/5/2009
  Q: Okay, so here's the deal! I got my tongue pierced in the generic spot, in the middle (two years ...
  A: It sounds like you have either irritated the area, become dehydrated, or possibly infected. A ...
Desperately seeking answers! Nose piercing Dark Discoloration1/5/2009
  Q: I pierced my nose about 6 years ago and removed it over a year ago due to constant infections, etc. ...
  A: Discoloration from silver tarnish is all too common if you wore silver alloy jewelry, and the ...
Rook Repiercing1/4/2009
  Q: If I had my rook pierced but had the ring changed too early before it was finished healing ...
  A: Infection from a premature change or rough handling could cause damage and lead to rejection. It ...
Can i take my tongue piercing out1/2/2009
  Q: I got my tongue pierced earlier to day, and really don't like it (I know i should have thought it ...
  A: If you don't like the placement, or the piercing is exceptionally painful, you might consider ...
Industrial piercing12/31/2008
  Q: i just got my industrial pierching yesterday, and i honestly can't endure the pain, i thought i can ...
  A: If the piercing is exceptionally painful, you might consider removal. An ice pack can soothe the ...
Industrial12/31/2008
  Q: I just recently got my industrial pierced and I've been taking good care of it. But there is ...
  A: Swelling, redness, pain,, heat, discharge are all signs of infection. http://care.piercing.org/ ...
when to reinsert or re-pierce ears12/30/2008
  Q: My 7 year old pierced her ears and then I took out her earrings one night to "air" out her ears ...
  A: The piercings seem that they may not have finished healing. This could indicate sensitivity to the ...
Can I reinsert or re-pierce my eyebrow in the same spot as it was pierced before?12/30/2008
  Q: a while back i had my eyebrow pierced and my school did not allow it so i had to take it out well i ...
  A: Stop by the studio for a free consultation if you are in the area. In many cases if the piercing was ...
Infected industrial ear cartilage piercing12/30/2008
  Q: I got my industrial pierced 3 days ago but it has become red, sore and swollen. I have been cleaning ...
  A: See a doctor or dermatologist and you may be able to save the piercing. Redness, pain, swelling, ...
Bump on industrial ear cartilage piercing12/29/2008
  Q: I recieved a industrial piercing in my left ear about three years ago and now it has formed a bubble ...
  A: See a dermatologist for treatment, and you may be able to save the piercing. I suggest that you ...
Sensitive, weeping ear piercings12/29/2008
  Q: I had my ears pieced once about five years ago. I don't think it has ever been infected, but I ...
  A: Allergy to metals in contact with your skin tends to be cumulative, and the pieces you wear may be ...
Infected belly button piercing done at home12/28/2008
  Q: i peirced my own belly button about a week ago. i did it with a sterilized sewing needle. for about ...
  A: It seems infected from your description. There is no way to sterilize a sewing needle or jewelry at ...
nipple piercing problems12/28/2008
  Q: got my nipple pierced about 5.5 months ago (12g vertical barbell). At first I had no problems. I ...
  A: From what you describe, the tenderness, pain and bleeding could be a streptococcus pyogenes ...
Cleaning Nipple rings12/28/2008
  Q: Hey, I have been using h2ocean on my belly ring to clean it and it has been working well. But I'm ...
  A: I don't suggest either method or product for piercing aftercare. I've noticed that it is easy to ...
Monroe piercing digging into skin12/26/2008
  Q: I just got my Marilyn Monroe piercing three days ago. Its a little red and the soreness has almost ...
  A: Your jewelry seems already too short to allow for the swelling that you describe if it digs in on ...
Septum piercing12/25/2008
  Q: I have a flesh colored lump on the inside of my left nostril right above the entry point of my ...
  A: Looks like it could be a cyst or abscess, and should have medical attention to be removed. ...
Ear Piercing12/24/2008
  Q: I'm 18 and want to get my cartilage pierced in my ear. Later in life I plan to interview for some ...
  A: A piercing in the ear cartilage, like all other piercings will leave a permanent mark or scar of ...
gauged snakebites extreme swelling12/23/2008
  Q: I've had my snakebites for about a year now and I had them gauged to a 6g for about four months. ...
  A: This seems like it either could be infected or crushed tissue. Ice can help with the swelling as ...
Navel peircing concerns12/23/2008
  Q: I have had my navel piercing for about two weeks now and I have a few concerns. First, my navel ...
  A: Your piercing is probably normal. The secretions usually dry and form a bit of a scab/crust and you ...
Infection for ear cartilage12/23/2008
  Q: I got my rook pierced about 3 months ago and have had no problems until recently. A cist like thing ...
  A: See a doctor for treatment as soon as possible, and consider a change of jewelry to a new, safe ...
belly button pircing gone septic12/22/2008
  Q: I got my belly button pierced on 2nd of September. I has healed since then but in the last 48 hours ...
  A: See a doctor for treatment as soon as possible, and consider a change of jewelry to a new, safe ...
rook infection12/21/2008
  Q: I pierced my rook mid October of 2008 and i had no problems with it at all never swelled, got red or ...
  A: It seems that you should see a doctor as soon as possible for treatment to save the piercing. In ...
Navel piercing12/21/2008
  Q: I tried to put it back in but it wont fit all the way through. Is there anyway i can stretch the top ...
  A: You noticed that piercings commonly shrink, and often faster than you might expect. Stop by for a ...
industrial bumps12/20/2008
  Q: I got my industrial about 2 months ago now, and there are two bumps outside of each hole. it's still ...
  A: These bumps could be streptococcus pyogenes infection from handling or sleeping on it. They could ...
My ear piercing keeps getting infected.12/20/2008
  Q: I have previously had my ears pierced 3 different times in the same spot (ear lobes). However i had ...
  A: Infection could easily have come from the piercing device or other implements used during the ...
Navel piercing thinning out...or not?12/18/2008
  Q: I've had my belly button re-pierced behind the scar tissue after 10 months from removing it because ...
  A: From the look of it, the tissue is swollen, probably either waterlogged or irritated by the ...
Surface piercings12/18/2008
  Q: About a year ago I got two surface piercings on my hip. They were doing great for two and a half ...
  A: Some clients report that scar reduction can often be accomplished with an over the counter product ...
navel piercing materials12/18/2008
  Q: so what would you recomend, the PTFE material or the regular titanium? what are threading issues?
  A: The autoclave sterilized anodized titanium internally threaded curved barbell jewelry would work ...
Navel piercing thinning out...or not?12/17/2008
  Q: I've had my belly button re-pierced behind the scar tissue after 10 months from removing it because ...
  A: If it seems thinner, and it migrated before, it probably is rejecting again. The salt and oils ...
Enlarged ear piercings and irritation12/17/2008
  Q: My boyfriend has gauged ears and has had them for a couple of years now. When he has the earings in, ...
  A: This may be allergic reaction or sensitivity he has developed to the jewelry or bathing/hair ...
cartilage piercing smells funny12/16/2008
  Q: i got a scaffold piercing about 5 months ago there is no pain no redness no discharge or anything at ...
  A: The smell could be from dead skin other bodily secretions and residues from your bathing products ...
Is there a meaning to which side one gets a piercing?12/11/2008
  Q: what side should a straight guy get his nose pierced?
  A: There is no meaning in regards to which side you pierce anything with very few exceptions. There is ...
Industrial Piercing Healing Time12/11/2008
  Q: I got an industrial piercing a few days ago, it seems to be healing fast, it's gone from throbbing, ...
  A: http://piercing.org/pexy/recovery/recovery.html can help explain gentle care and what to expect from ...
Tongue numb after piercing12/11/2008
  Q: I got my tongue pierced two days ago from someone at a shop I'm not really familiar with. Since ...
  A: The white tissue at the underside of your tongue could be part of the scar tissue from your previous ...
nipple ring12/10/2008
  Q: I've had my nipple piercing for 2mos and I'm still having problems. it's not sore but it's still ...
  A: http://piercing.org/pexy/recovery/recovery.html has an explanation of how your jewelry should fit ...
Piercing materials12/10/2008
  Q: . thanks for taking time to answer me. I have been sensitive to many different types of metals, all ...
  A: All of the currently available plastics that I have reviewed have unacceptable surface finishes. ...
Is my cartilage infected?12/10/2008
  Q: I got my cartilage pierced 3 days ago. Once I got it pierced it was really hot and it felt like it ...
  A: You should seek medical treatment as this seems like it could be infected. Heat, swelling, redness, ...
Possible to 'hide' bridge piercing?12/9/2008
  Q: I decided to get a bridge piercing a little over a year ago, and I love it. She pierced it to a ...
  A: The easiest way to hide this is removal and gentle reinsertion. There are not many jewelry/retainer ...
monroe piercing12/9/2008
  Q: Its starting to embed in my lip . I ordered a 16 gauge 11mm labret. Should i wait for that lip ring ...
  A: Take the piece out before it embeds and must be cut out. http://piercing.org/faq/aftercare.html ...
Body Peircing Schools or how to become and apprentice?12/8/2008
  Q: I am very interested in becoming a professional body peircer, but I dont know of any schools to go ...
  A: http://piercing.org/faq/learning.html can point you in the right direction. The Association of ...
Piercing materials12/8/2008
  Q: . thanks for taking time to answer me. I have been sensitive to many different types of metals, all ...
  A: http://jewelry.piercing.org/ explains this in detail. I suggest anodized titanium for healing, and ...
nose piercing12/7/2008
  Q: I have had my nose pierced for about 6 months now and I want to change it how ever mine has a huge ...
  A: The best route for removal with the nose bone type of jewelry is to cut the ball off with pincers. ...
2 week old ear piercing behaving oddly..12/5/2008
  Q: Roughly 2 weeks ago I got a second piercing in my right earlobe. I already have three piercings in ...
  A: Swelling, redness, heat, pain and or discolored discharge can all be signs of infection. Often ...
I want to get a navel piecing for my 20th birthday but....12/3/2008
  Q: There seems like there are so many risks that come with a navel piercing that Im starting to 2nd ...
  A: http://piercing.org/pexy/recovery/recovery.html covers most of your questions regarding care, ...
Industrial swelling12/2/2008
  Q: I recently got an industrial piercing, about a week ago. At first it swelled around the area where ...
  A: Pain, swelling, discolored discharge and redness all can indicate infection. Your jewelry might not ...
I think my industrial piercing is infected12/2/2008
  Q: Ok, I got my piercing 4 days ago. On the third day it started to hurt a little bit, but today, in ...
  A: Pain, swelling, discolored discharge and redness all can indicate infection. Your jewelry might not ...
piercing near eye12/1/2008
  Q: I want a piercing either on the outer corner of my eye or underneath it, I'm wondering if it would ...
  A: Both have issues with rejection, and the added issue of transdermal implants is later removal must ...
Scars [keloid?]11/29/2008
  Q: I don't have any piercing because I keloid. I was thinking of getting my tongue pierced will it ...
  A: http://piercing.org/faq/tongue.html speaks to this in some detail. Tongue scarring is pretty ...
Crooked Navel Piercing/re-pierce?11/28/2008
  Q: on the 25th I actually got my navel pierced at Piercing Experience because I had heard such ...
  A: Taping takes a few weeks to make a difference, but it does work like braces or a retainer for your ...
Belly button re-piercing11/28/2008
  Q: About 2 years ago, I had gotten my belly button pierced. But then about a year ago, I was out ...
  A: When the scarred area is about the same color and texture as the surrounding area, you should be ...
Ear stretching [need to let it shrink]11/27/2008
  Q: I've had my ear lobe stretched to 1cm for about a year and I did it really slowly and carefully so ...
  A: The piercing will only shrink if damaged, and that will scar badly in most cases. Visit a ...
ear piercing infection11/27/2008
  Q: I got my first ear piercings this past June. Two weeks later, they got infected, but the infection ...
  A: You have probably not fully healed from the damage and infection. Don't scrape, leave it alone until ...
Tragus question11/27/2008
  Q: I had my tragus pierced in March (2008). For a few months it was fine and healing nicely. Then i ...
  A: See a dermatologist or doctor, and in the meantime you should have better results with the care ...
blackish discharge for enlarged ear piercings11/26/2008
  Q: I have my ear pierced and have streched the holes to zero. Lately while cleaning the hole Ive ...
  A: Discolored discharge could be a sign of infection, see a dermatologist to be careful and for ...
navel piercing infection11/26/2008
  Q: I have had my navel pierced for about 3 years now and I believe that it has gotten infected. The ...
  A: Sorry for the delay in my response as I've been on the road. Even an old piercing can become ...
Brand New Dermal Anchors/Bumps on Bridge Piercing11/25/2008
  Q: I suppose this is a two-part question, of which both parts have nothing to do with one another-- ...
  A: For the transdermal implant [anchor], it would be best to go back to your piercer, even if you have ...
Nostril piercing11/25/2008
  Q: I just got my left nostril pierced 3 days ago and a stud inserted. So far I have not had any ...
  A: You should be able to have the jewelry changed using sterile precautions to a new autoclave ...
Nipple Piercing Weird Smell from smegma11/24/2008
  Q: I had my nipples pierced about 10 months ago with no problems, and I am happy with them except that ...
  A: The smell probably worsens with unsterilized low quality retail jewelry from bacteria, but some ...
help11/23/2008
  Q: i stretched my ear to a 5mm,i kept each stretcher in for about one week,i kept my 5mm in for ten ...
  A: From what you describe it seems that you cut the circulation off to the tissue by stretching more ...
nipple piercing, taper questions11/23/2008
  Q: I am a female with both nipples pierced,they are a month old,since yesterday,today I used a 12gauge ...
  A: It seems that you can now have some relief. http://care.piercing.org/ can help you understand the ...
nipple piercing, taper questions11/23/2008
  Q: I am a female with both nipples pierced,they are a month old,since yesterday,today I used a 12gauge ...
  A: If it hurt, something was wrong. It seems that the area was torn and may now be infected from your ...
vertical labret position11/22/2008
  Q: i got my vertical labret pierced 2 days ago and was looking in the mirror and when my mouth is ...
  A: It could be anywhere you like, but in practical context, the top ball is usually visible with the ...
Navel Piercing11/21/2008
  Q: I had my navel pierced in August and it is now November. Everyday I clean it with dial soap, but ...
  A: Change to gentler care http://care.piercing.org/ describes why and how, and pay specific attention ...
pierced nipples still can change shape, such as raising when cold11/21/2008
  Q: I was wondering after u get your nipples pierced do they still get hard?????? please help me i am a ...
  A: Yes, and they tend to be sensitive while healing, and develop new sensations after they are healed ...
nipple, triangle piercings11/20/2008
  Q: just had nipples pierced, going good cept for my rings are tight and hard to move, it has been 3 ...
  A: Don't move the rings, they are not healed. When you move the jewelry, you irritate the interior, and ...
Nose Ring Infection11/20/2008
  Q: Help! My nose ring got really infected, so I went to the doctor. She told me to take it out and gave ...
  A: That applies to removal when you have not seen a doctor. The doctor's advice may be better, as she ...
Flakey skin and delayed healing11/19/2008
  Q: My 4-year-old daughter had her ears pierced over a year ago. Generally speaking they healed well ...
  A: This could be infection or allergic reaction to the material, even in just one ear. This often ...
[probably not a] keloid on the underside of tongue11/18/2008
  Q: i have had my tongue pierced for about a year now. I have recently developed a keloid on the bottom ...
  A: http://piercing.org/faq/tongue.html describes some of the issues with tongue jewelry, what I've had ...
bruising and industrial piercing11/18/2008
  Q: I got an industrial piercing two days ago, and i noticed this morning that my ear is very bruised ...
  A: Bruising may be possible, but not really ideal. If your piercer expected bruising, that could ...
Spacers.11/17/2008
  Q: I'm thinking about spacers, but intend to go into a professional field later in life. What is the ...
  A: The smaller the better, as enlarged piercings don't close much on average. ...
nose piercing complication..11/17/2008
  Q: I got my nose pierced 3 weeks ago. At first the nose screw was too tight, and I went in to get it ...
  A: Patience with the damage done may be necessary. In cases like this, I usually find that the nostril ...
Nose Bone type jewelry trapped in piercing11/17/2008
  Q: I got my nose pierced back in January 2008 - about 2 weeks after I got it pierced the stud went all ...
  A: I note many problems with nostril screws and nose bone as you described for this and numerous other ...
Navel piercing thickened scar [probably not a keloid]11/16/2008
  Q: I had my belly button pierced for 4 months and the ball came off of my ring while sleeping. When I ...
  A: See a dermatologist for further scar treatment options. I don't usually use the term keloid to ...
Eyebrow piercing11/16/2008
  Q: i've had my eyebrow piercing for about a year now and i've had constant bumps popping up at the side ...
  A: This seems like an infection that has abscessed. Please see a dermatologist for treatment and scar ...
Tragus/migraines association11/15/2008
  Q: I recently heard that having your Tragus pierced can reduce or eliminate migraines. As I suffer from ...
  A: Talk to your acupuncturist about this if you are interested in using piercing as a treatment. The ...
Taper Suplement?11/15/2008
  Q: i am back with yet another question, i am finally in the process of stretching my ears back out, and ...
  A: http://piercing.org/faq/stretching.html explains my favored method for enlarging a piercing, and ...
new ear-lobe piercing11/15/2008
  Q: i just got my ears pierced last friday, (at claire's, i know, not the coolest studio) and now im ...
  A: http://safepiercing.org/FAQ.html explains problems with stud guns in detail. 1> Yes destruction of ...
Nipple Piercing11/14/2008
  Q: ive had my nipple pierced for 3 years now and there always been a little bit of crust on the bar.i ...
  A: Your issues may be resolved by an easy change of jewelry and care habits. It takes a combination of ...
Naval piercing over scar tissue11/14/2008
  Q: When I was 18 I had the bottom of my belly button pierced. The piercing closed a few years ago. I ...
  A: The scar from the previous piercing could be irritated, and may be best seen by a dermatologist. ...
MONROE PIERCING11/13/2008
  Q: I have had my monroe piercing for about 2 months. The facial surface around the piercing looks ...
  A: There are a few reasons this could be. The most common problems related to scarring on the interior ...
Re-piercing my belly button11/13/2008
  Q: I got my belly button pierced two years ago, and i was wondering if i should get it re-pierced this ...
  A: If you previously removed it because of problems, give it more time. It would be a good idea to work ...
How big can I safely pierce my lobes?11/12/2008
  Q: I'm considering getting my first real piercings and I'm wondering how large of a gauge can safely be ...
  A: I've had success with larger sizes up to 5mm [4g], and perhaps I could refer you to someone if you ...
Industrial Piercing11/12/2008
  Q: Okay so, I really want an industrial piercing but I can't seem to find a bunch of info on it. What I ...
  A: care.piercing.org explains a gentle care method that can help you heal at the optimal rate for your ...
irritated monroe piercing11/12/2008
  Q: hey. i read your question on your monroe piercing, with the bump problem. how'd that turn out, and ...
  A: Oral piercings that appear irritated usually get well quickly once the source of the problem is ...
eczema11/11/2008
  Q: I would love to get my nose pierced but what is stopping me is that i have eczema. My dermotologist ...
  A: I believe you should be fine. I have experienced eczema also, which does not pose a problem to my ...
Tongue-Piercing *RARE [post-removal healing problem]11/11/2008
  Q: So glad I could get a hold of you. I am 20 years old, male, & have been going through a big ...
  A: The damage done by rough jewelry, the chemical irritation from the plastic and the o-ring embedded ...
naval piercing11/11/2008
  Q: Im now 18 and have had my naval pierced since 15. It is well and truely healed but I want to get rid ...
  A: There will probably be a mark for a long time, perhaps even permanently. Many of my clients have had ...
Downsizing11/10/2008
  Q: My gauges are at 1" and I have enjoyed them for some time now, however, they are growing old and I ...
  A: The fastest way to get a piercing to shrink without further damage is simply to not wear jewelry. ...
Nipple Ring Removed11/10/2008
  Q: I literally just removed my nipple ring. I got it pierced about 2 months ago, & I've noticed that ...
  A: It seems that your piercing has not healed, and that the interior tissue will need more time to ...
Monroe piercing jewlery, how to loosen11/10/2008
  Q: I got my monroe pierced about 2 weeks ago. And i was wondering how i should take it out. Its really ...
  A: Two weeks is very much too soon for you to take out your jewelry, or even to handle it. Stop by the ...
same question; Tongue bump: is it a keloid?11/9/2008
  Q: Expert: Brian Skellie Date: 11/24/2007 Subject: Tongue bump: is it a keloid? Question I recently ...
  A: What you show appears to be scar tissue from irritation. As I mentioned before, I suggest that you ...
navel piercing sizes11/8/2008
  Q: what size or gauge needle is used for belly pirecings and does it make a differance if the needle is ...
  A: Do not try this at home. Skilled professionals are pretty easy to find now, safepiercing.org has a ...
Shrunken Nipple Piercings11/7/2008
  Q: I have had my nipple piercing for over 3 years now and never had any problems. However I decided to ...
  A: The jewelry should be autoclave sterilized and reinserted by a professional with a gently tapered ...
Nervous about my VCH piercing11/7/2008
  Q: I got my VCH piercing 4 days ago and I think that it is healing okay, there's no more bleeding and ...
  A: It seems that you should be OK. Any piercing can cause a bruise if it causes a small amount of ...
Vertical Hood Piercing11/7/2008
  Q: I had my vertical hood piercing done at the beginning of September (approx. 2 months ago) recently ...
  A: Heat, swelling, pain, redness and discolored discharge are all common signs of infection. See your ...
Nipple Ring Soreness11/6/2008
  Q: I have both my nipples pierced. The left one I've had in for 6 months & considering the pain i ...
  A: Heat, swelling, pain, redness and discolored discharge are all common signs of infection. This could ...
Upper Ear Bruising11/6/2008
  Q: I just got two upper ear cartilage piercings this last Thursday. One was in my left, and the other ...
  A: Do not use benzalkonium or benzethonium solutions, alcohol or hydrogen peroxide as cleansers as they ...
nose bump11/5/2008
  Q: OMG someone help I've been having a bump next to my nose ring for like 3 weeks already I've tryed ...
  A: Often a piercing done with slightly irritating material like an alloy of gold, copper, silver and ...
Narrow urethra and PA11/5/2008
  Q: I went to get a PA today but the piercer (in whom I trust - did my nipples and is very professional) ...
  A: In my experience I have installed thousands of this type of piercing and I have not ever seen a ...
piercing questions11/4/2008
  Q: I got my monroe done a year ago and I recently took it out because it always got a blister inside ...
  A: jewelry.piercing.org explains safety standards, and http//:piercing.org/shop has examples of the ...
Tragus piercing does not cause deafness11/3/2008
  Q: I am looking into getting my Tragus pierced but i herd that it can cause deafness, is this true? And ...
  A: That should not be true under normal circumstances. Unattended infection in that area could cause a ...
lip piercing at home = infection11/2/2008
  Q: what can have if pierce own lip, what infevtions can there be?
  A: It is easy to give yourself an infection. I strongly advise against self piercing. Without many an ...
Upper Ear Bruising11/2/2008
  Q: I just got two upper ear cartilage piercings this last Thursday. One was in my left, and the other ...
  A: The piercing probably broke a small blood vessel, much like other bruises are formed. It will ...
navel piercing rejecting11/1/2008
  Q: i have had my navel pierced for seven years and had no trouble with it. about two weeks ago the ball ...
  A: http://piercing.org/faq/rejection.html describes some of what you have experienced. In many cases ...
pierced ears jewelry removal11/1/2008
  Q: i just got my ears pierced today. Is it ok to take out the ones the jeweler "gunned" on tomorrow or ...
  A: If you remove the piercings, they will close. If you try to change the jewelry yourself, it must be ...
Ear piercing enlargement10/31/2008
  Q: My 15 year old had a friend piece his ears with a safety pin this past August. It healed well and ...
  A: If he wears size 18 currently, it is possible to simply insert size 16 when they fit, provided that ...
Bleeding Cartilage piercing10/31/2008
  Q: I just got my cartilage piercing yesterday, and it wasnt bleeding as much. but today, it is bleeding ...
  A: Bleeding may be a sign that the jewelry does not fit correctly, such as if the piece is too tight or ...
Nose piercing bleed10/31/2008
  Q: My name is Saj and I got my nose pierced about 6 months ago. I took really good care of it until it ...
  A: The damage was probably done earlier, such as in your sleep or while bathing. Often a piercing done ...
numbing technique of piercers10/30/2008
  Q: I have a question about the sterilization technique of navel piercing, I know you don't use any ...
  A: This is an interesting question. Well, I could launch into a diatribe about sensation...but I ...
tongue piercing problems10/30/2008
  Q: I have had my tongue pierced for 4 years and have three piercing in a row in my tongue. I have been ...
  A: http://piercing.org/faq/tongue.html has an example of the tongue jewelry that I've worn for about a ...
Pustule?Keloid?Infection?10/29/2008
  Q: I've had my nose pierced for about a month and a half and 2 weeks ago I developed a Pustule above ...
  A: Often a piercing done with a ring shape and or a slightly irritating material like steel or an alloy ...
tragus piercing10/28/2008
  Q: i pierced my tragus like 3 months ago and the one on the right for some reason keeps getting ...
  A: Glad to help. I just answered a question that pertains to your situation yesterday: Don't worry! ...
titanium 12 gauge barbells exist?q [Yes we use them every day]10/28/2008
  Q: I am looking to get my belly pierced this spring! for the third time..It will have been 2 years, and ...
  A: This is our most popular navel size and curved barbell shape. Here are examples of what I suggest ...
Tragus10/27/2008
  Q: I got my tragus on both ears pierced in July 2008 - A month or so after my right tragus was killing ...
  A: Don't worry! Cartilage can take a long time to heal [6-9 months in some cases] and it can be tender ...
Infected ear (during gauging)10/27/2008
  Q: i have currently started gauging my ear from a 10mm to a 6mm within one week. While doing so my ear ...
  A: First, take out the new jewelry, clean the area well with soap and water and put at least one size ...
Dimple Piercings10/27/2008
  Q: I had my Dimples (more so my laugh lines/closer to my lips than Dimples/Cheeks) pierced about 5 ...
  A: You should certainly follow up with your doctor, as the hard ring should be normal while healing ...
Catilidge Piercing.10/14/2008
  Q: So, somewhere around 5-6 years ago, I had my cartilage pierced, with a gun. It healed fine, and I've ...
  A: The thickness of most common costume ear jewelry is either 20 or 18 gauge, about 1mm. If you pierce ...
VCH piercing10/13/2008
  Q: I had a VCH piercing done at the beginning of 08/08. It seemed to be fine for the first few weeks, ...
  A: Glad to know! I hope that you follow up with your piercer to make sure that they know your progress. ...
Tragus Rejecting?10/13/2008
  Q: I had my tragus pierced 4 weeks ago with a CBR and I'm concerned that it may be rejecting. I have ...
  A: Rejection is unlikely, but irritation from friction and pressure are evident. Change of jewelry to ...
nose peircing10/12/2008
  Q: me and my friend went to get our noses pierced on Friday. its been 2 days and my piercing is still ...
  A: Bleeding after the piercing for more than a few minutes, unless you are sleeping on it which of ...
nose ring10/12/2008
  Q: i have my nose peirced and i love it. it is healed and everything, i just have NO idea how to work ...
  A: It's not at all complicated, as the captive bead shape is thousands of years old. It just takes ...
industrial piercing problem10/11/2008
  Q: i got my industrial two 1/2 months ago, and is was healing up pretty good. then one morning i wake ...
  A: It is likely that you have irritated the piercing by pressure and friction as well as your hair ...
lip percing wierd red area?Area 51?!10/11/2008
  Q: I got my lip pierced a week ago,and i've already got over the swelling.I do saline soaks and mainly ...
  A: Consider less or no smoking, as that can be part of the irritation. care.piercing.org explains a ...
tongue piercing10/11/2008
  Q: i got my tongue pierced 5 days ago and i havent had any big swelling of my tongue i went to the ...
  A: It is good that you have plans to see a doctor, and a general physician or Ear/Nose/Throat ...
Healing Time for Cartilage Piercings10/10/2008
  Q: How long does it take a Indutrial and Tragus piercing to heal?
  A: The preliminary healing phases are described at http://piercing.org/pexy/recovery/recovery.html and ...
How Long Should I Wait To Repierce?10/9/2008
  Q: I didn't like the placement of an ear piecing I got done the other day at the store, so I took it ...
  A: The longer you wait, in terms of the tissue reforming properly, the better. A month or two should be ...
Bump on nipple piercings10/9/2008
  Q: I've have my nipples double pierced and have had them for almost a year. I had absolutely no problem ...
  A: The pain of the piercing was likely because of either difficulty in placement or procedure. The ...
closing a navel peircing10/9/2008
  Q: I took out my bellybutton ring probably almost 2 months ago and you can still see a hole where it ...
  A: If your piercing was new, the body can commonly take 2 years or longer to make a scar return to the ...
VCH piercing10/8/2008
  Q: I had a VCH piercing done at the beginning of 08/08. It seemed to be fine for the first few weeks, ...
  A: The piercing could have been irritated by a number of mechanical or chemical means and then become ...
Wands10/7/2008
  Q: Are there wands for the unpierced penis? How are they held in? Where would I find one? ANSWER: ...
  A: Try the link from my previous message, as these are all custom made, and the people at Steelwerks ...
Old Navel Piercing, New Pain10/7/2008
  Q: I've had my navel pierce for 10 years, no problems. I changed the ring about 1 1/2 week ago. The ...
  A: Infection and allergic reaction are both possible in this situation. It may have had exposed screw ...
loss of feeling near cartilage piercing10/6/2008
  Q: i got my cartilage pierced 4 days ago. the guy did it with a gun. now, i just realized that i dont ...
  A: This seems like nerve damage from what you describe, and also jewelry that may be too tight. See a ...
industrial irritation10/6/2008
  Q: Please help- I got an industrial piercing exactly 3 weeks ago and everything seems to be healing ...
  A: The bar does not fit correctly if it touches anything other than the entry and exit points. It will ...
Industrial Piercing infection?10/6/2008
  Q: I've had my industrial piercing for a little over 1 week now and the top hole is still swollen. It ...
  A: You should see a doctor about the infection. care.piercing.org can help you stabilize the area with ...
bleeding bottom of navel piercing10/4/2008
  Q: I've had my navel pierced for 6 months now. I have changed my ring at 4 months because I had to have ...
  A: This does seem like it could have started to reject from what you describe. ...
navel piercing10/3/2008
  Q: Skellie, I got my belly pierced only a week ago and had ben cleaning it regularly yet when I woke ...
  A: Sorry for the delay in my response, as I've been on the road. Please have your piercer change this ...
Removal of hand web piercing, swollen and red10/2/2008
  Q: Should I get the jewelery removed from my hand web? I have had the piercing for a month now. My hand ...
  A: Ouch. I don't believe this to be a viable piercing. Yes, at this point you could take it out as long ...
son's ear piercing is too big for dad10/2/2008
  Q: over the past 6 months, my 13 year old son has stretched his single ear piercing to a 0 gauge (8.2 ...
  A: This is a fairly frequent situation now, as jewelry for enlarged piercings has been mass produced ...
Snakebite prices10/1/2008
  Q: I was wondering how much it would cost for me to get snakebites at a professional studio including ...
  A: http://www.piercing.org/faq/minors.html explains why we don't do this kind of piercing in my area, ...
Nipple Piercing?10/1/2008
  Q: I've had several piercings in my ears and two of my cartilage piercings got medium sized keloids ...
  A: jewelry.piercing.org explains jewelry safety standards and care.piercing.org describes a gentle ...
My new piercing after swimming9/30/2008
  Q: I am 16 years old and just got my second lobe piercings two days ago but I was invited to a pool ...
  A: This could be the beginning of infection. See a doctor if it gets worse or does not get better. ...
industrial bar probably infected or irritated9/29/2008
  Q: I got my industrial bar piercing about a week ago. It just started to swell, get red, and puss a ...
  A: Heat, redness, swelling, discolored discharge and pain are all signs of infection. In many cases ...
tongue piercing seeps blood and fluid9/29/2008
  Q: I had my tongue pierced 3days ago and there was no bleeding at all when I had it done or until this ...
  A: It seems that you are healing, but irritated. care.piercing.org can help you with gentler aftercare. ...
Navel piercing - should I try again?9/28/2008
  Q: I first had my navel pierced back in September 2000 and it healed up brilliantly, with no problems. ...
  A: I wouldn't try again until the skin and scar tissue have a chance to normalize. Mederma and other ...
first cartilage piercing9/28/2008
  Q: I'm getting my first cartilage piercing and i i wanted to know if a helix is more painful them an ...
  A: Both piercings can be painful or mild depending on the placement, procedure and the jewelry. ...
cartilage piercing has a bump9/27/2008
  Q: I got my ear piercied on the top cartilage a year and a half ago and it has never healed completely ...
  A: The bump is most likely from pressure and friction during the healing process. Since the healing can ...
Navel piercing rejected and migrated9/27/2008
  Q: I had my naval pierced back in January 08. Everything was fine for months - I used my sea salt ...
  A: Consider the bottom instead, especially if you have repeatedly tried the top. It may be pierced ...
side lip piercing9/27/2008
  Q: I have a couple of friend who just opened a body studio in town and I wanted some piercings so I've ...
  A: Lip piercings can be a source of distress for new piercers, as they contain easily damaged blood ...
Nose Piercing Options9/26/2008
  Q: I've looked at the titanium ones that have been suggested on here before and I don't think they are ...
  A: Depending on your skin, either a custom colored titanium flat piece or a quartz piece may work. ...
Navel piercing rejected and migrated9/26/2008
  Q: I had my naval pierced back in January 08. Everything was fine for months - I used my sea salt ...
  A: From what you describe, it seems that your piercing was somehow damaged and became infected. It ...
Deep Navel Peircing9/26/2008
  Q: I got my navel pierced yesterday and the bottom of the ring seems to be hiding deep in my belly ...
  A: The shape of your body may need the placement to be angled this way if you have a navel deep enough ...
Nipple piercings.9/25/2008
  Q: So i just recently decided that i would like to get my nipples pierced. the only question i have is, ...
  A: Even with the smallest female nipples [often about the size of male nipples] the size of the jewelry ...
Nose piercing a week old with hard area.9/24/2008
  Q: I just got my nose pierced a week ago and I've been following the care instructions so far. The ...
  A: Ask your piercer now, as they can take a look at it. Some slight swelling in the healing tissue is ...
inner lump in belly button piercing9/24/2008
  Q: I got my belly button pierced about four months ago. It was fine for about the first three months. ...
  A: Heat, swelling, redness, pain and discolored discharge are all signs of infection, and what you ...
lip piercing9/24/2008
  Q: I've had my lip pierced since Nov. 2006, so almost 2 years. Whenever I take it out for more than a ...
  A: All piercings shrink, and the longer you have them, the slower they shrink. It may be irritated by ...
Nose piercing at home with Wal-Mart stud not healing, and has bump9/22/2008
  Q: A friend of mine pierced my nose about a month ago. And we put a "silver" nose stud from walmart ...
  A: Self piercing is not a safe idea, and retail body jewelry is almost never safe, nor autoclave ...
new vch piercing swollen with bump after 2 days9/22/2008
  Q: I got a vch 2 days ago. Today it is swollen and sore. There is also a small bump at the top close to ...
  A: Pain, swelling, heat, redness and discolored discharge all can signal infection. This may not be ...
ear piercing & guage size9/22/2008
  Q: my 16 year old wants to go from a gauge 2 to a gauge "O". Can a gauge "O" hole still close up if ...
  A: All piercings shrink, but once enlarged there is more tissue inside the hole, so the amount that it ...
belly button piercing9/21/2008
  Q: ok i got my naval pierced on may 30, 2008. the surrounding area around my navel is very dark and it ...
  A: The best thing you can do is stop by the studio if you are in the area for a free consultation, and ...
bump on new nose piercing9/21/2008
  Q: Ijust got my nose pierced three weeks ago I clean it 2 to 3 times a day but it appears to have a ...
  A: Often a piercing done with a slightly irritating shape such as a nostril screw or material like an ...
Allergies9/21/2008
  Q: I've had many piercings over the years, and haven't had too many problems until after I have my ...
  A: I suggest anodized titanium in a straight barbell shape for repiercing. jewelry.piercing.org ...
Belly button piercing9/15/2008
  Q: I got my belly button pierced 3 months ago and it stays red constantly, i am allergic to nickel so ...
  A: Right, the magic sprays are not proven to do anything. Consider a change of jewelry to a curved ...
Naval piercing9/14/2008
  Q: I got my belly button pierced and it was starting to heal nicely until I changed the jewelry. I ...
  A: http://www.piercing.org/faq/rejection.html explains this situation and why you should take it out. ...
Gaugeing infection9/14/2008
  Q: I have been sitting at 3/4 of an inch for about 2 months now and i decided to gauge up to a 7/8 ...
  A: The silicone plugs do not work well for stretching in many cases, and the inventor, Kaos Softwear ...
Swollen nipple piercing9/13/2008
  Q: I had my nipple pierced about a week ago, apparently all was done right and everything was ...
  A: The swelling could be infection or normal healing, as many piercings do harden and swell a bit like ...
denied an eyebrow piercing9/13/2008
  Q: i went to Wild Ink a couple weeks ago with my mom, to finally get a horizontal eyebrow piercing; ...
  A: The difference is that the hair follicles can help keep a vertical placement a bit better, but as ...
Ear Cartilage Lump9/11/2008
  Q: I've had my ear cartilage pierced for nearly 13 weeks and to the side of the piercing there is a ...
  A: A bump on ear cartilage often indicates too much pressure or friction, though it could be infection ...
tongue and nose peircing9/11/2008
  Q: 1.I have my tongue pierced and i have had it pierced for ten years and a friend of mine says that ...
  A: 1 Brain Cancer should not have anything to do with oral piercing. There is not enough information to ...
Monroe piercing9/10/2008
  Q: I got my monroe pierced on june 24, and it healed fine. But i just recently noticed that there is a ...
  A: The jewelry that you have may not be a good fit, and may not have a smooth surface finish. The ...
Tragus Piercing9/10/2008
  Q: I just got my tragus pierced and i was wondering if there was any easier way to clean the backside ...
  A: I've had the best success with titanium threadless barbells as they wipe clean with sterile gauze if ...
nose peircing infection.9/10/2008
  Q: I pierced my nose myself in mid-march earlier this year. It healed fine afterwards, I cleaned it ...
  A: It seems that the piercing was damaged when you removed and or reinserted the jewelry. I've had the ...
Vert Hood Piercing and MRI9/9/2008
  Q: I have to have an MRI and I am worried that my piercing will mess it up and I really would rather ...
  A: It is possible that you can remove the jewelry right before and right after reinsert, especially if ...
nose stud9/9/2008
  Q: Ive had my nose pierced for about 8 months. Recently went to beach and sand was flying while laying ...
  A: I've had the best success with titanium threadless barbells jewlery.piercing.org explains more about ...
industrial piercing related to tongue?9/8/2008
  Q: a couple days ago i got an industrial piercing that was highly recommended, but a couple hours ...
  A: Although this should not have any relation, it seems very strange, and you might at least consider ...
Naval piercing being pushed out9/8/2008
  Q: I went to a very reputable body piercing studio yesterday to get my naval pierced. The piercer ...
  A: Weight generally has little to do with it, rather the shape and curvature of the navel. Those formed ...
Nipple Piercing Newbie Needs Help9/6/2008
  Q: I will be getting my nipples pierced soon at the request of my husband. Been trying to research as ...
  A: care.piercing.org explains the approach that we take. Although we have tried Satin and many other ...
do gauged ears close up? [No, but they can shrink]9/6/2008
  Q: I was recently thinking about gauging my ears. Right now, they are not pierced at all. If I decide ...
  A: Yes, all piercings shrink, but they do not close once healed skin layers the inside. The longer you ...
Healing a nipple piercing9/5/2008
  Q: I had my nipple pierced about ten years ago, wore it for maybe six years and then took it out. One ...
  A: Breast feeding is not usually a problem with nipple jewelry, or the previous marks from piercings. ...
Nipple piercing9/5/2008
  Q: I got my nipple pierced a year ago and from the beginning it hurt like hell, it actually bled when ...
  A: A ring can be difficult to heal with, and it may not be the right size or thickness. Often they are ...
Problem with new nipple piercing9/3/2008
  Q: I just got my nipples pierced on Saturday. I have flat nipples to begin with, they aren't inverted - ...
  A: Talk to your piercer and let her know that the outcome was not as desired, and that you would like ...
Had had my tongue pierced for 2 years and its now gettting swallen and sore! is it infectied?9/2/2008
  Q: Had my tongue pierced about 2 years ago and healed well and was fine only recently it has started to ...
  A: The irritation could well be infection or abscess from damage, recent illness or some sort of ...
Tragus issues9/1/2008
  Q: I got my tragus pierced about 8 weeks ago and until recently I thought healing was going well. I ...
  A: The bump may go away on it's own, especially if you prevent further irritation. I have not ...
Monroe Piercing9/1/2008
  Q: I got my piercing reopened about 2 months ago, but I've noticed that there's an internal fleshy bump ...
  A: This is probably a bit of hardened tissue that should dissipate as you heal in the next few months. ...
nose piercing bump9/1/2008
  Q: i got my nose done about weeks i go and i did mess with it but it has a bump on it i put cortisone ...
  A: Pressure and friction are the most common causes for scars such as you describe. The gentler your ...
stuck earring back8/31/2008
  Q: ... I got my 6month olds ears pierced yesterday and today i noticed the safety clutcb back is ...
  A: Such a clasp can jam if forced, often when pierced by a misaligned device and should be adjusted ...
tragus piercing8/30/2008
  Q: my tragus piercing is a little over two weeks old and recently i have developed a bump on the back ...
  A: You should have the jewelry changed by a professional with sterile technique if possible. This would ...
industrial piercing8/30/2008
  Q: I've had my industrial pierced for about a month, and it's never hurt, been sore or anything; but I ...
  A: If you see a bump on a cartilage piercing it is more comonly from pressure and friction, which ...
pierced my cousin's lip ....8/30/2008
  Q: hey there. umm ok jus to make things clear. i pierced my cousin's lip 3 weeks ago nd everything went ...
  A: Clearly this is not something that goes as well at home as in controlled circumstances by a trained ...
nipple piercing8/28/2008
  Q: I've had my nipple pierced for close to 4 months. It has never given me any problems then the ...
  A: You will probably be fine if you treat the piercing as if it is still new as long as it produces any ...
surface piercings8/28/2008
  Q: i recently had my chest pierced, it is the second surface piercing in my chest i have had done. it ...
  A: care.piercing.org explains our philosophy on care and please try frequent hot compresses to soothe ...
my infected ears8/28/2008
  Q: I got my ears pierced about 7 weeks ago. After like four weeks i decided that i was going to get new ...
  A: Please see a doctor immediately! It sounds like you were not healed when you changed them, and that ...
tragus piercing8/27/2008
  Q: my tragus piercing is a little over two weeks old and recently i have developed a bump on the back ...
  A: When a bump forms, it is more commonly from pressure and friction, as such when the source of the ...
pierced/gauged ear lobes and industrial8/27/2008
  Q: My boyfriend and I just got our ears done, I got my industrial and he got his ears pierced to a ten ...
  A: The peeling is likely part from the PCMX germacide and part from residual collagen left on the skin ...
VCH piercing infected?8/27/2008
  Q: I got a VCH piercing nearly two months ago. The piercer used a beaded ring. I did aftercare with ...
  A: If the piercing was placed high, the healing can be longer, and gentler care can help. ...
microdermal implants8/25/2008
  Q: first of all, i would like to ask your unbiased opinion on which method is the "best" for doing the ...
  A: I do not consider single point piercing so much of a style, as the procedure could clearly be badly ...
clit/hood and nipple piercings8/25/2008
  Q: I would like to have my clitoris pierced and if not then at minimum my hood pierced as well as both ...
  A: An experienced piercer and your surgeon should both be consulted. If you have had serious problems ...
Nipple Piercing8/24/2008
  Q: Brian I received my Tongue piercing from your shop. Great experience and no problems what so ever. ...
  A: It would be a good idea now to change the jewelry to an anodized titanium post to help finish your ...
nostril keloid8/24/2008
  Q: I have a 4 1/2 month old nostril piercing that has had a major keloid since the first week. I have ...
  A: Don't stress! This will probably go away soon, and is not likely a keloid. Rather it is probably a ...
belly button ring removal8/23/2008
  Q: I can't remove my bellybutton ring? I have had my bellybutton ring in for 11 years and have never ...
  A: As the piercing is most commonly attached at the top, I would suggest that you try to use clean ...
Infection8/23/2008
  Q: I'm 16 years old and I had my left earhole infected for a 7 months. I did not see a doctor but now ...
  A: It is possible that you could have been exposed to other germs and maladies, especially if you ...
Weird scaffold problem, please help!8/22/2008
  Q: i have a strange problem: I got my scaffold piercing 14 days ago with long titanium bar... it seemed ...
  A: This seems to need to be separated into two pieces of smaller jewelry until the swelling and all ...
nose piercing8/22/2008
  Q: I am having surgery for some female issues in 2 weeks. If they have me take out my piercing will it ...
  A: Your surgeon may take out even your retainer if it is noticed. Quartz straight or L bend retainers ...
industrial piercing help8/21/2008
  Q: ok so I have had this bar in my ear since January/February and its healed but there is a bubble on ...
  A: If the piercing feels healed, but still has some bump of scar tissue, there are over the counter ...
I Need help, Im really worried and if someone can just help me that would be awesome.8/21/2008
  Q: Okay, it is now Tuesday and I got my piercing on Saturday, which makes it three days ago. The ...
  A: You should see a doctor, an ear/nose/throat specialist preferably as soon as possible. The ...
industrial piercing has a bump after 1 week8/8/2008
  Q: I got my industrial peircing a week ago and the bottom hole isn't sore at all but the top one is and ...
  A: This could be an infection, and it could also indicate damage from the piercing, an angle that does ...
Side lip piercing retainer8/8/2008
  Q: I had my labret pierced (on my left side) for about 2 months before family confrontation forced me ...
  A: It will not be invisible, as the jewelry requires a longer post to prevent embedding at first. You ...
just got my lip pierced 3 days ago and I think its infected8/7/2008
  Q: I just got my lip pierced 3 days ago and I think its infected. just yesturday it started bleeding in ...
  A: http://piercing.org/faq/tongue.html information applies to the lip and tongue, and might explain why ...
belly ring help!!!!8/6/2008
  Q: iv had my belly pierced since April its now aug. it was fully healed until i took the old ring out ...
  A: It would be a really good idea to keep titanium internally threaded jewelry in your piercing until ...
lip piercing8/6/2008
  Q: so I had gotten my lip pierced today and generally I am quite picky about piercings, when I first ...
  A: if the piercing is perpendicular -|- to the tissue, it should be appropriate. I prefer to keep the ...
Age questions for minors who want piercings8/5/2008
  Q: Would you (most Would you (most professional Ear & Body Piercers) perform the following piercings on ...
  A: Glad to clarify this for you: No, ethical professionals do not usually do any ear cartilage piercing ...
Age questions for minors who want piercings8/4/2008
  Q: Would you (most Would you (most professional Ear & Body Piercers) perform the following piercings on ...
  A: In the US, the laws are fairly strict on this, and earlobe piercing is the only oversight. No ...
swollen lip piercing8/3/2008
  Q: I got my lip pierced 7 weeks ago and today i changed the ring to a stud, but my lip has gotten a ...
  A: When you changed the jewelry, if it was not autoclave sterilized anodized titanium with a smooth ...
cartilage piercing8/3/2008
  Q: I had my right ear pierced over 5 months ago in the cartilage with a sterile 18 guage needle( i ...
  A: The piercing should not have taken out a piece of tissue, rather moved things out of the way by ...
keloid8/3/2008
  Q: I have a keloid about the size of a peanut on my left ear for over 10years due to ear piercing. My ...
  A: The best thing you can do is see a dermatologist. It could grow back, but usually only if you ...
Repiercing nipple8/2/2008
  Q: I had both my nipples pierced years ago, was in an accident, they were removed for over a month, the ...
  A: That paste of dead skin, oil and sweat indicates to me that the piercings probably have shrunk a ...
six year old girl ear piercing8/2/2008
  Q: Would it be appropriate for a six year old girl the get en industrial ear piercing. Would it also ...
  A: http://piercing.org/faq/minors.html explains in detail why not. As a matter of opinion, I am not ...
Question about spacing of earlobe piercings8/2/2008
  Q: I have two piercings on both lobes that are over ten years old. They are a centimeter apart, which ...
  A: As far as rules for placement, other than the obvious desire to have them look and feel good, they ...
Blood Blister on Tragus Piercing?8/1/2008
  Q: I got my tragus pierced about 4 months ago with a CBR and a month ago I snagged it quite hard on a ...
  A: No, as you will likely irritate it more that way. Usually it will harden, dry up and peel of on it's ...
Blood Blister on Tragus Piercing?8/1/2008
  Q: I got my tragus pierced about 4 months ago with a CBR and a month ago I snagged it quite hard on a ...
  A: The damage done by your snag broke the inside lining of new skin that was trying to grow. The ...
sterilization7/31/2008
  Q: I've been piercing close friends and family for about 3-4yrs now. I am not a professional piercing ...
  A: There are not really many choices other than an autoclave for body art equipment and jewelry ...
is my industrial infected?7/31/2008
  Q: help me! idk if my industrial is infected or not. i'm not used to having cartilage piercings. so ...
  A: It could be infected or irritated by friction and other damage such as you describe. Basic first ...
Helix (cartilage) Piercing7/30/2008
  Q: I'm 16 and want to get my helix pierced. I live in Atlanta and want to know the best place to do ...
  A: You'll find that the same legal problems apply in Florida. The less qualified piercers tend to make ...
cartilage piercing7/29/2008
  Q: Ok so a little over two months ago I got my left cartilage pierced with a piercing gun. I knew it ...
  A: It is probably infected, and considering that when you get a piercing done with a gun the infection ...
Industrial Ear Piercing7/28/2008
  Q: Would it be okay to use an alcohol-free hand sanitizer on my industrial? Because sometimes I just ...
  A: Ouch! No, it is not an OK solution, plus it will just irritate the area, and destroy tissue. Try a ...
closing stretched ears7/28/2008
  Q: will stretched ears NOT close naturally after a certain size because i heard that after a zero or ...
  A: The piercing does not remove the tissue, and your body is pretty smart. It has no motivation to keep ...
lip ring7/28/2008
  Q: i had a stud lip ring in my lip and the back pulled threw and now i can't get it out how do i get it ...
  A: The back should come out the same way it went in with a steady grip and gentle pressure. If you can ...
Industrial Piercing7/27/2008
  Q: I got my industrial pierced about four years ago, and the bottom hole never quite healed (the top ...
  A: Possibly a change to a new titanium barbell with internal screw threads ...
belly button7/27/2008
  Q: me and my friend got our belly buttons done on July 25, 2008 and the day after they are a little ...
  A: They could be a bit irritated from the procedure or your aftercare, or the early signs of infection. ...
belly piercing7/26/2008
  Q: i was wondering if you knew where to buy clip on belly rings. i have been begging my mom to let me ...
  A: There are a few sites that I have seen online for non-piercing navel jewelry, but I don't carry them ...
nose piercing7/26/2008
  Q: About three weeks ago I got my nose pierced by a local piercing shop, well it looks like it ...
  A: It seems like your doctor burned the area with silver nitrate, a rather extreme solution, and not ...
tongue and tragus piercings7/26/2008
  Q: I have a couple of questions. I want to get my tounge pierced but my mom doesnt want me to, she ...
  A: http://piercing.org/faq/tongue.html describes what should be normal for the tongue. If you are ...
hood piercing infection7/25/2008
  Q: I had a vertical hood piercing about 4 months ago. I healed quickly with pretty much no problems. I ...
  A: The jewelry may be a problem if it is not anodized titanium or platinum some people can become ...
Hard Lump/Stretching7/25/2008
  Q: i have had my right ear pierced twice now, goin for my third soon as both the times before did not ...
  A: The lump is probably scar tissue, and with massage and over the counter scar treatment gel such as ...
Industrial Piercing First Aid!7/25/2008
  Q: I have an industrial piercing and it was healed pretty good, but then this morning getting into my ...
  A: Wash your piercing well and put an ice pack on the area to soothe it and reduce the swelling if a ...
quartz in a lip piercing?7/24/2008
  Q: I'm looking to get my lip re-pierced, but my job won't allow facial piercings (that are visible ...
  A: I note that our custom section will need clarification. http://www.piercing.org/shop/retainers.htm ...
Infection after gauged ears became normal.7/24/2008
  Q: I gauged my ears only up to a size 14 and I only had the earrings on for maybe a total of 2 months. ...
  A: When you enlarged your piercings, they may have scarred a bit thicker than average, but the symptoms ...
bump beside new dimple piercing7/24/2008
  Q: I had my cheeks pierced 2 weeks ago with super long posts to accomodate for the swelling. While my ...
  A: This hard area could be scar tissue as it heals or an abscess or infection of some sort. It would be ...
Piercing did not close7/23/2008
  Q: I had my stomach pierced and took it out ages ago, its left the hole there and it really winds me ...
  A: In some cases the hole will shrink or diminish further with scar treatment products available over ...
quartz in a lip piercing?7/22/2008
  Q: I'm looking to get my lip re-pierced, but my job won't allow facial piercings (that are visible ...
  A: A quartz retainer, as I sell at http://piercing.org/shop is not my choice for a new piercing. I ...
Bulbs!7/22/2008
  Q: I had my ear lobes pierced and 3.2mm rings put in in february of this year with the intention of ...
  A: In my experience, rings can often cause scars that look like what you describe from friction and ...
keloids and my tragus7/21/2008
  Q: I got both my tragus pirced about a month and a half ago. I think I am developing that keloids on my ...
  A: Don't use that, it's a chemical burn and not meant for open wounds! See a doctor or dermatologist ...
just a couple questions7/21/2008
  Q: i pierced my own ears about 4 days ago using a clamp and a sterilized sewing needle, and its doing ...
  A: Since sterile means no germs, and sewing needles are not going to get that clean at home, which ...
tongue piercing7/21/2008
  Q: I just got my tongue pierced yesterday and am already extremely stressed out that it was done too ...
  A: Send pictures to my brian at piercing.org address and I'll let you know if it is an uncommon ...
cartilage piercing7/21/2008
  Q: I already have one cartilage piercing at the top of my ear but I want another one below the one I ...
  A: Placement and technique have a lot to do with the sensation of the piercing during and after the ...
Removing nipple bar7/20/2008
  Q: I have a nipple bar that I would like to take out. The ball is suppose to screw off, but it is ...
  A: See a professional if you can, stop by if you are in the Atlanta area for a free consultation ...
Removing Navel Piercing7/19/2008
  Q: I have had a navel piercing for 8 or 9 years now. I would like to remove my jewelry permanently. ...
  A: Your piercing may not have completely healed, or it may just tighten quickly as many do if the ...
Tragus piercing.7/19/2008
  Q: I got my tragus pierced just over a week ago, the piercer told me to clean it once a day, (in the ...
  A: Your piercing would be better off with gentler care and a titanium barbell instead of a ring. Often ...
lump on monroe piercing7/19/2008
  Q: i got a monroe piercing a week ago.. at first it was fine, then two days later i hurt it with my car ...
  A: If the swelling and redness spread, or the sensation gets worse see a doctor. Go ahead and see a ...
industrial piercing7/18/2008
  Q: I had my industrial done yesterday. And now I don't know how long my ear can't be wet? how long I ...
  A: It is still healing and should be protected if your piercing has any discharge, dry skin or dried ...
infected ear...i swear7/18/2008
  Q: OK..I've had my ear pierced for at least a month and a day..but I notice my ear bleeding and one day ...
  A: Piercing done with a gun can be irritating and a source of infection and disease unless the gun was ...
Upper ear piercings.7/17/2008
  Q: About a week ago i got a piercing in my upper ear, it was fine until yesterday when my ear started ...
  A: It seems as if you picked up an infection. Ice packs can help reduce the swelling. Often a piercing ...
Swollen Tongue after it was healed for three years7/17/2008
  Q: I woke up this morning and my neck was hurting and my tongue swollen up like crazy! the only thing ...
  A: Either you got sick recently or picked up an infection. It could be a cold or flu coupled with ...
tragus pierced with a gun7/17/2008
  Q: I recently made a quick decision and got my tragus pierced without checking it out first. The lady ...
  A: Infection tends to show up within the first two weeks, and a gun is always contaminated as a source ...
broken thread in navel piercing!!!7/16/2008
  Q: I have had a piercing in the lower part of my belly button for at least 6 years. I really want to ...
  A: The ring shaped pieces do not unscrew in most cases. The animation at ...
double flare eyelets7/16/2008
  Q: i recently got size 14mm in my ear lobes, what i was not banking on was the ear pieces, size 14mm ...
  A: So sorry to read about your trauma. The best things I can suggest are waiting until they come out ...
conch piercing7/15/2008
  Q: i've been thinking about getting my conch pierced (inner ear) and i was woundering wa is the pain ...
  A: Any ear cartilage piercing done well should feel about the same. None are better or worse, it really ...
closing stretched ears7/15/2008
  Q: will stretched ears NOT close naturally after a certain size because i heard that after a zero or ...
  A: The only thing that will make a piercing close is damage to the tissue. In some cases I have seen ...
Doubt concerning industrial piercing7/15/2008
  Q: first of all thank you for your time in answering this question. I got an industrial piercing in my ...
  A: Sorry for the delay, I've been traveling from Atlanta to New York to Los Angeles for conventions and ...
belly button piercings7/15/2008
  Q: I pierced my naval yesterday and the ring fell out today while I was working. How long will it take ...
  A: The longer you wait for the tissue to become soft and as close to normal as possible, the better. I ...
my rook piercing.7/14/2008
  Q: I got my rook pierced in Mid-march. I was cleaning it with antibacterial soap only as per my ...
  A: It seems that you may have both the problem of infection and also insufficient and or inappropriate ...
Ear Cartilage Piercing - Bleeding7/14/2008
  Q: I got my ear pierced around 4-5 days ago, vertical helix piercing I think it is. Now the problem I ...
  A: It seems that your piercing may be in an area that is very vascular, and that you may be moving it ...
My nose piercing7/14/2008
  Q: I've had my nose piercing for about a month. I had it professionally done in a sterile environment. ...
  A: The bump is from infection and irritation most likely, not a keloid. It is dangerous to change the ...
silicone rubber plugs7/14/2008
  Q: Do you recomend using silicone rubber guages that are bigger and fold them into your ears, and they ...
  A: I really like Jesse Jarrell's Kaos Softwear silicone plugs, and have worn them since they were first ...
piercings may be infected7/13/2008
  Q: ive had my industrial and naval piercing for about 3 months now and have had no problem with them ...
  A: At this point it could be a pyogenic infection from sleeping on the piercing, handling it and ...
Whats wrong about not using tapers7/13/2008
  Q: I recently went from a 00 to a 1/2 inch without using tapers (which i usually never do anyways). I ...
  A: If you go gently up with tapered jewelry for a few weeks, then put in the flares when they fit ...
Whats wrong about not using tapers7/12/2008
  Q: I recently went from a 00 to a 1/2 inch without using tapers (which i usually never do anyways). I ...
  A: Consider my suggestions at www.piercing.org/faq/stretching.html What you should do is get some ...
my belly button piercing7/12/2008
  Q: i got my belly button pierced almost 2 months ago, my piercer pierced it with a ring it looked ...
  A: As far as a bump on a piercing goes, the piercing is likely moving around more than it can handle, ...
Monroe peircing swelling7/11/2008
  Q: I got a monroe peircing a month and a half ago when I got the peircing about 4 days later I had some ...
  A: Clearly a paper clip is not intended to be inside the human body, as the material and surface will ...
Tragus Piercing7/11/2008
  Q: I got my Tragus Pierced in the middle of may and it was going good for a while now all of the sudden ...
  A: First consider that it may have been damaged in an accidental way, sleeping on it, banging on ...
what do i do7/10/2008
  Q: hey, well i had my ear lobe peircing for over 2 months now and everything was good up to now. about ...
  A: It may now be infected, and part of that could be from damage to the piercing or from irritation ...
Tragus piercing7/10/2008
  Q: I had my tragus pierced about 3 days ago. I had it done at a very reputable place, and am not ...
  A: The piercing may be in an uncomfortable position, but it may just be irritated. Some piercer's ...
Right Cartilage Piercing7/9/2008
  Q: I just got a helix piercing in my right ear, and I didn't know about the gay/straight thing. Is that ...
  A: Your choice of piercings should not have any signal or bearing on your lifestyle other than your ...
Monroe Piercing7/8/2008
  Q: I have had my monroe pierced for about 3 mos. Ive dealt with having too long of a stud in for a long ...
  A: The first thing to do is to measure the post you have, which if it was the initial piercing post for ...
wisdom teeth surgery and oral piercings7/8/2008
  Q: I'm about to have my oral surgery in a few weeks and I was wondering if I'll have to remove my ...
  A: Your oral piercings should probably come out, so that your surgeon does not misplace them or have ...
monroe piercing7/8/2008
  Q: 5 WEEKS AGO, I HAD A MONROE PIERCING DONE.THE PIERCER INFORNED ME THAT I WILL BE SWOLLEN AND OR PUSS ...
  A: The piercing is not healed enough for you to change the jewelry on your own yet. The healing process ...
nose piercing bump7/7/2008
  Q: I got my nose pierced with silver two months back and now I'm stuck with the dreaded bump near my ...
  A: Often a piercing done with slightly irritating material like silver, steel or an alloy of gold ...
Enamel/gum-safe lip jewelry?7/7/2008
  Q: Are there any lip rings or jewelry made from material that's not harmful to your enamel or gums? My ...
  A: Your dentist is completely correct, though a company we work with that makes dental implants ...
lumps and infection7/7/2008
  Q: i have had my ears pierced for about 5 weeks now just above my other ear piercing and i noticed ...
  A: Glad to help: It seems that the damage done by catching it was the culprit, and you should make sure ...
my labret piercing is bleeding7/7/2008
  Q: I got my labret pierced four days ago, and now randomly when i was eating an Otter Pop it began ...
  A: I apologize for the delay in my response as I've been very busy with work in the last days. If you ...
Navel Piercing Lump7/6/2008
  Q: I've recently had my navel pierced at a professional shop about a month ago. i have a curved ...
  A: Often a piercing done with slightly irritating material like steel or an alloy of gold (usually ...
Removing Nipple rings myself7/6/2008
  Q: Could you tell me the best way to remove nipple piercing myself. I noticed in one answer it said to ...
  A: Sorry for the delay in my response. A water based lubricant such as KY jelly can help you get the ...
infected ear7/4/2008
  Q: i got my upper ear pierced about 2 or 3 weeks ago and i was taking care of it the right my, but the ...
  A: See a doctor if the swelling has continued. Many times the piercing that gets swollen can be treated ...
navel piercing question!!!!7/2/2008
  Q: How long do naval piercings usually stay red for? also is it normal for it to itch?
  A: A little redness indicates capillary growth, and some slight itching similar to any other healing ...
ear cartiledge and nose piercing.7/2/2008
  Q: I have a two fold question. I apologize for the length but I searched the archives and guess I have ...
  A: First, to make sure that ring is a quality piece, read www.piercing.org/faq/jewelry.html as the ...
Lip piercing..7/2/2008
  Q: hey! Alright, so I'm going to get my lip done in a few weeks(bottom lip) and have been researching ...
  A: Alcohol is dehydrating and can cause more swelling and soreness, even a canker sore on the inside ...
Should I be scared?7/1/2008
  Q: So I really want to get my nose pierced but I'm totally scared of pain! Could someone tell me if it ...
  A: Piercing has many positive points and can be easy to heal and enjoy. Most of the clients have ...
Diamonds in my wrist! Wrist microdermals6/28/2008
  Q: About a month ago I got two microdermal anchors in my left wrist. My left microdermal sits perfectly ...
  A: It probably should be removed. This type of piercing has the same problems as surface piercing ...
new lip piercing problems6/28/2008
  Q: I got my lower lip at the side pierced a couple of weeks ago, in the last few days I've noticed that ...
  A: This seems as if the piercing may be infected and that the jewelry is putting pressure on the local ...
nose piercing infected6/28/2008
  Q: I got my nose pierced about wks ago and had to remove it for an x-ray,after I put the nose ring ...
  A: In the future, know that you do not need to remove body jewelry for x-ray and MRI scans. I'll be ...
Protecting my navel piercing6/27/2008
  Q: Ok so i got my navel pierced about a week ago and in another week i start ballet classes again. I ...
  A: Some clients have success with a hard plastic vented eye patch sold at many drug stores as ...
Cost/Cleaning6/26/2008
  Q: I am thinking about getting piercings on the front part of my sides by my hips. Do you know what ...
  A: The piercings that you are interested in are called surface piercings, and the placement does not ...
monroe piercing irritated.. infected?!6/26/2008
  Q: I just got my monroe pierced on the 20th of June. I am so in love with it, however; the outside area ...
  A: It would be my suggestion for you to visit your doctor or dermatologist at this point for treatment. ...
Monroe infection-paranoid or infection6/26/2008
  Q: On friday i got a monroe, unfortunately its now wednesday of the following week and i have ...
  A: Redness, heat, swelling and discolored discharge tend to be signs of common infections. What you ...
re-piercing my baby's earlobe6/26/2008
  Q: I had my 5 month old baby's ears pierced and one of the piercings was placed very poorly. We ...
  A: It will probably still be tender and healing for 3-4 weeks. I'd suggest that you give it that and a ...
Piercing Aftercare6/24/2008
  Q: i heard that you should ONLY use sea slat and not iodized table salt. is it bad or just better, ...
  A: No type of salt really does well, nor will alcohol help, plus all of these can hurt more than they ...
new monroe piercing6/23/2008
  Q: I just got my monroe done today and I'm concerned about the aftercare. So far, I'm cleaning the ...
  A: You are doing fine with the ice and the soap is not too bad, but the antiseptic and antibiotic can ...
navel piercing6/22/2008
  Q: 1)Does a belly button piercing always hurt? 2)How much is it to pierce your belly button? 3)How long ...
  A: We are glad that you would choose us for your safe, simple and gentle piercing. 100% of piercings ...
ear stretching6/22/2008
  Q: I had my ear pierced about 7 years ago. 3 months ago I decided to start stretching it, I was ...
  A: From what you describe, your piercing may be suffering from damage to the circulation of the skin ...
my vertical hood piercing6/22/2008
  Q: I have hood my clit pierced now for 7 months now and I want to change my ring. The problem I am ...
  A: It seems like your original jewelry may have been too short or had ends that were too small for your ...
Cartilage Infection?6/21/2008
  Q: About two weeks ago I got a barbell inserted into the cartilage in my right ear. It's been doing ...
  A: Ear gun piercing and jewlery should not be used for cartilage. http://piercing.org/shop has examples ...
downsizing6/21/2008
  Q: My daughter wants to remove a spacer but thinks she has to put a larger one in to break the skin ...
  A: The enlarged piercing will not likely shrink back to a 1mm [18g] opening quickly, but should shrink ...
madonna piercing infected6/20/2008
  Q: i got my piercing at the beginning of the year so it has been a good few months, but today (6/20/08) ...
  A: The lump is probably scar tissue from reaction to steel jewelry, as well as pressure and friction. ...
cartilage piercing earring back stuck6/20/2008
  Q: i got my piercing about 2-3 weeks ago at piercing pagoda and i tried to take it out today to clean ...
  A: You will likely have to clean the piercing more thoroughly. The proteins from your body fluids can ...
Navel Piercing Infection6/19/2008
  Q: I got my navel pierced approximately nine years ago. Up until this past month I never had a ...
  A: See a doctor if this does not clear up right away. Once you are well, stop by to visit the studio ...
Should I get a get a nose piercing?6/18/2008
  Q: Okay so I have been wanting a nose piercing for a while now. My mom has decided that I cannot get ...
  A: Read about safe piercing, and try to find a studio that will use appropriate titanium jewelry, such ...
Tragus Ear Piercing6/18/2008
  Q: I was wondering how to get rid of a red bubble that is on the site of my tragus piercing. I have ...
  A: Often a piercing done with slightly irritating material like steel or an alloy of gold (usually ...
tragus6/17/2008
  Q: i had my tragus done in february n am now trying to take the earing out to switch it...how do i do ...
  A: You didnt' mention what kind of jewelry you were wearing. Be careful, as something must be in the ...
job doesn't allow peircings and I've only had it for a month...6/17/2008
  Q: I got peircings in the cartalige of my ears done aboout 5 weeks ago, but my new job doesn't allow ...
  A: We use titanium threadless barbells that are fleshtone anodized titanium disc ends on them to ...
Swollen Tragus6/17/2008
  Q: i had my tragus pierced on the 28th of march and its still extremely swollen. I returned to the ...
  A: You may be sleeping on it, and it may be irritated from care and handling. Ice in a dry cold ...
re-inserting an earring6/17/2008
  Q: Our 10 year old had her ears pierced 8 weeks ago. Three days ago she was excited to change them, ...
  A: The problem seems to be having not fully healed the piercings at 8 weeks. It can take 90 days or ...
Thicker gauge ear jewelry6/16/2008
  Q: my ears are both gagged i bought a pair of earrings from hottopic and i thought that they were just ...
  A: http://piercing.org/faq/stretching.html explains how to gently enlarge your piercing if you please. ...
I got my earlobes pierced just over a week ago, and I have a few questions6/15/2008
  Q: 1. How long does it generally take the wound to fully heal? 2. How long do I have to clean the ear ...
  A: The healing will vary from 30-90 days or longer depending on your health and how you protect the ...
Where can I get small tragus jewelry?6/15/2008
  Q: I have a tragus piercing with 1.6mm thickness, my problem is i have really small ears so jewellery ...
  A: Sure, excellent titanium pieces in as short as 5mm [3/16 inch] and with ends as small as 1.5mm are ...
Industrial Piercing6/15/2008
  Q: In July 2007 I had a scaffold piercing done and the piercer put a long PTFE bar through both ...
  A: Pain, swelling, redness and discharge, especially discolored are all signs of infection and could ...
Ear stretcher/expander, no pain/bleeding, but there's puss.6/14/2008
  Q: About 2 days ago I got a 4mm gauge(A metal cone shaped one) put in my ear. It did not hurt at the ...
  A: This means that you went too large too soon. You will probably get better with gentle aftercare, but ...
Lump around monroe hole6/14/2008
  Q: I've had my monroe for a good 6 months and it was fine, but I recently put an 18g in from a 16g for ...
  A: The new jewelry may not have been properly cleaned, polished and sterilized. This bump could be both ...
I want new Navel jewelry, am I healed enough to switch?6/13/2008
  Q: Okay, i got my navel pierced professionally about 6 days ago. Around the top ring its a little ...
  A: You are not really ready to switch until the skin has the same color and texture as the surrounding ...
I want to enlarge my one week old Ear Piercing o_O6/13/2008
  Q: Ok so i got my ear donw like a week ago normal size i gusse right and i want to space it but i dont ...
  A: It tends to be difficult and scarring to enlarge piercings that are not yet healed. The risk for ...
Tongue & cartilage piercings6/13/2008
  Q: A little over two years ago, when I didn't no any better, I went to my local Wal-Mart Jewelry ...
  A: The ear cartilage should never be pierced by a gun, as you have found out. They can be re-pierced in ...
New monroe piercing is too tight6/13/2008
  Q: I'm 16 and I just got a monroe piercing 3 days ago. It's still swollen, but the ball of my piercing ...
  A: Ice will help reduce the swelling, as will drinking plenty water and electrolytes. ...
eyebrow piercing rejection6/12/2008
  Q: i just got my eyebrow pierced a week ago. my friend told me he knew a guy who his piercing pushed ...
  A: Pain, swelling, redness and discharge are all signs of infection and could also be that your jewelry ...
tongue piercing6/12/2008
  Q: i just got my tongue pierced and i noticed that it was crooked. i did some research and found out ...
  A: If the piercing is really crooked, more than about 1/16 inch[2mm] then it may be in muscle tissue, ...
ear piercings6/12/2008
  Q: i am going to pierce my ear at home and going to use a safety pinn and I was wondering if i ...
  A: Swimming will be irritating, and a potential cause for infection and scarring. Change to safe ...
Hi i got my eyebrow pierced some time in febuary and it gor infected6/11/2008
  Q: It got infected some time April and is still infected. The infection has died down and came back a ...
  A: http://piercing.org/faq/aftercare.html may help you understand irritation and infection. It may be ...
Nose piercing Infection6/11/2008
  Q: I got my nose pierced and a few days ago, i noticed a bump. at first i thought it was just a pimple ...
  A: If you've seen the doctor, and it has only been a few days since the piercing, hopefully the scar ...
ear piercings6/11/2008
  Q: i am going to pierce my ear at home and going to use a safety pinn and I was wondering if i ...
  A: Self piercing could be less risky than piercing at the mall where you would be exposed to the blood ...
old piercing new problems6/11/2008
  Q: I've had my tongue pierced for 5 years with no problem, but over the past year it starts to hurt ...
  A: Check the post for uneven surfaces. It may be damaged in some way, or have a biofilm or plaque. ...
my lip is swollen after changing the ring6/10/2008
  Q: hey. i got my lip pierced on the right side days ago. and its doing sumthing really weird. i think ...
  A: You should change back to the looser fitting post, as you are not likely ready yet for a close ...
Tragus Piercing too shallow6/10/2008
  Q: I got my tragus pierced about a month ago, and it was doing well until a few days ago.Since then ...
  A: No luck with your pictures, they come up password protected for me, though you can email me at ...
Ear Piercings then stretching6/9/2008
  Q: im wondering, i want to get both my ears pierced then enlagred. how long to wait from the point ...
  A: Piercings leave some sort of scar when healed, even when stretched correctly ...
nostril piercing unsightly bump!6/9/2008
  Q: I have a small bump right next to my nostril piercing. I've had the piercing for about 6 months and ...
  A: You may not be able to get the jewelry back on because of shrinkage at this point if you were to ...
Nipple Piercing6/9/2008
  Q: I'm 19 years old and looking to get both my nipples pierced sometime in the near future. i would ...
  A: What I've found most functional to prevent rejection is to make sure that the piercings are ...
Enlarging new ear piercings6/9/2008
  Q: I just peirced my ears yesterday and i was wondering how long i should wait to put in a 8 gauge
  A: Since you didn't mention what size they are currently, I'm going to assume that they might be very ...
Navel piercing had an infection: what to do before traveling6/7/2008
  Q: I got my navel pierced for the first time about 3 and a half months ago. It bled consistently for ...
  A: I hope that you are well now, with only normal healing ahead of you. You should see your doctor for ...
reappearing bump on navel piercing6/7/2008
  Q: I've had my naval pierced for over a year and went back to the place where it was pierced to see ...
  A: It seems that your piercing was either not very well healed when you changed the jewelry, or that it ...
ears have bumps and swell6/6/2008
  Q: I just got my ears done for the second time 3 days ago and my left ear has started to swell and ...
  A: This seems like it could be an infection and or an allergic reaction to the jewelry or aftercare ...
Discoloration around the lip piercing6/6/2008
  Q: I just got my monroe done, and there is no swelling, just weird discoloration around the hole on the ...
  A: The discoloration could be from your aftercare http://piercing.org/pexy/recovery/recovery.html ...
Cartilage Piercing discolored6/4/2008
  Q: Hey, I got two new piercings yesterday done at the same time, first my cartilage, then my tragus. ...
  A: This could be a bruise, or your piercer may have used gentian violet as a marking product, which ...
Bruised nose ring6/4/2008
  Q: I decided to permanently remove my nose ring about a year ago because I kept getting infections. ...
  A: The discoloration may not go away without help from a dermatologist. Many of the common pieces for ...
Septum piercing.6/3/2008
  Q: I tried piercing my own septum, at first it was fine and didn't hurt at all. I kept pulling out the ...
  A: Self-piercing almost always involves infection. The multiple piercings that you gave yourself in the ...
bump on navel piercing6/3/2008
  Q: I got my belly button pierced around easter. the piercer told me i could change it within a month if ...
  A: It is probably infected, and a month is pretty soon to change a navel piercing. What you put in the ...
Nostril stupid nose bone trapped inside! :(6/2/2008
  Q: I feel frustrated and stupid. I have several piercings in my body, and I love them all and have ...
  A: Nose bones are pretty unpleasant when they do this, and they can do this all too easily. We use ...
tongue piercing irritated/infected after change to Hot Topic barbell at home6/2/2008
  Q: I have a follow-up to a question I just asked. I have had my tongue pierced for three weeks. I ...
  A: Jewelry purchased for a piercing should ALWAYS be sterilized only in a steam autoclave before it is ...
discharge from newish tongue piercing6/2/2008
  Q: I got my tongue pierced three weeks ago. For the first two weeks I didn't have any problems, but now ...
  A: This could be infection, and if you changed your jewelry to a new piece that was not autoclave ...
monroe piercing6/2/2008
  Q: I got my monroe piercing about 3 months ago and just about a week ago i noticed a blister like thing ...
  A: The overgrowth of scar tissue may indicate that you need to change your toothpaste, or quit using it ...
Medusa - growth on inside of lip6/1/2008
  Q: i got a medusa piercing about 6 weeks ago. last week a bit of skin started to sort of grow over the ...
  A: I had another person mention much the same problem today: The overgrowth of scar tissue may ...
navel piecing6/1/2008
  Q: i had my navel pieced for about 3 years,gold bars seem to cause infection to my navel. i can wear ...
  A: The safest jewelry is likely to be titanium or platinum. http://piercing.org/faq/jewelry.html ...
dimple piercings6/1/2008
  Q: ok so i want my dimples pierced but i dont really have dimples!Would it look ok without even having ...
  A: Cheek / dimple piercings are a bit more risky if you don't have dimples and may be best placed very ...
enlarged piercing has an odor5/31/2008
  Q: I herd alot about the stench that comes with spacers in your ear, is that true? They say it's like a ...
  A: Funny, another person asked this earlier today! The smell from body jewelry is usually a ...
nose and ear piercings have an odor5/30/2008
  Q: Why do they sometimes smell? What causes the smell and how do you get rid of it? Usually when you ...
  A: The smell from body jewelry is usually a combination of things. Malodorous sweat and oil build up in ...
Lip [labret] Piercing Worry after change to black jewelry5/29/2008
  Q: I've had my lebret piercing for well over two years now. It healed well and has always been very ...
  A: This could well be an infection, and or a reaction to the coated black piece that was supposed to be ...
My Cartilage piercing5/29/2008
  Q: It is a thursday and i got my cartilage pierced the saturday before so about 5 days ago. My friend ...
  A: It sounds like you may have irritated it, and it would be susceptible to infection at this point. ...
my new venom tongue piercing5/29/2008
  Q: i just recently got a venom piercing and one of them is further back than the other could this be an ...
  A: Not everyone is perfectly symmetric, but if you agreed on the placement before the piercing, and it ...
Navel piercing removal5/28/2008
  Q: I am planning on getting pregnant and need to remove my navel piercing, but I like it and would like ...
  A: We have bars as examples at http://piercing.org/shop/ in different lengths. You may need 1/2 inch or ...
Navel Piercings Gone Wrong..Hope For A Third Time?5/28/2008
  Q: ok first i wanna say hello and ur awesome for taking time to read and respond to these questions. ...
  A: From what you describe, your navel may no longer be suited for long term jewelry wear, but sight ...
VCH pinching5/28/2008
  Q: I had a VCH done 6 weeks ago today. It does not weep and does not appear swollen but it is very ...
  A: The more you wear steel, the more sensitive you become to the alloy elements of chromium, nickel, ...
Nose Piercing5/26/2008
  Q: I got my nose pierced exactly a month ago today. Last night I woke up and looked in the mirror and ...
  A: http://piercing.org/pexy/recovery/recovery.html can help you care for the piercing gently. A careful ...
Tragus pierced with a gun?5/25/2008
  Q: I got my tragus pierced with a gun 2 days ago. The jewelery used was like a normal ear stud just ...
  A: Jewelry from the gun should not be used in ear cartilage piercing. Ear cartilage piercing should not ...
piercings5/25/2008
  Q: well i have had my nipples pierced twice now. got pregnant had a kid and took them out (first time) ...
  A: Re-piercing nipples can be a debatable prospect, as the previous scar tends to have shedding skin ...
nose piercing5/25/2008
  Q: Just in the last week I developed this little lump around the bottom half of the stud. It looks ...
  A: It probably is infected, like an abscess that appears on stitches when irritated or contaminated and ...
Removing Nose Piercing Safely5/24/2008
  Q: I had my nose pierced about a week ago. I don't like it as much as I thought I would, and my ...
  A: As soon as you feel healed like it, you should be able to remove or change jewelry with the kind of ...
nose piercing5/23/2008
  Q: i got my nose pierced 6 weeks ago and i have a bump not over my hole but near it i had it once and ...
  A: Often a piercing done with slightly irritating material like steel or an alloy of gold (usually ...
navel rejection5/23/2008
  Q: i have had my belly button pierced for about 7 years and it has migrated a lot, it has almost ...
  A: You should consider removal and re-piercing it in an anatomically proportionate way with light ...
My parents won't let me...5/22/2008
  Q: How can I convince my parents to let me get my lip pierced? I'm 17 and I feel that I'm more than old ...
  A: Best of luck to you, more information is at http://www.piercing.org/faq/tongue.html to help you ...
Morbid Metals Jewlery (from hot topic)5/22/2008
  Q: I have recently read that steel is not a good material for body piercings. I have also been wearing ...
  A: http://piercing.org/faq/jewelry.html explains more about jewelry safety. So far I have not been ...
Nostril jewelry5/21/2008
  Q: Today I got my second nostril pierced and I hate the ring they put in. I thought it would look nice ...
  A: It should work if your piercing measures at 1/4th inch, and has at least 1/16th inch extra room for ...
repierce nose5/20/2008
  Q: I had my nose pierce two years ago. About six months ago, I took the piercing out for a job. The ...
  A: It is not likely completely closed, only very tight on the inside. A professional can usually get a ...
Nostril jewelry5/18/2008
  Q: Today I got my second nostril pierced and I hate the ring they put in. I thought it would look nice ...
  A: It would be an easier healing process if you start out with a post of some sort, preferably anodized ...
pierced my navel at home5/17/2008
  Q: i pierced my navel at home about a week ago. i know it isnt a good idea, but im a teenager and ...
  A: From what you describe, it could be an infection. The normal healing is described at ...
industrial piercing.5/16/2008
  Q: hey well I got my industrial piercing about 2 months ago & I'm having problems with it. well on the ...
  A: Consider a change to a slightly longer anodized colored titanium bar, or to two separate bars for ...
Monroe piercing: Possible infection?5/16/2008
  Q: I got my monroe piercing a week ago the first two days went fine no pain or redness but on the third ...
  A: This could be infection, and you should consider gentle care as described at ...
lip5/15/2008
  Q: how much would it coast to get my lip done.!? and would it hurt..!?! alot or a little cause i always ...
  A: You might like this article to clarify some of the issues with cheap piercings. ...
M0NR0E PiERCiNG - FLATBACK C0VERED iN SKiN5/13/2008
  Q: When I gotten my monroe pierced, the piercer used the wrong needle. I think he soppose to pierce it ...
  A: The problem was likely the length of the post and the angle of the piercing. The thickness of the ...
Industrial Piercing Options5/13/2008
  Q: I have been interested in getting an industrial ear piercing. I currently have two holes in my ...
  A: If you've had trouble with bumps, the angle of the piercing, the way you protect it from pressure ...
Ears gauging5/12/2008
  Q: So I gauged my ears and I'm now at 6. My ears however are originally pierced closer to my head than ...
  A: You should be fine if you go gently. If you do not like the placement, try the piercing in another ...
Best way to let a vertical labret grow in?5/12/2008
  Q: I've had my vertical labret pierced for just over a year now and I'm thinking about letting it grow ...
  A: Removal should allow it to shrink and minimize naturally. If you use an emollient oil or over the ...
septic ear5/11/2008
  Q: i've got a really sore ear and i think it now has pus coming out(it's in my earring hole!i'v had my ...
  A: The jewelry could have been contaminated or have a rough or sharp or otherwise uneven surface ...
Lip ring5/10/2008
  Q: .. I'm sorry it took me so long to reply everything has been great with my lipring ( Dunno if you ...
  A: To be quite honest, you should be concerned but not at all paranoid. The risks of even minor surgery ...
smiley piercing5/9/2008
  Q: what are the cons of smiley piercings? is it a common occurance that your teeth start to decay?
  A: They can rub your teeth and gums causing irritation and damage to the enamel and root, as well as ...
Industrial Q5/9/2008
  Q: there. I got my industrial piercing about 5ish days ago, and it hasn't been doing much of anything, ...
  A: If the bar touches the area of skin between the two piercings, it can be irritating, and the bar may ...
Ear piercing for a senior5/8/2008
  Q: My mother is in her late seventies and is interested in getting her ears pierced...just plain old ...
  A: Modern earlobe piercing is fast, gentle and for the most part painless. The appropriate jewelry is a ...
Cartilidge piercing5/8/2008
  Q: I had my top ear ( helix) done 3 weeks ago.. It swelled and was real tender 3-4 days after I had it ...
  A: It seems that you may still have a bit of infection. Some people have good results with antiseptic ...
Closing Time5/6/2008
  Q: How long does it take for an Industrial and Conch piercing to close up? I have to remove them for ...
  A: The longer you have a piercing, the longer it takes to close. I suggest that you have a tapered ...
How to change my Nose ring5/5/2008
  Q: I have Had My nose pierced for 8 months, and I want to change the ring. It is a screw, i think, its ...
  A: First, have the new piece inspected for surface defects and autoclave sterilized by a professional. ...
navel piercing trouble5/4/2008
  Q: i have gotten my belly button pierced about two weeks ago (april 17th) and lately i have notived ...
  A: It would be a very good idea to change the jewelry to a titanium internally threaded curved barbell ...
septum piercings5/1/2008
  Q: How do you know if a septum piercing will look good on you?
  A: Your imagination is the key, but often people will take a photo and draw on jewelry or hold a piece ...
cartilage piercing bleeding5/1/2008
  Q: Last night when I cleaned my earrings I took the left cartilage one out cause lately when I turned ...
  A: Volpe, It is not usually safe to remove piercings that are still healing. Clean them with the ...
Prince Albert: foreskin restrained causing phimosis4/30/2008
  Q: I got a prince albert piercing, on April 20 2008 at 300p.m. Come monday it was swallin. So i was a ...
  A: Phimosis, the swelling of the foreskin can be painful and sometimes needs a doctor's care. ...
tragus aftercare and jewelry4/29/2008
  Q: I had my tragus pierced 2 weeks ago. It is healing well. I have 2 questions after reading about your ...
  A: http://piercing.org/faq/jewlery.html describes titanium and other materials and their surface ...
ear piercing infection4/27/2008
  Q: my daughter has not put earrings on in months. And now just about a few days ago she complained her ...
  A: The piercings should be cleaned with soap and water, and a pair of platinum or titanium posts should ...
Labret/Gum Recession4/27/2008
  Q: I had a labret for about a year and a half, maybe two...and I started to notice gum erosion, so of ...
  A: This seems like a good issue to approach a dentist with. You may be able to find a public health ...
problem piercings with my venom's, scaffholding and dimple!4/24/2008
  Q: Okay so i have a few piercings that i do believe are not right they are awful... I had my venoms ...
  A: The tongue piercings you mention don't fit every anatomy, and when they pass through muscle, they ...
Nose piercing4/24/2008
  Q: I got my nose pierced 2 months ago and am looking to change my ring plus I need a retainer. I bought ...
  A: We use 18g for most nostril piercings. A very few are done at 16g or thicker. ...
belly pierced4/22/2008
  Q: So i got my belly pierced like around five days ago. I clean my bally button once a day and use the ...
  A: kd-2011@hotmail.com Dear Katie, This sounds like your piercing is normal. ...
tragus piercing4/20/2008
  Q: I got my tragus pierced this past Feb. (2008) and i followed to cleaning directions of anti ...
  A: The jewelry likely has been moving too freely. When a piercing gets bumped, slept on or moved around ...
tragus aftercare and jewelry4/19/2008
  Q: I had my tragus pierced 2 weeks ago. It is healing well. I have 2 questions after reading about your ...
  A: The threadless barbell with disc back [labret type] is the most common for us to use in the tragus, ...
License4/18/2008
  Q: I want to get my piercing license, but I'm having a really hard time finding out exactly what I need ...
  A: www.safepiercing.org for the Association of Professional Piercers has some decent information for ...
New septum piercing4/18/2008
  Q: I got my septum pierced about a week ago. It seems to be healing nicely: very little pain or ...
  A: You should make sure that it is autoclave sterilized, and have it changed with sterile technique to ...
tragus and navel4/16/2008
  Q: how bad does it hurt to get a tragus piercing..?? i've been hearing from all these people that DON'T ...
  A: My tragus piercing was easy on both ears. Most of our clients experience pressure, the release of ...
i THINK my belly ring is infected...?4/16/2008
  Q: I got my belly button pierced February, 8th. It showed no signs of infection, i was cleaning it ...
  A: http://piercing.org/pexy/recovery/recovery.html describes what to do for gentle care to avoid ...
Nose jewelry for initial piercing4/15/2008
  Q: Do you use the threadless titanium for initial nostril piercings or do you offer other alternatives? ...
  A: In the last ten years, we have switched completely to threadless titanium barbells for initial ...
My tongue piercing is bruised4/15/2008
  Q: I got my tongue pierced three days ago and there is a sort of line-shaped dark purple bruise on the ...
  A: It seems that you may have a bit more damage from the piercing than ordinary, but a slight bruise is ...
Nostril Piercing4/14/2008
  Q: I had my nostril pierced a little over a month ago. Three days ago it started to get red and the ...
  A: What you describe of the jewelry embedding if you turn it, and the bump you have could be that the ...
re-pierce tongue for third time4/14/2008
  Q: is it dangerous to re-pierce my tongue for the third time?
  A: Yes and no. If you pierce the exact same spot, you could have a problem with trapped debris that ...
Nose piercing scar4/13/2008
  Q: .. I had my nose pierced about 3 years ago and really liked it, but it always seemed to be inflamed ...
  A: What you describe seems like a piercing that may have been at an acute angle, rather than ...
A stubborn microdermal.4/13/2008
  Q: I went and got two dermal anchors about three months or so ago on each hip, instead of surface ...
  A: From what you describe your red bump could be a granuloma or abscess. These usually respond to ...
my piercing4/12/2008
  Q: okay i got my tongue done monday April 7 o8 and its April 11 now and my swelling really hasn't done ...
  A: Ice and gentle care such as described at http://piercing.org/care.pdf can help it get back to ...
Clit hood piercing removal4/12/2008
  Q: I had my clit hood pierced about 4 years ago and have never had a problem with it. Next week I have ...
  A: The longer you have had a piercing, the longer it can be removed for. At 4 years, a few minutes for ...
nose piercing4/11/2008
  Q: i had my nose pierced about 4 weeks ago... it was done with a titanium stud... the next day whilst i ...
  A: It sounds like it was injured when the jewelry was changed, and possibly infected by that at the ...
Eyebrow piercing healing4/10/2008
  Q: Hey brian .... i would like to know one thing...how long could i go without not having any ring or ...
  A: The longer you have a piercing, the longer it takes for it to shrink. If your piercing is less than ...
new self pierced ears possible nickel allergy??4/9/2008
  Q: I have recently just pierced my ears 4 times, I used a sewing needle alcohol swipes and earrings i ...
  A: From what you describe, this could be both infection and metal allergy. ...
Swollen Nostril Piercing4/8/2008
  Q: Hey. About 3 weeks ago i got a nostril piercing (done by a friend of a friend of mine who interned ...
  A: it sounds like you have been pierced with a too short post for your nose. It is important to measure ...
Cartillage Peircing (Scaffolding) flesh growths4/7/2008
  Q: I had a cartilage piercing (scaffolding, a bar going through too holes diametrically across the ...
  A: There are numerous options for scar reduction that you could talk to a dermatologist about beyond my ...
nostril piercing4/5/2008
  Q: so I have had my nose pierced for about about a month now and everything outside looks fine, and ...
  A: Stop by the studio for a free consultation. It may need a change of jewelry for a better fit. In the ...
6 month eyebrow piercing4/4/2008
  Q: I've had my eyebrow piercing for almost 6 months. I'm not quite sure why it hasn't fully healed, but ...
  A: Your piercing could have been bumped or damaged without your being aware of it on a rough ride. It ...
Painful Piercings -- even after 5 days4/3/2008
  Q: I originally pierced my ears when I was 12 around 7 years ago, with no complications that I can ...
  A: I suggest gentler care, and hot compresses. http://piercing.org/faq/aftercare.html can help explain ...
Tragus4/3/2008
  Q: I had my Tragus pierced back in February and a few days after i noticed a little red swollen lump on ...
  A: Try gentler care and a visit to your doctor ASAP for treatment. Stop by the studio for a free ...
tragus piercing4/2/2008
  Q: i had my tragus pierced a few days ago, and am after some after care advice. It seems that it is ...
  A: http://piercing.org/faq/aftercare.html describes some of the details in keeping a piercing clean, ...
nose piercing...keloid?4/1/2008
  Q: I had my nose pierced the second week of January this year. At first, it seemed to be healing fine. ...
  A: Your piercing is irritated, and until you can remove the source of the irritation, it will continue ...
I was a wimp.........................4/1/2008
  Q: This is totally embarrassing. I had a hood piercing done about four months ago. It's a 16 gauge, but ...
  A: A new, autoclave sterilized suitable quality size 14 piece should fit with a bit of water based ...
tragus migration3/31/2008
  Q: i got both of my tragus' pierced about a month ago and i had a little bit of discomfort and they ...
  A: This sounds like inappropriate placement and aftercare combined to cause this rejection. If these ...
Upper lip (monroe) piercing3/30/2008
  Q: I am 51 and just had braces on my teeth removed after two years. I would love a monroe piercing but ...
  A: There may always be some erosion if the jewelry creates friction against the gums/teeth but if you ...
cartilage bump3/29/2008
  Q: I've had my piercing in for 12 weeks i changed it last night and there is a bump on the front and ...
  A: If there is no secretion and no blood this is probably scar tissue. Often a piercing done with ...
Whats coming out?3/28/2008
  Q: Well Ive had my tongue ring for about a year now and since then Ive had a white ring around the base ...
  A: The white scar tissue and the pink/reddish possible abscess might have formed from irritation from ...
ear piercing3/27/2008
  Q: Ihope you can answer my question. I have 4 piercings in each ear, but the bottom ones on my lower ...
  A: There are several options: You can have a dermatologist repair the piercings to correct the previous ...
Flaking around my ear piercings3/26/2008
  Q: I've had pierced ears for about 20 years. In the last year---they have reacted (gotten infected) ...
  A: Antibiotic cream will not help allergic reactions. Once you are sensitized you will need to be ...
Nipple Piercing3/26/2008
  Q: I didn't see this question. I want to get my nipple pierced and I have a few friends who have them ...
  A: http://piercing.org/faq has two helpful sections on nipple piercings for women and also about ...
MY CARTILAGE3/25/2008
  Q: I LET MY HOLE CLOSE ON CARTILAGE...BUT NOW I HAVE A LUMP..WHAT CAN I DO SO IT CAN GO AWAY????
  A: Often a piercing done with a gun and or slightly irritating material like steel or an alloy of gold ...
Navel Piercing Concerns3/25/2008
  Q: I had my navel pierced for my birthday back in October of 2007. The place I went was respectable and ...
  A: Stop by the studio for a free consultation if you are in the area, or perhaps I can refer you to ...
infected ear cartilage3/24/2008
  Q: I recent got a bump in the back of one of my piercings, is it infected? Is there anything i can do ...
  A: Often a piercing done with slightly irritating material like steel or an alloy of gold (usually ...
navel piercing3/22/2008
  Q: what is the safest way to pierce my own belly button ???
  A: http://piercing.org/faq/learning.html explains more about learning safe piercing methods. This ...
nose piercing3/22/2008
  Q: I got my nose pierced about four weeks ago. The ring that was put in is a small diamond with a ...
  A: I suggest you consider an easier to deal with piece of jewelry, the threadless titanium barbell ...
nipple piercing3/21/2008
  Q: I've had my nipples pierced for two years now and I want to take them out. I've had the usual ...
  A: Piercing.org/faq has two sections on this: http://www.piercing.org/faq/breastfeeding.html and ...
Snake Bites3/21/2008
  Q: Ok so I'm 13 and I want get snake bites, but I know that my mom wont let me, she thinks I'll get a ...
  A: There are very few piercers who will pierce minors, and fewer who do oral piercings on anyone ...
Tragus piercing3/20/2008
  Q: Just over a week ago I got my tragus pierced for my 17th birthday. But recently I've noticed it's ...
  A: Heat, swelling, redness, discolored discharge and pain in any combination or alone can all signify ...
How to reduce the smell of Enlarged Ear Piercings3/19/2008
  Q: Hey, I stretched my ears a long time ago... no problems with it at all. I, like many others, get ...
  A: As far as cleaning ear jewelry, a few things that keep them fresh: Don't wear them in the shower, ...
nose piercing question3/18/2008
  Q: I recently had my nose pierced and it has begun to get the yellowish scab, which has been bumped ...
  A: It seems that your jewelry may be too short, a too small head, and possibly made of a material or ...
pros and cons3/17/2008
  Q: so i am doing a argumentation about the pros and cons of body piercing so fare i got the history and ...
  A: http://piercing.org/ discusses many of the safety precautions that must be taken -- by pros ;) to ...
Snagged eyebrow piercing?3/17/2008
  Q: I got my eyebrow pierced exactly two weeks ago. It formed a large, blue bruise that is just ...
  A: Although your eyebrow bruising is uncommon, it is not unheard of. Stop by our studio if you are in ...
bump at nose piercing3/16/2008
  Q: my daughter had her nose pierced and has had a large bump at the site, almost takes up 1/2 the size ...
  A: Often a piercing done with slightly irritating material like an alloy of gold, copper, silver and ...
nose piercing3/16/2008
  Q: i had my noste pierced with a gun a couple days ago and really dont like the stud, it sticks out ...
  A: The placement of the nose piercing is often not correct with the gun. If you are happy with where it ...
Navel Piercing3/15/2008
  Q: I had a naval piercing but took it out - the piercing has since closed up. I was wondering could I ...
  A: Possibly, and it may also be possible to reinsert the jewelry in the same location without ...
Monroe3/14/2008
  Q: I have a couple questions. First Is there a difference between a monroe and madonna piercing? Can ...
  A: Most of the details of your questions are covered at http://piercing.org/faq/tongue.html and ...
Labret piercing still not fully healed3/13/2008
  Q: I got my Labret pierced Oct. 18 2007 its now March and its still not healed. I still have crusties ...
  A: From what you describe it is certain that your piercing is not healed. http://piercing.org/shop has ...
industrial piercing has bumps3/13/2008
  Q: I have two questions for you the first my sound stupid but what is a hot compression for a piercing? ...
  A: Often a piercing done wi