Information about the risks of piercing
The Public Health Service believes it is important to inform you of some of the potential risks. Piercing is a skin piercing operation. Proper practice and proper use of equipment should prevent you from becoming infected with blood-borne diseases, such as Hepatitis B and C. In addition, poor care and unhygienic handling (both by yourself and the piercer) can cause wound infections that are harmful and will not make your piercing more beautiful.

No genital piercings and nipple piercings (in girls) are allowed under the age of 16, and all other piercings are allowed only if your legal representative comes with you to the studio.

Before getting a piercing, you will be asked to fill out a consent form (a statement). This consent form includes some questions about your health. Completing the consent form is for your own safety. If you are under the age of 16, your legal representative must sign the consent form and provide identification. The consent form will remain in the possession of the piercer and will be kept confidential.

Applying a piercing
Before piercing, the skin is cleaned and disinfected. Piercing must be done sterile. That is; the needle and jewelry that pass through your skin should come from a sterile package and should not be touched with bare hands. The piercer will wear gloves during the insertion of your piercing, which will be disinfected with alcohol 70-80% just before piercing. Applying a piercing may hurt very briefly. However, the piercer is prohibited from sedating you, without a doctor’s permission.

Taking care of the piercing
A newly inserted piercing can be compared to a deep wound in your skin. It is very important that you take good care of your piercing. The piercer will give you verbal and written instructions on how to do it. The instructions should include how to care for the piercing and that in case of symptoms (severe redness, swelling, pustules, wound fluid) you should contact your doctor. The wound created by piercing needs time and care to heal. The healing of a piercing wound sometimes takes a long time (from 4 weeks to 9 months). Some people develop scar tissue as a result of piercing. In addition, the piercing wound may heal ugly if it has been inflamed. The effects of some piercings in later life are not yet known.

Make sure you are well rested, have eaten well and inform the piercer of things you think are important (e.g., medication use, allergies, hypersensitivity reactions, epilepsy, etc.). While piercing, you must not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

The healing of a piercing
The healing time for a piercing varies from piercing to piercing and can also vary from person to person. General health and physical fitness play a role. Personal hygiene is absolutely essential during the piercing healing period. Immediately after piercing, the pierced area may become red and swell considerably. If you have a ring that is too small or a bar that is too short, there is a greater chance of infection and complications. During the healing period, the ring or rod should have constant space and not be too tight or too loose. The piercing should be considered a wound and treated as such. For the best and smoothest healing possible, the following rules should be observed.

1) Touch the piercing with the hands as little as possible.

2) Spray the piercing mist twice a day on the new piercing

3) Pat the area around the wound after the piercing mist with a clean towel or a tissue dry. Keep clean the wound and piercing thoroughly. While showering, rinse the piercing thoroughly with water.

4) Keep the piercing after grooming dry as much as possible and keep the piercing in.

5) Grease
not
ointment, petroleum jelly or anything solid on the wound.

6) Drop
no
wound disinfectants such as Sterilon® or Bezaaiden® on the wound.

7) Do not wear plasters over the piercing except briefly if necessary during sports activities.

8) With a body piercing (e.g. nipple or navel piercing etc.), do not wear a tight or dirty clothing. A clean bra every day is essential. If possible, wear no lace bras.

9) During the healing process, avoid contact with swimming water (chlorine- pools, hot tubs, natural swimming water). Also, do not make use of a steam bath. (At least for 6 weeks!)

10) Never remove the jewelry yourself. Take in cases of extreme redness, swelling, bleeding, pustules, color change, outgrowth or rejection of the wound or painof the wound or in case of pain, always contact your doctor.

Specific aftercare instruction for oral piercings
A tongue or lip piercing (or other piercing in the mouth) deserves extra attention after eating, drinking and smoking and after any other oral contact. Brush the teeth regularly (keeping the mouth plaque-free with a salt-based toothpaste, for example) and rinse with chlorhexidine-based mouthwash if necessary.

Avoid kissing or other type of oral contact during the healing process, do so for 2 to 4 weeks.

Specific aftercare instructions for genital piercings Sex piercings around the urethra need extra care. Soap in the urethra can cause a bladder infection. Drinking a glass of water about an hour before cleaning the piercing will help soap residue to be excreted faster after washing.

Piercings in the genitals should be protected during sexual intercourse with an extra strong condom (e.g., a condom for anal intercourse) or a dental flap. Preferably no sexual intercourse during the healing of a genital piercing.

If you have more questions, you are always welcome to ask us. More information can be found at:
www.veiligtatoeerenenpiercen.nl

If you have any doubts about anything always contact the shop.