Body piercing is, like tattooing, a popular form of body modification among college students. Students may pierce their noses, ears, nipples, navels, lips, and genitals. These piercings are safe when done by knowledgeable, trained piercers using sterile equipment and well cared for by you, following the aftercare instructions your piercer will give you.

Do's

• Ask friends and acquaintances for piercer recommendations

• Check out a piercing studio before committing to getting pierced or spending money

• Ask to see their autoclave

• Meet a piercer and make sure you feel safe with them

• Ask for written aftercare guidelines

• Purchase aftercare products (saline solution, anti-microbial soap, etc.) in advance

Don'ts

• Get a piercing while drunk or high

• Touch your piercing with unwashed hands

• Get a piercing with a piercing gun

• Ignore the aftercare guidelines

• Change the jewelry before the date established by the aftercare guidelines

Risks

Because piercing equipment pierces the skin and comes into contact with blood, unsafe or nonsterile piercing equipment can spread HIV and/or Hepatitis C, both of which are lifelong, chronic illnesses.

Courtesy of University Health Services, The University of Texas at Austin.
Published by the University of Texas at Austin University Health Services.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
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