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More about Piercing and Tattoos:
Definition Causes and symptoms Diagnosis Treatment Prognosis Prevention Resources |
The best way to prevent infection from piercing or tattoos is not to get one in the first place. Procedures should be performed in a sterile environment by an experienced professional. An autoclave (a heat machine regulated by the Food and Drug Administration) should be available on the premises to clean needles and tubes after each customer, and people performing the procedure should wear latex gloves when applying the tattoo.
Piercing should be completed with smoothly polished jewelry made of 14 or 18 carat gold, titanium, surgical steel or niobium. An allergic reaction can result with the use of jewelry made of brass plate or containing a nickel alloy. Healing time from a piercing range from six months to two years. A piercing should be completed in a sterile environment that uses every precaution to reduce the risk of infection. Excessive force, such as exerting a strong pull, should never be applied to jewelry inserted into pierced body parts to avoid tearing and injuring the tissues.
— Beth Kapes
