Piercing Tips

Labret piercing is very popular among body modification fans who want something different from the traditional ear piercing. It is a body art that has been practiced some 8000 to 10000 years ago among the Gothic society, Native Americans and other tribal people. Piercing using labrets during the ancient time was reserved for the upper class male among the Aztecs and Mayans. They wore gold labrets in the shape of a snake encrusted with gems.

 Once this type of body piercing became popular everyone wanted to come up with a different variation and style without thinking about the potential health risk it carries – risks such as AIDS and infections. For some there will be no complications and no need for immediate medical attention. However, there are cases wherein infections could occur, and when they do immediate medical attention must be given.

 It never occurred to them that exposure to severe cold temperature has a bad effect on this form of body piercing. In fact the areas around the face have less body fat for insulation, that is why those areas quickly conduct frigid air temperature from the outer surface of the skin to the interior, encouraging frostbite to form around the piercing hole itself. Once the piercing feels numb or looks white and tough after exposure to cold, seek medical evaluation to determine if it is, indeed, frostbite.

 Another danger is aspiration – the breathing of foreign objects into the lungs. Anyone who swallows or breathes in the jewelry stud or the screw should go immediately to the emergency room. There is less danger when swallowed because it will eventually go out of the body, anyway, but if aspirated, you must seek immediate medical attention. The probability of this type of complication is very slim but they can occur and can happen to anybody.

 This type of piercing will take about six weeks to heal but the first two weeks of the healing process is very crucial. While the area is still fresh or recuperating, you should keep it clean and dry. Rinse your mouth with saline solution everyday, particularly after brushing your teeth. Do not use mouthwash because it can cause irritation; also, you should avoid touching the area unless it’s needed. In case touching the area cannot be avoided, wash your hands before you touch it.

 Remember these three reminders if you have undergone labret piercing; be aware, be careful, and don’t ignore problems when they do arise.