Here is a rundown of common myths about body piercing.

Piercing has been an essential part of every civilization. In fact, it is one of the earliest practices, may be as old as 5,000 years, which is still in trend. Even the world’s oldest mummy has earrings!

Nose piercing has been in the vogue since 1500 B.C. while lip and tongue piercings were prevalent among African and American tribes.

Coming to piercing in the modern days,  80% American women have ear piercing while 14% have belly button piercing.

Most of the readers out there must have at least one piercing. Therefore, piercing is common practice that has been with mankind since the birth of civilization.

That’s said, there are several myths or misconceptions associated with piercing. Many of these myths have been running down from generation.

Why not debunk these piercing myths for once and all. Here we go…

Myth # 1:Body Piercing Is Painful:

FACT: This is the major myth about body piercing which is partially true. Body piercing does hurt, but doesn’t cause horrible pain. Piercing over nose and ear just feels like a pinch for a few seconds. Not all body piercings are painful. It depends on the presence of nerve endings and softness of the tissue. For example, ear lobe is a soft flesh to be pierced with an ease. Conch piercing is a bit harder surface and thereby causes pain on being pierced. Some of the painful piercings are nipple piercing, genital piercing and cartilage piercing. The least painful piercings are ear lobes, navel piercing, tongue piercing and lip piercing.

Tip: If you are even sensible to a slight pinch, use numbing cream like NumbSkin to eliminate pain from piercing. It keeps your skin patch desensitized for 1-2 hour. How to use numbing cream for piercing? It is easy to use. Just apply it an hour before the piercing.

Myth # 2: Piercing Gun is Easy to Be Pierced With:

FACT: Most people prefer piercing gun for an easy and comfortable piercing. However, the risks associated with its technique can’t be sidelined. For example, piercing gun’s impact is like “thrust”, unlike needle which penetrates swiftly. This may lead to infection and healing problems. Another concern is that the piercing gun may not be sterilized properly for a new piercing. The metal of the gun may cause contact dermatitis or nickel allergies. Always choose an experienced and professional piercing artist operating with a gun.

Myth # 3: Infection is Inevitable with Piercing:

FACT: Body piercing is safe as long as it is done rightly and you are sticking to precautions/aftercare. Infection is inevitable if piercing is done with contaminated equipment or you wear wrong jewelry.

Myth # 4: Belly Button Piercing Can Risk Stomach, Veins and Uterus:

FACT: This is simply baseless. Nave piercing is done on the outer flap of the navel. The needle doesn’t go to stomach. Make sure to get it done from experienced artist as wrong movement may cause injury.

Myth # 5: Use Antibacterial Lotion on Piercing Wounds:

FACT: Antibacterial lotions or petroleum jelly are heavy ointment. They cut the air supply to the wound, thereby affecting the healing. Instead, use the cream suggested by your piercing artist.

Myth # 6: Piercing is a DIY Practice. Anyone Can Do It:

FACT: Do you think so? Well, piercing involves the penetration of the skin which is downright a critical process. A needle here and there and you are prone to injury or skin scarring. Yeah, many people do it at home, but they are experienced. Don’t do it yourself ever. Choose a professional artist to get the job done.