Body piercing

Body Piercing is a popular form of body art. Many parts of the body are seen as avenues for piercing with rings, studs and bars inserted in the face, neck, tongue, eyebrows, navels, nipples and genitals.

It is important to consider all aspects of getting a piercing. You should make an informed choice about why and where you get it done. Things to consider include:

• where you go—is the studio licensed?
• infection control practices at the studio—contaminated equipment, unclean premises, unsafe procedures and a lack of infection control knowledge may potentially contribute to the spread of blood-borne disease such as hepatitis C, hepatitis B, HIV (the virus that can lead to AIDS) and a range of bacterial infections.
• age specific legislation for some piercings—it is against the law to pierce the genitals or nipples of someone under the age of 18.

Read more about body piercing, including:

• more about the legislation
• what to consider
• things to ask the operator and what to look for in an operator
• reactions to the treatment
• after care instructions.