What is body piercing?

Body piercing is traditionally done by pushing a needle through skin and inserting a piece of jewellery.

Ears are pierced more often than other parts of the body, but other sites that are sometimes pierced include:

• eyebrows
• nose
• lips
• tongue
• nipples
• navel
• genitals

What is tattooing?

Tattoos are permanent designs made with ink injected under the skin. To inject the ink, a tattooist will use a tattoo gun or needle that pierces the skin.

What are the potential health risks of getting body art?

Most piercings and tattoos that are done by a skilled body artist heal well without complications.

But there are some risks, including:

• scarring
• rejection (where the body pushes out a piercing)
• embedding (where skin grows over a piercing)
• nerve damage
• excessive bleeding

If you have a body piercing or a tattoo, you may have a higher chance of getting a blood-borne infection. These include:

• hepatitis B
• hepatitis C
• human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)

This may happen if the tattoo or piercing is done using contaminated equipment.

There may be other risks, depending where on your body art is placed. Ask your doctor or body artist about the risks of the specific piercing or tattoo you are considering.

What should I think about before getting body art?

Choosing to get a body piercing or tattoo is a very personal decision. It's important to think carefully about:

• the art you would like
• the potential health consequences
• if you will be able to properly care for your skin afterwards

If you have questions, ask your doctor or the person doing the piercing or tattoo before you go ahead.

When considering piercing or tattooing, make sure you choose a reputable shop that uses sterile procedures and equipment. Here are some things you might like to ask:

• Is the business registered?
• How do you sterilise your equipment?
• Do you reuse needles?
• Where did the piercer or tattooist learn the skill, and how long have they been practicing?

If you choose to get body art, make sure you get it done by a reputable body artist. If your friends or family have body art, ask where they went. You can ask them if they were happy with their practitioner, especially with regard to cleanliness and hygiene.

Before having body art done, it's important to keep hydrated. You may need to avoid taking certain medicines beforehand. But always check with your doctor before stopping or changing your medicines.

What can I expect after getting a body piercing?

After getting a new body piercing, the area may be:

• sore
• red
• swollen

It can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for this to go away. If there is pus or it becomes very painful, it may be infected. If you think a body piercing is infected, see your doctor.

Sometimes, the area of skin around the piercing can change colour. This discolouration will eventually fade after a few weeks.

The healing times vary depending on which part of your body is pierced and how well you look after it.

What can I expect after getting a tattoo?

A new tattoo is essentially a skin wound and will take time to heal. The tattooed area may:

• be itchy
• appear red and swollen
• weep
• be sensitive

Tattoos can take weeks to heal completely. The exact time will depend on the tattoo size and its design. Your tattoo artist can give you more information.

Follow your tattoo artist's aftercare advice to minimise healing time and reduce the chance of complications.

If you are in pain, get advice on what medicines you can take.

When should I see my doctor?

Your piercing or tattoo may be infected if it:

• becomes painful
• bleeds excessively
• starts to weep pus

If you think a body piercing or tattoo is infected, see your doctor. You may need treatment with antibiotics.

How can I look after my body piercing?

The best way to look after your body piercing depends on where the piercing is.

Some piercings may take 3 to 5 weeks to heal. Others, like torso and genital piercings, may take around 6 months to fully heal.

Your piercer will give you instructions on how to care for your piercing. Make sure you follow any other instructions given by the person who did the piercing.

This may include:

• keeping the area clean, such as by rinsing with saline twice a day
• washing and drying your hands thoroughly before touching or cleaning the area
• applying any recommended care products around the site of the piercing

Your piercer may also recommend that you:

• don't pick at, tug or rub on the pierced area until it has completely healed
• don't put makeup, alcohol, ointments, oils or antibacterial soaps on the pierced area
• don't share your body piercing jewellery with others
• avoid swimming until your piercing has healed
• avoid sex for 4 to 6 weeks if the piercing was in your genital area

If you are in pain, get advice on medicines you can take.

How can I look after my new tattoo?

If you have gotten a tattoo, it's important to follow any care advice given by your tattoo artist.

Your tattoo artist may cover your tattoo with a film or a non-stick dressing, such as gauze. This may be able to be removed after a day. Your artist may also advise you to use certain creams or ointments to care for your tattoo.

When cleaning the tattooed area, use running water and a small amount of soap. You can pat the area dry with a clean towel or paper towel, or let it air dry.

Here are some tips for looking after a new tattoo:

• Don't pick at or scratch the tattoo.
• Avoid swimming and taking baths until after your tattoo has completely healed.
• Avoid wearing tight or dirty clothing over the newly tattooed area.
• Use a high SPF sunscreen on your tattoo after it has healed.

Resources and support

For information about body piercing and to find a safe body piercer, visit the Australasian United Professional Piercers website.

You can also read about tattoo and piercing laws on the Youth Law Australia website.

The Queensland Government website has advice on what to ask if you are considering getting a piercing or a tattoo.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.