The Benefits of Pre Sterilized Piercing Jewelry for Safety

The Benefits of Using Pre Sterilized Jewelry for Piercings

Getting a new piercing can be an exciting experience. However, it also comes with risks if proper precautions are not taken. Using pre sterilized jewelry is one of the best ways to prevent infections and other complications when getting pierced. Here's a closer look at the benefits of using pre sterilized jewelry and why it's recommended by professionals.

Reduced Risk of Infection

One of the biggest perks of pre sterilized jewelry is that it helps reduce the risk of infection at the piercing site. Sterilization kills off harmful germs and bacteria that can enter the open wound caused by the needle piercing. This prevents microbial contamination that could lead to redness, swelling, pus, fever and other symptoms of infection.

Piercing studios use autoclaves or dry heat sterilizers to completely sterilize jewelry before it comes in contact with clients' skin. This eliminates live microorganisms on the jewelry's surface. Proper sterilization also penetrates crevices and grooves in jewelry that could potentially harbor bacteria.

Higher Quality Materials

Pre-packaged sterilized jewelry is often held to higher quality standards in terms of materials used. Rather than cheap alloys, quality body jewelry is made of implant-grade metals like surgical steel, titanium, niobium or gold. These inert materials are safest for initial piercings since they rarely cause allergic reactions or rejection.

Reputable brands also use medical-grade plastics for retainers and spacers. Softer alternatives like silicone or acrylic are more likely to harbor bacteria even after sterilization. Opting for sterile jewelry means getting piercing-safe metals and plastics vetted for biocompatibility.

Peace of Mind

Using pre-sterilized body jewelry provides peace of mind knowing that precautions were taken to protect your health. It eliminates worries about the cleanliness of jewelry or sterilization practices at a piercing studio. You can see that the jewelry is sterile directly out of the packaging.

This is especially important for those with weaker immune systems or pre-existing conditions like diabetes that impede healing. Those getting oral or genital piercings also benefit from sterilized jewelry due to the higher risk of infection in mucous membranes.

Convenience Factor

Sterile piercing jewelry offers convenience since it comes ready to safely insert into the fresh piercing. There's no need to scrub jewelry vigorously before use or rely on piercers to properly sterilize whatever jewelry you bring in.

The packaging also keeps jewelry protected until the moment it's opened. This reduces handling and exposure prior to piercing. Carrying sterilized jewelry makes it simpler to get pierced spontaneously at shops anywhere.

Professional Recommendations

The Association of Professional Piercers advises using only pre-sterilized jewelry for initial piercings. They caution against using jewelry that clients bring themselves even if it appears clean. This is because sterility cannot be verified in jewelry handled or worn previously.

Reputable piercers stick to these high standards to minimize risks. They often provide quality included jewelry with piercings, though clients can upgrade by purchasing implant-grade sterile jewelry. Avoid studios that try to pierce you with mystery metal or unverified jewelry.

What to Look for in Pre-Sterilized Jewelry

Not all body jewelry labelled "sterilized" meets the same standards. Here are a few things to look for when selecting pre-sterilized piercing jewelry:

Sealed Packaging

Sterile jewelry should come packaged in plastic clamshells or bags that remain completely sealed. Check for any tears, holes or openings that could allow contamination. Tamper-proof packaging gives you confidence nothing was compromised after sterilization.

Lot Numbers & Expiration Dates

Reputable brands mark sterilized jewelry with lot numbers for tracking and expiration dates. This lets you know it was processed in an authorized sterilization cycle. Anything over 3-5 years old should not be used because seals can weaken over time.

Indicator Strips

Many packages contain indicator strips that change color when exposed to steam or heat to confirm sterilization. Custom bordered bag strips from companies like Crosstex provide 3rd party validation.

Medical Certifications

Look for labels like "Autoclave Sterilized" or radiation symbols like "Gamma Irradiated." FDA-registered brands marked as medical devices offer further assurances of stringent standards.

Reputable Brand Reputation

Research brands and read reviews to see if a company is trusted industry-wide for quality materials and sterilization practices. Well-known names like Anatometal, Neometal and Industrial Strength have solid reputations for body jewelry safety.

How to Care for Healing Piercings

Using sterile jewelry is just the starting point for proper piercing aftercare. Here are some tips for caring for new piercings to support healing:

Clean Gently

Clean piercings twice daily by spraying sterile saline solution or running water over the area. Gently pat dry with clean gauze or paper towels. Avoid ointments or harsh soaps that can irritate.

Avoid Touching

Hands naturally carry bacteria, so avoid touching or fiddling with new piercings. This can introduce contamination and hinder healing. Leave jewelry inserted for the recommended period.

Watch for Signs

Look for signs of redness, swelling, oozing, itching or pain at the site, as these can indicate developing infection. See a doctor promptly for treatment if concerned.

Be Patient

It takes time for piercings to fully heal. Oral piercings can take 4-6 weeks, earlobes take 6-8 weeks, while nose or lip piercings may take up to 6 months. Don't try to change jewelry too soon.

Let the piercing fully close if removing jewelry before changing to prevent trapping bacteria inside. Follow your piercer's guidance on appropriate jewelry material and timelines.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sterile Body Jewelry

Should I clean new jewelry before wearing it?

Pre-packaged sterile jewelry should not need any additional cleaning before insertion into a new piercing. The sterilization process eliminates any contaminants, and opening a sealed package risks re-exposing jewelry to bacteria.

How long does sterilized jewelry stay sterile?

Individually-sealed sterilized jewelry generally remains sterile for 3 to 5 years after processing provided the packaging is completely intact. Sterility cannot be guaranteed beyond manufacturer expiration dates.

Can you sterilize jewelry at home?

It is very difficult for people to properly sterilize body jewelry at home without professional autoclaves. Ultrasonic cleaners only disinfect, they don't kill all dangerous pathogens like Hepatitis or HIV. Boiling can damage many jewelry materials.

Should sterilized jewelry be kept in the fridge?

Refrigeration is not necessary for pre-packaged sterile jewelry. Room temperature storage away from moisture and sunlight is adequate for maintaining sterility until opened. Refrigerators can harbor bacteria if not properly cleaned.

How can you tell if old jewelry is still sterile?

There is no reliable way for consumers to determine if used, expired or open jewelry is still sterile. Even intact packaging may have microscopic holes. Old jewelry should be re-sterilized by an autoclave or used only in fully healed piercings.

FAQs

How long does pre-sterilized jewelry stay sterile?

Pre-packaged sterile piercing jewelry generally remains sterile for 3-5 years from the sterilization date if the individual packaging remains completely sealed and intact. Sterility cannot be guaranteed beyond the manufacturer's expiration date.

What’s the best way to clean a new piercing?

Gently clean new piercings twice daily by spraying sterile saline wound wash over the area and patting dry with clean gauze or paper towels. Avoid ointments, soaps or touching the piercing. This helps prevent infection while allowing new piercings to heal.

Can piercers sterilize used jewelry brought in by clients?

Most professional piercers cannot properly sterilize used jewelry brought in by clients to the same standards as pre-packaged sterile jewelry. They recommend only using brand new sterile jewelry for initial piercings to prevent infections.