Body Piercing Glossary

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Bacteria

• A large group of microscopic single cell organisms.
• Some of these cause disease in humans.

Bacterial Infection

• A possible complication of piercings.
• Involves the colonisation of a piercing or the surrounding area by bacteria.
• Usually results in the production of pus, a thick yellow, green or gray discharge containing dead cells of the piercee and dead bacteria.
• Proper sterilization of all piercing tools and proper aftercare usually prevents bacterial infection.

Bactine ®

• A product of Bayer Corporation
• Carries the warning "For External Use Only".
• Contains 0.13% w/w Benzalkonium Chloride and 2.5% w/w Lidocaine Hydrochloride.
• Lidocaine can cause sensitivity reactions.
• I do not recommend this for piercing aftercare.
• www.bactine.com

Barbell

• An item of jewelry consisting of a rod (the bar) which penetrates the piercing and ends (the bells) which hold the bar in the piercing.
• The term originates from weightlifting where weights are put on both ends of a bar.

Barbell Length

• The distance between the internal aspects of the ends
• In a curved barbell it is the shortest distance between the balls at the ends.

Belly Button

• Common name for the navel of the abdomen.

Benzalkonium Chloride

• This antiseptic is in common use, being typically offered to people when having their ears pierced with a gun.
• It is not recommended for prolonged use.
• When combined with lidocaine or isopropyl alcohol the risks are compounded.
  • Bactine
  • Pierced ear Care Solution
  • No More Ouchies
  • Sensitive ears Solution

Betadine ®

• This is the trade name for various solutions and strengths of povidine iodine antiseptic solution.
• Routinely used by doctors for preparing the skin for surgery, when it is liberally applied and allowed to soak in for at least two minutes. Likewise when piercing it should be allowed to soak in.
• Contra-indicated in persons allergic to iodine.
• The risks of prolonged use include
  • Allergy: Iodine-containing medicines are sometimes injected by doctors and death from anaphylaxis might occur if the patient has previously developed iodine allergy.
  • Damage to the healing cells within the piercing
  • Skin discoloration

Bridge

• A piercing passing horizontal through the bridge of the nose.