Body Piercing Glossary

A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  XYZ

Madonna

• A labret piercing at the side of the upper lip.
• Also called a Chrome Crawford.

Mastitis

• Inflammation of the breast.
• Usually caused by bacterial infection.
• A recognized complication of nipple piercing.

Medium

• See "Culture Medium".

Methylated Spirits

• A poisonous solution of
  • Ethanol (alcohol, ethyl alcohol,chemical formula C₂H₅OH)
  • methanol (methyl alcohol, wood alcohol,chemical formula CH₃OH), rendering it poisonous
  • pyridine, chemical formula (C₅H₅N)
  • and a violet dye.
• Often mistakenly used to clean piercings, and whilst momentarily killing a few bacteria, its alcohol actually kills the healing skin thus inviting infection.
• Also called "meths" or "metho".

Microorganism

• Any organism that can only be seen with a microscope or electron microscope.
• Includes:
  • Bacteria
  • Fungi
  • Prions
  • Protozoa
  • Viruses
  • Yeasts

Migration

• The movement of piercing jewelry away from its original position, usually towards the surface of the skin.
• May result in the jewelry actually "cutting" its way completely out of the skin.
• Thinner gauge jewelry will migrate more rapidly than thicker jewelry.
• The slower a piercing heals, the higher the risk of migration.
  e.g.
  • Navel piercings are very slow to heal and frequently show migration. Jewelry thinner than 14g is never recommended.
  • Ear lobe piercings mend rapidly and jewelry 18g or thicker will usually not migrate.

Motor Nerve

• A nerve that conducts signals from the brain and spinal cord to control muscle movement.
• e.g.
  The Facial Nerve is the motor nerve responsible for controlling the muscles of the face.