Search Glossary

UK Order Hotline: 0191 6451668 Email us RedPiranhaUK RedPiranhaUK Become a fan Join our Group

Red Piranha & Piercing Glossary

Where to find a Helix, how Zircon Gold is made, what the Kaos Software brand is, avoiding a blowout and more. Discover the answers to these any others in our Glossary below.

View All

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

Abalone

A type of mother of pearl often used to inlay body jewellery, in particular ear stretching jewellery. See our Materials Guide for more information.

Achilles Piercing

A piercing of the skin overlying the Achilles tendon, just above the heel of the foot.

Acrylic

A manmade material used for body jewellery which comes in a wide range of colours and styles. See our Materials Guide for more information.

Aftercare

If your body piercing has been professionally pierced following the correct procedures, no major aftercare is necessary. You will need to keep the piercing dry for three days after the procedure. If you have an ear piercing or facial piercing, having baths rather than showers will help you to keep the piercing dry. Lower body piercings are harder to keep dry, so it may be best to sponge-clean your body for the first three days. Wash your hands with warm water and antibacterial soap before touching or washing your piercing. Ensure that any clothing and bedding that may come into contact with the area around the piercing is clean. Your Body Piercer should give you advice on how to look after your piercing. See also Bacterial Infection, Soap, Sea Salt Solution, Lavender Oil, Alcohol Swab, Tea Tree Oil.

Age Restrictions

In England and Wales there is no statutory age limit for cosmetic piercing. However, some local Councils use licensing powers to impose licence conditions relating to the age of people getting a piercing. Under English law, people under the age of 16 years cannot have genital piercings, as this is regarded as indecent assault to which the individual getting a piercing cannot legally consent. This same law applies to female nipple piercings. Boys under 16 however, can have their nipples pierced.

Ala Piercing

A piercing of the side of the nose / nostril.

Alcohol Swab

These are commonly used to swab the skin before giving injections and are often mistakenly used to clean piercings. Although they briefly kill a few bacteria, the alcohol actually kills the healing skin and therefore invites infection. Alcohol also kills the good bacteria, drying out the piercing and prolonging the healing process. See also Bacterial Infection and Aftercare.

Allergy

This is when you are sensitive to a certain substance so when your body comes into contact with that substance, a reaction can take place. Retraction of the skin of the piercing away from the jewellery is sometimes a sign of allergy.

Ampallang Piercing

A horizontal piercing through the glans of the penis. May or may not traverse the urethra. Also known as Palang. See also Genital Piercings (Male).

Anaesthetic

This is a drug that stops nerves conducting sensations such as pain, light touch, and pressure, to the brain. Anaesthetic can be injected or applied as a paste, spray or gel directly onto the skin and can be used to make some piercing procedures painless.