15. Body Piercing
15.1 Staff may assist with the hygienic cleaning of body piercings and the changing of jewellery provided that they adhere to the Infection control | Gloucestershire County Council policy.
15.2 Staff must wash their hands before and after the cleansing procedure and wear protective gloves at all times. A pharmacist can advise on gentle bacterial soaps containing Triclosan, which is the preferred method, and advise on alternatives if people are sensitive to Triclosan. Piercings should not be cleaned more than twice a day because of the danger of damaging skin cells and inviting infection.
15.3 With an oral piercing, after eating, drinking or smoking the mouth should be rinsed with an anti-bacterial mouthwash at a dilution of 50% - 75%. It is also necessary to disinfect the piercing twice a day with warm salt water or a mild antiseptic.
15.4 The following are indications of infections:
- Redness and swelling
- A sensation of heat at the piercing site
- Pain, especially throbbing or spreading pain
- An unusual discharge
Whenever there is concern the person’s GP must be contacted. The jewellery should not be removed as this may aggravate the problem by closing off the drainage for the discharge matter.
