Abscess

An abscess can occur as a result of a new piercing that cannot drain fluid properly (where the entry and exit points have been left crusted by blood or, more commonly, puss) and can appear as reddish-pink bumps in between the ends of the piercing.

Acrylic

Using Acrylic in piercings is becoming more widely acknowledged and accepted. Acrylic is a thermoplastic that comes in a wide range of colours and designs. Acrylic is often seen as ball ends on tongue and belly bars but also used to make stretched piercing jewellery.

Acrylic jewellery must not be exposed to alcohol as this will cause it to crack. Acrylic is also sensitive to rapid changes in temperature and cannot be Autoclaved.

Add On

A dangle that can be added to an existing piece of jewellery. Add ons usually refer to decorative pieces on belly and nipple piercings.

After Care

See Separate link on references for aftercare procedures.

AIDS

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. A potentially fatal disease spread through cross contamination of body fluids. See also HIV

Ala

The medical term for the side of the nose

Alcohol Wipe

A pre packed isopropyl, alcohol soaked piece of fibre, used to clean the skin prior to piercing. Can be used to keep skin around piercing clean and infection free.

Allergy

Some people are allergic to certain metals and materials. If you are aware of any such allergy, advise and discuss the options available, with your piercer.

Alignment

Most piercings it is critical that the jewellery fit vertically, horizontally, centrally etc. This is the alignment. A surgical marking pen is best used to agree on placement and alignment.

Amethyst

Swarovski Crystal number 204

Ampallang

The Ampallang is a male genital piercing, it passes horizontally through the entire glans of the penis, whether through the urethra or above it.

Ampallangs and apadravyas are generally considered the "toughest" male genital piercings; they are some of the most painful to get done and can take six months or more to heal.

Anaesthetic

A substance used to dull the sensation of pain.

Anaphylaxis

When the body produces an extreme reaction to contact with a substance either on the skin, or taken into the body. The most common symptom is when a person exhibits restricted breathing, swelling, low blood pressure, rapid pulse, collapse and could be fatal if untreated.

Anatomy

The medical term for structure of the body

Anodized

Many metals can be anodized, although Titanium and Niobium are the two most common body piercing metals to go through this chemical process.

Anodising is a chemical process that helps to protect the metal from corrosion and to change its colour properties. It works by electrically building up an oxide layer on the surface of the metal, which can be done at different thicknesses.

Antibiotic

A medicine that kills or prevents bacteria growth in the body.

Anti-Tragus

The Anti-Tragus is the thick part of your ear directly protruding from the side of your face to protect your ear canal.

Some people may find that their Anti-Tragus is too small to be pierced; however, micro jewellery is often successfully used.

Apadravya

Like the Ampallang, the Apadravya is a male genital piercing passing from top to bottom of the glans penis.

The piercing is almost always placed centrally, passing through the urethra. Non-centred apadravya are also possible. The piercing is normally done on a slightly forward angle to make penetration and withdrawal easier.

Many women agree that this is one of the most pleasurable piercing.

Apadydoe

The Apadydoe piercing is a single ring passing through a crooked apadravya (a male genital piercing passing from top to bottom of the glans penis). These are typically done in pairs.

Aquamarine

Swarovski Crystal number 202

Areola

The darker skin around the nipple.

Aspirin

The use of Aspirin as a form of pain relief should be restricted. Aspirin is known to thin the blood and can therefore cause the wound of a fresh piercing to bleed unnecessarily.

Aspiration

The breathing in of a foreign object into the lungs. Oral piercings carry the highest risk in this area.

Auricle

The Auricle is also called the pinna. The pinna or auricle is the whole of the outer ear, therefore all ear piercings are in fact "pinna" piercings.

Aurore Boreale

Also known as Multishimmer Swarovski Crystal number 101

Austin bar

A piercing passing horizontally through the tip of the nose.

Autoclave

A device used to sterilise piercing equipment and jewellery. An Autoclave needs regular maintenance to ensure sterility is maintained and it is functioning properly