Piercings are a popular form of personal adornment and expression. From ancient times to the present day, People of all cultures have used piercings to express their individuality.
However, getting a piercing requires a fairly aggressive process that can lead to complications. It involves a needle that pierces the skin or other tissue to insert a piece of jewelry.
The pain associated with this can be significant. Let's keep in mind that each person experiences pain and its intensity differently.
In this article, we'll compare the different types to determine the pain level for each, based on expert opinions, including piercers, tattoo artists, and body wearers.
What is a piercing?
A piercing is a procedure that involves piercing and passing a needle or other sharp object through the skin. to create a piercing that can be decorated with jewelry or other decorative elements. These usually close if the jewelry or other ornaments are removed.
Piercings can be placed in various parts of the body, some of them being: the face (eyebrows, ears, nose, tongue, lips), nipples, navel, intimate areas, are the most popular.
Some of the most common reasons why piercings may hurt more in some areas than others are due to anatomical factors. Such as nerve endings, skin thickness, sensitivity of the area and cartilage, among others.
The most popular types of piercing
There are many types of piercings to choose from, and some of the most popular include:
- Ear piercings: They are the most common, and can be in the earlobe or cartilage.
- Nose piercings: It is a popular type of piercing, and can be done in various parts of the nose, such as the nostril and septum.
- Oral piercings: This includes a variety of piercings in and around the mouth, such as the tongue, lip, and gum.
- Body piercings: This can include any type of piercing on other parts of the body, such as eyebrows, nipples, navel, genitals, and more.
Which piercing hurts the most?
According to expert piercers, the most painful piercings are those placed in the most sensitive areas of the body.
Nose piercings: They can be quite painful because they often have to be done through cartilage, which is usually stiff and thick.
Within nose piercingsThe one performed on the nasal septum is quite painful because they have to pierce the cartilage. The piercing is placed on the nasal septum.
To reduce the pain, the piercer has to find a place called the "sweet spot", which is a soft, fleshy area of skin, It is the ideal place for a nasal septum piercing.
The helix piercing: It's performed on the upper part of the ear, and the needle has to pierce through the thick cartilage to pierce it. It requires pressure, so it's quite painful.
Rook Piercing: It is performed in the ear on the cartilage; it is a little less common; it goes through the curved and thick part of the cartilage. Due to its thickness it requires more pressure, although the piercing is quick you may feel pain at that moment.
Industrial piercings: This piercing requires a barbell that runs from end to end in the ear. The piercer must make two holes in the cartilage to pass through. When inserting the needle through the two parts of the cartilage, it can be more painful than other ear piercings.
Due to its location, it can become easily irritated, increasing the pain many times over. You have to be very careful when combing your hair and dressing, and choose a suitable sleeping position. This piercing typically heals within 3 to 9 months.
Nipple piercing: Piercing one of the most sensitive areas of the body can be one of the most painful. Keep in mind that there are many nerve endings, although this will also depend on each individual's sensitivity. The piercing may remain swollen or tender for the first few days.
Genital piercings: They are very painful because the genitals are very sensitive and also contain many nerve endings.To get these areas done, it is important to consult a professional who is trained and has extensive experience in genital piercing.
What piercing hurts less?
Earlobe piercing: Those done in this area are considered less painful because the earlobes do not contain cartilage and are fleshy. People describe it as a quick sting that is less painful than a bee sting.
Lip piercing: They're very popular these days, and there's a wide variety to choose from, such as snake, Medusa, and Monroe piercings. They aren't painful because, like earlobes, they're made of fleshy material without cartilage.
Navel piercing: They're the second most popular after earlobe piercings, and they're also painless. However, you have to be very careful because it can be very painful if it gets caught on clothing or a towel, especially when it's healing.
Nostril piercing: They're a little more painful than earlobe punctures, but people describe them as a brief sting. You may experience watery eyes or an urge to sneeze.
Eyebrow piercing: They aren't very painful because they don't require a needle to pierce the skin. You may feel a slight sting because the area has many nerve endings and becomes very sensitive. This piercing takes three months to heal.
Tongue piercing: Many people think it can be a very painful place, and yet it is not at all painful, although schools can be. The piercing process is not painful, but the area may become inflamed. and have difficulty eating or speaking. The discomfort should decrease within a few days with proper care.
How to control piercing pain
There are several ways to control the pain associated with piercing:
- Local anesthesia: One of the most common methods is to use a local anesthetic to numb the area before the piercing. Ask your piercer if they offer this option.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Many people believe that taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, before getting a piercing can help relieve post-piercing pain. Consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication.
- Relaxation techniques: Practicing deep breathing and relaxation techniques before and during the piercing can also help reduce pain perception and anxiety.
Getting a piercing can be a fun and unique way to express your personal style, but it is important to be aware of the pain associated with it.
Different piercings may hurt more or less, depending on the sensitivity of the area and other factors. It is important that you inform yourself about the pain in the area, the care you should take to make an appropriate decision.Talk to an experienced piercer about ways to control it.