Choosing a place | Risks | Inflammation
As with tattooing, diabetics getting a piercing has its own nuances. Let’s consider what factors should be considered before getting a decorative piercing, what to do if an inflammatory process has developed, and in what parts of the body is it undesirable to pierce with diabetes?
The main condition for successful piercing for diabetes is good glycemic control. Even a simple ear-piercing procedure for earrings can cause serious consequences if the sugar is unstable and far from normal.
Poor compensation rates increase the risk of inflammation and the spread of infection.
The main condition for successful piercing for diabetes is good glycemic control.
Normalize your glycemia before piercing. It is also worth carrying out the procedure in the cool season. In the heat, the healing process is much worse.
Choosing a place for piercing
Diabetes does not taboo anything. You are free to wear jewelry anywhere: from the earlobes, tongue, eyebrows to the navel and the intimate parts of the body. But you should be aware of the associated risks.
As with tattoos, it is better to avoid places with low blood circulation: ankles, lower legs, buttocks. Avoid places where you inject insulin.
The piercing specialist you are contacting must be qualified and licensed to work. After completing the procedure, discuss with him measures to care for the puncture site, for faster healing without complications.
What are the risks associated with the piercing procedure?
Possible complications after the puncture procedure are quite similar to those that occur in people without diabetes. The main difference in diabetes is the need to normalize the level of glycemia yourself.
- Infections
The puncture site becomes a gateway for infections. Decoration prevents the wound from closing naturally. Also, the level of hygiene that we can provide in such a situation is less than necessary. That is why you should carefully look after the puncture, regularly carry out disinfecting procedures and use means to improve regeneration.
- Needle cleanliness
If the needle used for the puncture was poorly sterilized, there is a risk of introducing a number of viruses that are transmitted through the blood (including HIV and hepatitis).
- Long-term healing and glycemia
With diabetes, healing takes longer. Also, if the inflammatory process begins in the puncture, the level of glucose in the blood will be increased. Watch for puncture and glycemia. These factors are very strongly related.
- The appearance of a scar
There is a risk of scarring of the puncture site and the formation of a false keloid scar (the type of scar that occurs during pathological changes in the healing process is large).
What to do if an inflammatory process has begun at the puncture site?
If an infection develops in the piercing, in addition to an increase in glycemia, you will see other characteristic symptoms: local fever, pain, prolonged redness, swelling of the skin. Yellowish or greenish puncture discharge is possible.
If sugar is constantly kept above 10 mmol / l, it is necessary to increase the dose of insulin. Be sure to do a ketone test. Treat the puncture with a disinfectant.
If your glycemia and ketone levels are kept at high ranges, even after your insulin dose has been adjusted, consult your doctor immediately.
An urgent reason for contacting a doctor is also worsening state of physical health, abdominal pain or signs of the spread of infection from the puncture site through the body. There are no bans on decorating your body, but, in the case of a tattoo or piercing, you should remember that this is identically a small operation. Care should be taken and be vigilant during the healing period.