Common Problems With Stretched Piercings
Understanding the Cause of Complications Associated With Gauging
Jul 6, 2009
Usually, when a person stretches a piercing too aggressively or before the initial wound is able to heal problems erupt. The most common of these problems include blowouts and massive scar tissue buildup.
When a piercing is stretched (gauged), the new jewelry creates thousands of micro-tears around the flesh surrounding the piercing. When a piercing is gauged properly, these tears are minute, virtually painless and easily healed by the body without problem.
However, an improperly gauged piercing can be torn to the point where the healthy tissue is replaced by tougher scar tissue. In severe cases, the flesh in the tunnel of the piercing will be pushed out of the back of the hole to form what is commonly referred to as a blow out.
Blow Outs in the Piercing:
Blow outs are extremely painful and may result from skipping up even one gauge during the stretching process. A blow out is easily identified by the presence of a “lip” of raw flesh poking out of the back of the hole. The piercing will become amazingly tender and swollen and the flesh of the blow out may become discolored.
Blow outs can be treated in two ways. The first is to dramatically downsize the gauge of the jewelery kept in the piercing, usually by at least two sizes. Another method of treatment involves completely removing the jewelry which will encourage the body to reabsorb the damaged flesh.
An extreme blow out must be treated by a medical professional. In most cases, the medical professional will tie off and remove the offending skin.
Scar Tissue Buildup
The formation of scar tissue within a piercing is the most common problem encountered by an overly aggressive stretch. When a piercing is damaged and torn to the point that the flesh cannot be properly replaced with healthy tissue, a scar forms.
Scar tissue is much more dense and tough compared to healthy tissue. When scar tissue successfully forms during a stretch, any subsequent stretch will be extremely painful and difficult. In addition, the chances of a blow out are much greater in a scarred piercing than a healthy piercing.
Scar tissue is almost impossible to remove. Massaging the tissue with vitamin E oil twice a day helps to soften and break down the scar tissue. However, prevention is the best way to avoid any problems associated with gauging.
Signs and Symptoms of an Unhealthy Stretch and How to Remedy the Problem:
An improperly gauged piercing will be extremely painful during the stretch and for several days after the initial stretch. In addition, the piercing will be red, swollen, and produce a pus-like discharge and crust around the piercing.
If these symptoms are experienced it is vital that the earring be downsized one or two gauges. The piercing should be allowed to heal at least two months before another stretch is attempted.
These problems can be completely avoided by practicing healthy stretching techniques. When it comes down to it, it is best to stretch slowly and steadily than quickly and recklessly. If this topic interests you, read more about how to stretch piercings safely.
