Maya Ellison
Plastic posts are not recommended for unhealed piercings because they are porous and can trap bacteria, hindering the healing process. However, for those with metal allergies, some alternatives to traditional metal posts include implant-grade titanium flat-back labrets, Neometal textured discs, and glass retainers. These options are generally considered safer and more suitable for individuals with sensitive skin or metal allergies. It is important to consult a reputable piercer and seek personalized advice for specific situations, such as preparing for medical procedures or dealing with irritated piercings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Suitability for unhealed piercings | Unsuitable due to being porous and harboring bacteria |
| Suitability for healed piercings | Not recommended but can be worn temporarily |
| Suitability for MRI scans | Can be used |
| Safety | Can break down in the body and cause irritation |
| Alternative options | Glass retainers, Neometal textured disks, implant-grade titanium flat-back labrets |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic earrings can cause irritation and damage to piercings
- Plastic is unsuitable for unhealed piercings
- Plastic earrings are not body-safe and can harbour bacteria
- Bioplast jewellery is non-toxic, non-porous, and body-safe
- Alternatives to plastic earrings include glass retainers and Neometal textured discs
Plastic earrings can cause irritation and damage to piercings
For those with metal allergies, plastic earrings may seem like a good alternative. However, even in this case, plastic is not recommended. In the case of unhealed piercings, implant-grade titanium flat-back labrets are suggested as a better option. For healed piercings, glass retainers are preferable to plastic as they are body-safe and can be worn long-term.
Plastic earrings can cause issues with oral, nasal, and genital piercings, as the material can break down in the body and cause irritation. Even in lobe piercings, plastic earrings can prevent proper healing and should be replaced with another material as soon as possible.
If you are considering using plastic earrings, it is important to consult a reputable piercer first. They can offer personalized aftercare and tips to help care for your piercings and prevent any potential issues. It is also recommended to have a check-up after wearing plastic earrings to assess for any irritation or damage.
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Plastic is unsuitable for unhealed piercings
Plastic is also not suitable for long-term wear, even once a piercing is healed. It can cause irritation, especially if it is externally threaded, which can cause excess damage on insertion and removal.
If you are looking for an alternative to metal earrings, there are several options. Glass retainers are usually made from fused quartz or borosilicate glass, which is body-safe and can be worn long-term. Neometal textured discs are another option, which are small, textured titanium discs anodized in a range of colours and designed to mimic a mole or freckle. These are also body-safe, even for brand new piercings, as they are hypoallergenic.
If you are considering plastic earrings for an MRI scan, it is best to consult a reputable piercer for advice. They may recommend leaving the plastic earrings in after the scan to prevent re-breaking the inner wound, or they may suggest switching back to the original earrings as soon as possible to allow the piercing to heal.
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Plastic earrings are not body-safe and can harbour bacteria
Additionally, any plating or coating on plastic earrings will wear over time, and the particles can get into the piercing and cause further irritation. While some companies claim to make earrings from medical-grade plastic, it is generally not recommended for unhealed or healing piercings. Plastic earrings are also more likely to get stuck and cause issues when removed.
If you are looking for an alternative to metal earrings due to allergies or sensitivity, there are a few options available. One option is to use glass retainers, which are usually made from fused quartz or borosilicate glass and are body-safe. Another option is to use Neometal textured discs, which are small, textured titanium discs anodized in a range of colours and designed to mimic a mole, freckle, or small textured area of skin. These discs are hypoallergenic, body-safe, and secure, making them a good choice for those with sensitive skin.
It is important to note that if you are experiencing an allergic reaction to metal earrings, it is best to see a reputable piercer and have the earrings replaced with implant-grade titanium flat-back labrets. Most allergic reactions to metal earrings are due to nickel content, so choosing nickel-free options is essential. Additionally, using a sterile saline solution of 0.9% sodium chloride and water without any additives is recommended for cleaning and caring for your piercings.
While plastic earrings may be tempting, especially for those with metal allergies, they are not a body-safe option and can cause more harm than good. It is best to consult with a professional piercer and explore alternative options that are safe, non-porous, and non-irritating.
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Bioplast jewellery is non-toxic, non-porous, and body-safe
Plastic is not generally recommended for piercings. It is porous, and can deteriorate over time, causing an unpleasant odour and excess discharge. Plastic jewellery can also cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
However, bioplast jewellery is a type of plastic jewellery that is non-toxic, non-porous, and body-safe. Bioplastics are biologically compatible with the human body and can be sterilised using an autoclave steriliser, meaning they won't spread germs to piercings. Bioplast jewellery is flexible, comfortable, and inexpensive, making it a good option for those on a budget. It is also approved by the Association of Piercing Professionals.
Despite these advantages, bioplast jewellery has some drawbacks. Firstly, it is not suitable for unhealed piercings. Additionally, bioplast jewellery may cause a build-up of dead skin cells, leading to a slight odour and discharge. While this is normal for any piercing, metal jewellery allows for better exit of dead skin cells, keeping the piercing relatively cleaner. Moreover, bioplast jewellery tends to fade and discolour over time, and may not be a suitable option for those seeking timeless pieces.
It is important to note that while bioplast jewellery is generally considered safe, some individuals may experience sensitivity or allergic reactions. Therefore, it is recommended to seek medical advice if any sensitivity or adverse reaction occurs.
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Alternatives to plastic earrings include glass retainers and Neometal textured discs
Plastic earrings are not recommended for unhealed piercings, nor are they ideal for healed piercings. Plastic is porous and deteriorates over time, which can cause micro damage to the piercings. Plastic earrings can also harbour bacteria, which can lead to infections.
If you are looking for alternatives to plastic earrings, consider glass retainers. Glass retainers are suitable for lobe piercings and can help your piercings heal. They are also less noticeable, so they are a great option if you want to make your piercings more discreet.
Another alternative is Neometal textured discs. These threadless ends come in a variety of neutral, textured titanium tones and sizes. They are discreet and natural-looking, so they are perfect if you want to make your piercings less noticeable. The textured finish is made from high-polish implant-grade titanium, which is safe for body piercing.
Both glass retainers and Neometal textured discs are suitable alternatives to plastic earrings and will make your piercings less conspicuous.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic is not recommended for piercings as it is porous, can deteriorate over time, and can cause irritation. Plastic can also harbour bacteria, especially in oral, nasal, and genital piercings, and may prevent the wound from healing properly.
Some alternatives to plastic posts are glass retainers, Bioplast jewellery, and implant-grade titanium flat-back labrets. Glass retainers are usually made from fused quartz or borosilicate glass, which is body-safe. Bioplast jewellery is non-toxic, non-porous, and body-safe, although it is still not recommended for healing fresh piercings. Implant-grade titanium is a good option for those with metal allergies as it is hypoallergenic.
It is important to clean your piercing well before insertion and removal, and to be gentle with it for a few weeks after. If you have to use plastic jewellery, it is recommended to switch back to your regular jewellery as soon as possible. It is also a good idea to see a reputable piercer for advice and aftercare tips.
