Choosing a Metal for New Body Piercings

Only certain types of metals are recommended for new body piercings. The metals you wear should not react with body tissues--some precious metals and metals that are used for surgical implants are two good choices. Here's a rundown of the good and the bad.

Good Metal Choices for New or Old Body Piercings

• Surgical implant stainless steel, 316 LVMF 138

• Surgical implant titanium, Ti6A14V ELI

• Niobium

• 14k or 18k gold, yellow or white

• A special plastic called Tygon; especially good for people who are sensitive to metals

Poor Metal Choices for New Body Piercings

• Sterling silver, because it oxidizes when it comes in contact with body tissues and fluids. You've seen silver tarnish--that's not something you want in an open wound.

• Plated gold, because the plating can rub off and expose a metal that reacts body tissues, causing irritation or infection.

• Any type of fake gold or other jewelry made from base metals, since they will be likely to corrode when exposed to body fluids.

Always use a body piercing professional for new piercings and ask that person for recommendations regarding jewelry metal choices.