LET’S TALK: GETTING & HEALING PIERCINGS WHILE HSV+

WHAT IS THE HERPES SIMPLEX VIRUS?

Herpes is a viral infection that can cause sores and blisters to form on the skin, typically around the mouth and genital regions. Herpes is also called: cold sores, fever blisters

It’s estimated that oral Herpes affects between 50 – 80 % of U.S. adults and 1-in-5 adults carry genital Herpes, accd. to John Hopkins Medicine

HOW DOES THIS EFFECT PIERCINGS?

A herpes diagnosis is nothing to be ashamed of and shouldn’t prevent you from getting body modifications. However, extra care and precautions are needed in order to guarantee proper healing.

Many professionals recommend starting a course of antivirals* a few weeks prior to your appointment. Antivirals are medications designed to stop the virus from replicating & lower the risk of an outbreak

HEALING, HEALING, HEALING…

It’s important to never get pierced through skin that is actively having an outbreak. That includes any tissue surrounding an active outbreak because the virus spreads through fluid. But in some cases, outbreaks after getting pierced can still happen. In fact, any instance of breaking the skin can unintentionally trigger an outbreak.

Additionally, the stress and anticipation of getting a new piercing—especially something intense like a genital piercing—can trigger a flare.

AND IF I GET A FLARE?

Don’t panic! Often, your piercing can be salvaged if the outbreak isn’t directly on your piercing with strategic aftercare to avoid spreading fluids. You can carefully treat the area with medication as needed. But sometimes retiring your piercing and trying again after the flare subsides is your best bet, especially if it becomes uncomfortable for you.

A collaboration between @EXTRA.HOLE x @SAFE.SLUT at @CHERRYBOMB.NYC