When it comes to body piercing, the material of the jewelry is very important, influencing not only aesthetics but also your health. Concerning stainless steel and other metals, here's why some people recommend against them:
1. *Allergic Reactions*: Some people are allergic to certain types of metals like nickel, which is often present in stainless steel. This can cause itchiness, redness, swelling, pain, or other unusual skin reactions around the piercing site.
2. *Quality and Purity*: Stainless steel is not 100% pure. It's an alloy composed of various metals including iron, carbon, nickel, and chromium. Therefore, when you pierce with stainless steel, you introduce an amalgamation of different metals into your body, potentially increasing the risk of unwanted reactions. Other low-quality metals can have similar issues.
3. *Longer Healing Time*: Metals like stainless steel or inferior quality alloys may prolong the healing process of fresh piercings as these materials might not be biocompatible.
4. *Potential for Infection*: Lower quality metals may have a rougher surface at a microscopic level, creating small places for bacteria to thrive. This can potentially result in infections.
It's recommended that when you choose piercing jewelry, pick a hypoallergenic metal such as surgical-grade stainless steel, titanium, 14 or 18 karat gold, or platinum to minimize the risks. More importantly, ensure that it complies with body jewelry standards like the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) standards. Lastly, always pay attention to any unusual symptoms or discomfort in the area of your piercing, and consult with healthcare professionals as necessary.