The nipple is one of the most popular body piercing sites for both men and women. Nipple jewellery can be made from gold, white gold, steel or gold-plated steel. Popular varieties include a ring (with or without a bead or pendant threaded through it), a dumbbell and a D-shaped ring with the straight side through the nipple.

It is important to choose an experienced piercer in order to reduce the risk of infection. Hygiene is crucial. For example, if the instruments aren't properly sterilised between clients, you may catch a blood-borne disease, such as hepatitis B.

Nipple Piercing Care

Don't touch or handle the piercing unnecessarily.
Don't twirl or turn the jewellery unnecessarily for the first month or so.
Clean and disinfect daily and turn ring from one end to the other. Scabs that form on either end of the piercing should be left alone. During the first 3 weeks avoid swimming, long hot baths and sauna due to a raised chance of infection from tissue softening.
Cover with gauze during sun tanning. During the healing process a scab will form and the puncture site may ooze slightly (lymph). The oozing may get onto the ring and when dry is like a scab. This should be removed from the ring using warm water and slowly turning the ring. This is done best under the shower.
During sleep or exercise, keep jewellery in place and the piercing intact by either covering with sticking plaster or wearing a bra.