Why we don’t use anaesthetic when piercing

Getting a piercing is often associated with a certain amount of excitement and nervousness. Many customers are actually really scared before getting a piercing. That’s why anaesthetic is a popular option for managing the pain and making the piercing process ‘easier’. It certainly puts your mind at ease to know that the pain will be reduced. Most people get a bit anxious when they think of needles, and many have had bad experiences in the past.

The types of anaesthesia that might seem appealing when getting a piercing include ice or cold sprays, or anaesthetic creams. We deliberately choose not to use these products, and we’d like to explain why, so that it makes sense and perhaps even makes you lose the desire to use any of them. After all, it’s really just a quick prick, and with trust, empathy and a calm environment, we can get through it together! There are various reasons for our decision, which relate to safety, the nature of the tissue and the way we work.

Why we don’t use ice spray

Many people are familiar with ice spray from sport. It is used for short-term cooling in the event of injuries such as bruises, strains or sprains. The key difference here is that it is not intended for use on injured skin, which is why these sprays have no place in piercing.

The intense evaporative cooling can cause temperatures to drop to as low as −55 °C. That is incredibly cold and can be very uncomfortable when applied. It temporarily desensitises the skin; the intense cooling slows down the transmission of pain signals for that moment, but the extreme cold can also damage the tissue. This can lead to more serious wounds in the area where the spray is applied. If used incorrectly, so-called ‘cold burns’ are possible, which in the worst case can leave scars. As everyone’s skin is different, it is difficult to determine the ‘correct’ way to use it.

Furthermore, the sharp drop in temperature temporarily reduces blood flow and puts strain on the tissue. When the piercing is subsequently carried out, this can lead to more severe swelling and impair wound healing.

Ice spray is intended for the short-term treatment of certain sports injuries – not for numbing intact skin prior to a piercing. Even in medicine, this product is not used to prepare for a procedure! The manufacturers expressly warn against using it on open wounds and mucous membranes. A piercing immediately causes such tissue damage.

In its article on the use of ice spray during piercing (in German), the Association of Professional Piercers (VPP) explains why this method of anaesthesia is problematic. It is therefore clear to us that ice spray has no place on the area we wish to pierce. Even if it were to provide brief relief – assuming you don’t find applying it painful – the long-term damage simply outweighs any potential benefit. Your safety and health come first.

Why we do not allow anaesthetic creams either

Anaesthetic creams, for example those containing the active ingredients lidocaine and prilocaine, can reduce pain sensation on the surface of the skin. They are used, amongst other things, prior to certain medical procedures.

However, this does not mean that they are suitable for every application.

One issue is the change in the treated tissue. Localised swelling, redness or paleness are described as possible side effects of certain anaesthetic creams. If the cream is applied under a film – which would be necessary in our field to ensure the anaesthetic penetrates beyond the surface of the first layer of skin – the tight covering may further promote swelling.

This is relevant to us because we need to assess the anatomy and determine the intended piercing position as precisely as possible. If the contour of the skin changes due to swelling, it can become more difficult to reliably assess the intended site.

This does not mean that using an anaesthetic cream will automatically result in a misaligned piercing. However, we do not wish to introduce any avoidable uncertainties when positioning the piercing. Our aim is to plan the piercing based on the natural anatomy – and to do this, we want to be able to assess the tissue as close to its natural state as possible before the procedure. Think about how your skin changes when you stay in the bath for too long; a similar reaction can also occur when the skin softens under the film.

Added to this are potential allergic reactions. Although these are rare, in severe cases they can lead to anaphylaxis. Depending on the active ingredient, quantity, application site and absorption into the body, other side effects are possible.

Nor is their use on broken skin entirely without risk: the instructions for use of certain anaesthetic creams exclude open wounds from treatment, unless an explicit exception is provided for. A freshly pierced piercing is one such type of tissue injury.

Anaesthetic creams are therefore not harmless skincare products, but medicinal products with specific instructions for use and associated risks.

Are piercers even allowed to use anaesthetic creams?

This is a perfectly valid question. The legal classification depends on the specific product, its authorisation, its intended use and the specific circumstances. It would therefore be incorrect to make a blanket statement that all anaesthetic creams are, in principle, prohibited for piercers.

At nakedsteel, we are not anaesthetists and do not administer medical anaesthesia. We have therefore made a conscious decision not to use anaesthetic creams or to permit their use prior to a piercing in our studio.

In doing so, we not only avoid the associated risks, but also establish clear and consistent guidelines for our work.

How we deal with pain instead

A piercing can be painful. We don’t want to sugar-coat it, nor do we want to promise that it will be completely pain-free.

That’s why we use a breathing technique that can help you experience the moment of the piercing in a more mindful and controlled way. Calm, focused breathing can help reduce tension and allow you to concentrate on the process.

We also explain what’s going to happen and give you the chance to prepare yourself for the crucial moment. It’s important to us that you know what to expect and don’t feel caught off guard.

And then it’s usually over quite quickly: the actual prick lasts only a brief moment. Of course, everyone’s perception of pain varies, but often the crucial moment is over before you’ve even had time to imagine it.

Our conclusion: Safety comes first

We understand the desire to minimise pain as much as possible. At the same time, we do not wish to use methods whose risks and effects we are not prepared to accept in our work.

That is why we do not use ice spray or numbing creams. Instead, we rely on careful preparation, a precise approach, transparent communication, a calming atmosphere and our breathing technique.

You don’t need to be afraid to ask questions or let us know if you’re feeling nervous. We take this seriously and will guide you through the appointment.

For us, a good piercing doesn’t begin with the needle, but with safe and trusting preparation.