Two of the most frequent problems with body jewelry are allergic reactions and infection. Correct care and cleaning of piercings are vital, but the type of metal in the piercing jewelry you choose is also very important. The following are the top 3 metals for body piercing jewelry, and a couple that you should avoid.

TOP 3 METALS FOR BODY PIERCINGS:

#1 Titanium G23

Titanium is by far the metal of choice for body piercings, and can be used safely for initial piercings. Implant grade G23 titanium (Ti6al4v-ELI) is the material used in surgical implants, is biocompatible, resistant to body fluids and nickel free. Titanium weighs less and is much stronger than steel,which results in body piercing jewelry that is both durable, comfortable and virtually resistant to scratching. Titanium is not a cheap as some other metals, but well worth the slightly higher price. Titanium body jewelry is beautiful, it lasts, and will look just the same after many years of wear.

#2 Surgical Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a popular material for body piercing jewelry, and is just behind G23 titanium in terms of biocompatibility. 316L or 316LVM are the only two grades of stainless steel that are considered safe for wearing in healed body piercings. Keep in mind that even the best grades of stainless steel do contain nickel and may cause problems for those who are sensitive to nickel. Several European countries have banned the use of stainless steel for initial piercings, and it is best to avoid stainless steel altogether until your piercing has healed.

#3 Gold

It may surprise you that gold is not a good choice for body piercing jewelry, especially for initial piercings or long term wear. Because gold is softer than other metals and is made with metal alloys, there is a greater chance of allergic reaction or infection. Gold jewelry is beautiful, but should only be worn in healed piercings, and with care. Replace gold body jewelry with titanium at any sign of irritation.

NOT RECOMMENDED:

Sterling Silver

Stay away from any body jewelry where the part that you place inside your skin (barbell, banana, ring) is made of silver. All silver tarnishes when it comes in contact with body fluids, can easily harbor bacterial growth, and can contain irritating metals such as nickel. Body jewelry with a sterling silver "charm" that is connected to or dangles from the end of the steel or titanium bar is safe to wear, so long as you aren't allergic to silver jewelry. If you are allergic to silver, you should still be OK if the silver part is plated with rhodium. Just make sure that the part that is inside your body is made from a more biocompatible metal.

Plated / Mysterious Metal: Scary. Any "costume" or "plated" body jewelry is going to be trouble, and so is inferior grade stainless steel. Stick with the top 3 choices above to be sure your piercing stays irritation and infection-free.

Keep in mind that body piercing jewelry is placed inside your body, and should be treated more like a surgical implant than a piece of costume jewelry. Although it may be tempting to buy inexpensive body piercing jewelry, spending a little more on higher quality metals is definitely a better choice in the long run.