Once upon a time, I was working in a bookstore and one of my coworkers saw my own tragus piercing and proceeded to inform me that the piercing was incredibly dangerous because there is a nerve there and if they pierce it, it will paralyze your face. “No, there isn’t,” I said dryly, trying to extract myself from her eager jabbering. She continued to explain that this was dangerous and then did something that I really, really hate. She reached out and put her grubby finger on my piercing while asking, “Doesn’t that hurt?” I actually flinched and likely responded by telling her that yes, it hurt terribly and I was in constant pain, followed by a roll of my eyes.
What’s the purpose of this trip down memory lane? Urban legends, myths and misconceptions. We’ve all heard them, I’m sure. The dreaded nerve that will paralyze your entire face. Piercing your tongue will cause you to lose all your sensation of taste. If you have a tattoo over your spine you can’t get an epidural. Some of them are funny, some of them are ridiculous but the point is, people believe them and that can have consequences.
BME has always tried to serve not only as a documentation of body modification but as a platform for education. Here’s where you come in readers. Tell me about what urban legends, myths and misconceptions you have heard regarding body modification and if you have the knowledge, feel free to also debunk the myth with solid facts. The information we all come up with is going to be included in the new Misconceptions FAQ on the BME Wiki.
So let’s have them! And just so you don’t think I don’t love you, here’s a gratuitous photo of a beautiful woman pulled from the moderation queue.
Meizy’s piercings were done by Mike French and Spider. Her stone trinity spirals are by Oracle.
Comments
288 responses to “Pop rocks and soda pop!”
Someone once told me that a certain nerve in one’s lip, if pierced, would cause the whole region to go numb and possibly develop gangrene. Now, I’m not advocating self-piercing, but I did my old labret myself and nothing of the sort happened. My lip is still fine. How are so many people so specifically misinformed? Gangrene? Come on!
Someone once told me that a certain nerve in one’s lip, if pierced, would cause the whole region to go numb and possibly develop gangrene. Now, I’m not advocating self-piercing, but I did my old labret myself and nothing of the sort happened. My lip is still fine. How are so many people so specifically misinformed? Gangrene? Come on!
Someone once told me that a certain nerve in one’s lip, if pierced, would cause the whole region to go numb and possibly develop gangrene. Now, I’m not advocating self-piercing, but I did my old labret myself and nothing of the sort happened. My lip is still fine. How are so many people so specifically misinformed? Gangrene? Come on!
Someone once told me that a certain nerve in one’s lip, if pierced, would cause the whole region to go numb and possibly develop gangrene. Now, I’m not advocating self-piercing, but I did my old labret myself and nothing of the sort happened. My lip is still fine. How are so many people so specifically misinformed? Gangrene? Come on!
This did happen to me. A nurse was trying to put an IV in me, and she didn’t know if she could go through my tattoo, so she asks another nurse “Can I IV her here?” and the other nurse goes “No, because the ink could go into her blood”.
So she used a vein in my hand. Do note: I have blood tests every other week, and the needle always goes through a tattoo, and I’ve had many IV’s, quite a few of them through tattoos.
Someone asked if the subdermal implant in my hand would “reject like a back piercing”. I asked her what she meant, and she told me about a friend she had that spent $200 on a corset done down her back with CBR’s and tried to heal it.
This did happen to me. A nurse was trying to put an IV in me, and she didn’t know if she could go through my tattoo, so she asks another nurse “Can I IV her here?” and the other nurse goes “No, because the ink could go into her blood”.
So she used a vein in my hand. Do note: I have blood tests every other week, and the needle always goes through a tattoo, and I’ve had many IV’s, quite a few of them through tattoos.
Someone asked if the subdermal implant in my hand would “reject like a back piercing”. I asked her what she meant, and she told me about a friend she had that spent $200 on a corset done down her back with CBR’s and tried to heal it.
This did happen to me. A nurse was trying to put an IV in me, and she didn’t know if she could go through my tattoo, so she asks another nurse “Can I IV her here?” and the other nurse goes “No, because the ink could go into her blood”.
So she used a vein in my hand. Do note: I have blood tests every other week, and the needle always goes through a tattoo, and I’ve had many IV’s, quite a few of them through tattoos.
Someone asked if the subdermal implant in my hand would “reject like a back piercing”. I asked her what she meant, and she told me about a friend she had that spent $200 on a corset done down her back with CBR’s and tried to heal it.
This did happen to me. A nurse was trying to put an IV in me, and she didn’t know if she could go through my tattoo, so she asks another nurse “Can I IV her here?” and the other nurse goes “No, because the ink could go into her blood”.
So she used a vein in my hand. Do note: I have blood tests every other week, and the needle always goes through a tattoo, and I’ve had many IV’s, quite a few of them through tattoos.
Someone asked if the subdermal implant in my hand would “reject like a back piercing”. I asked her what she meant, and she told me about a friend she had that spent $200 on a corset done down her back with CBR’s and tried to heal it.
This is a really weird one, and is most likely just something my crazy grandfather said, but I thought I should probably put it out anyway. I was watching a documentary about traditional tribal tattooing, and my grandfather said that I had to promise never to get any (too late, by far) because tattoos “block your pores, and your body wont be able to sweat or breathe.” I think it comes from not knowing how tattoos work, but still, just thought I should put it out there in case others share this odd idea.
This is a really weird one, and is most likely just something my crazy grandfather said, but I thought I should probably put it out anyway. I was watching a documentary about traditional tribal tattooing, and my grandfather said that I had to promise never to get any (too late, by far) because tattoos “block your pores, and your body wont be able to sweat or breathe.” I think it comes from not knowing how tattoos work, but still, just thought I should put it out there in case others share this odd idea.
This is a really weird one, and is most likely just something my crazy grandfather said, but I thought I should probably put it out anyway. I was watching a documentary about traditional tribal tattooing, and my grandfather said that I had to promise never to get any (too late, by far) because tattoos “block your pores, and your body wont be able to sweat or breathe.” I think it comes from not knowing how tattoos work, but still, just thought I should put it out there in case others share this odd idea.
This is a really weird one, and is most likely just something my crazy grandfather said, but I thought I should probably put it out anyway. I was watching a documentary about traditional tribal tattooing, and my grandfather said that I had to promise never to get any (too late, by far) because tattoos “block your pores, and your body wont be able to sweat or breathe.” I think it comes from not knowing how tattoos work, but still, just thought I should put it out there in case others share this odd idea.
I run into a lot of “use water as hot as you can possibly stand to clean your piercing, it will get rid of your infection” myths. Someone actually did it, scalded her skin, etc… I died inside.
I run into a lot of “use water as hot as you can possibly stand to clean your piercing, it will get rid of your infection” myths. Someone actually did it, scalded her skin, etc… I died inside.
I run into a lot of “use water as hot as you can possibly stand to clean your piercing, it will get rid of your infection” myths. Someone actually did it, scalded her skin, etc… I died inside.
I run into a lot of “use water as hot as you can possibly stand to clean your piercing, it will get rid of your infection” myths. Someone actually did it, scalded her skin, etc… I died inside.
This is one from my very anti-modification mother. She told me that if you get a tattoo anywhere on your body, the ink will seep into your bones. Whatever effect if has on your bones (ALL of them, not just the one the tattoo happens to be over) the result is you can never give bone marrow to any person/family member who would be in need of it. Then proceeded to remind me I would probably be the only match for my brother if the situation ever arose that he would need bone marrow. Where she gets it I have no idea!
This is one from my very anti-modification mother. She told me that if you get a tattoo anywhere on your body, the ink will seep into your bones. Whatever effect if has on your bones (ALL of them, not just the one the tattoo happens to be over) the result is you can never give bone marrow to any person/family member who would be in need of it. Then proceeded to remind me I would probably be the only match for my brother if the situation ever arose that he would need bone marrow. Where she gets it I have no idea!
This is one from my very anti-modification mother. She told me that if you get a tattoo anywhere on your body, the ink will seep into your bones. Whatever effect if has on your bones (ALL of them, not just the one the tattoo happens to be over) the result is you can never give bone marrow to any person/family member who would be in need of it. Then proceeded to remind me I would probably be the only match for my brother if the situation ever arose that he would need bone marrow. Where she gets it I have no idea!
This is one from my very anti-modification mother. She told me that if you get a tattoo anywhere on your body, the ink will seep into your bones. Whatever effect if has on your bones (ALL of them, not just the one the tattoo happens to be over) the result is you can never give bone marrow to any person/family member who would be in need of it. Then proceeded to remind me I would probably be the only match for my brother if the situation ever arose that he would need bone marrow. Where she gets it I have no idea!
A few girls in my town that have microdermals in their cleavage are telling people that the jewelry screws into their sternum
A few girls in my town that have microdermals in their cleavage are telling people that the jewelry screws into their sternum
A few girls in my town that have microdermals in their cleavage are telling people that the jewelry screws into their sternum
A few girls in my town that have microdermals in their cleavage are telling people that the jewelry screws into their sternum
@6 – They actually believe their microdermal is screwed into their sternum or that’s just what they’re telling people? I have to say, I laughed out loud when I read your post.
@6 – They actually believe their microdermal is screwed into their sternum or that’s just what they’re telling people? I have to say, I laughed out loud when I read your post.
@6 – They actually believe their microdermal is screwed into their sternum or that’s just what they’re telling people? I have to say, I laughed out loud when I read your post.
@6 – They actually believe their microdermal is screwed into their sternum or that’s just what they’re telling people? I have to say, I laughed out loud when I read your post.
Dennis – I’ve actually heard that one too so it’s not just your grandfather. I’d forgotten about it but definitely heard it before.
Dennis – I’ve actually heard that one too so it’s not just your grandfather. I’d forgotten about it but definitely heard it before.
Dennis – I’ve actually heard that one too so it’s not just your grandfather. I’d forgotten about it but definitely heard it before.
Dennis – I’ve actually heard that one too so it’s not just your grandfather. I’d forgotten about it but definitely heard it before.
The back tattoo vs epidural myth really pisses me off. I have my ENTIRE back completely tattooed, and i had a spinal block (same as epidural only stronger) and I WAS FINE! Im not paralyzed.
The back tattoo vs epidural myth really pisses me off. I have my ENTIRE back completely tattooed, and i had a spinal block (same as epidural only stronger) and I WAS FINE! Im not paralyzed.
The back tattoo vs epidural myth really pisses me off. I have my ENTIRE back completely tattooed, and i had a spinal block (same as epidural only stronger) and I WAS FINE! Im not paralyzed.
The back tattoo vs epidural myth really pisses me off. I have my ENTIRE back completely tattooed, and i had a spinal block (same as epidural only stronger) and I WAS FINE! Im not paralyzed.
@6- I used to have a chest microdermal, and after getting tired of explaining it to every other person who saw it I started making up stuff, like it goes all the way through my chest. you’d be surprised how many people would actually believe it for a second.
@6- I used to have a chest microdermal, and after getting tired of explaining it to every other person who saw it I started making up stuff, like it goes all the way through my chest. you’d be surprised how many people would actually believe it for a second.
@6- I used to have a chest microdermal, and after getting tired of explaining it to every other person who saw it I started making up stuff, like it goes all the way through my chest. you’d be surprised how many people would actually believe it for a second.
@6- I used to have a chest microdermal, and after getting tired of explaining it to every other person who saw it I started making up stuff, like it goes all the way through my chest. you’d be surprised how many people would actually believe it for a second.
Same here about the microdermals -I used to have 4 on my chest, and sometimes jokingly said that they, like earrings, went straight through, “can’t you see them coming out on my back?”. Yes. They really did want to check my back. (And, if I remember correctly, I started telling this after some woman actually asked whether I had butterfly backs on them, like on normal ear studs)
I can’t really recall any other myths, except the usual people who believed that all piercings wíll get infected, or that you actually tear instead of stretch your ears (from scratch into a big stretch in one go), that everybody with more than one visible piercing also got intimate piercings, and that piercings performed with a piercing gun are totally risk-free, because theirs healed nicely. Also, you’re totally into S&M, and it’s impossible to fly since the metal detectors must go craaazy when you pass through. Seriously, that last one gets really tiring.
Same here about the microdermals -I used to have 4 on my chest, and sometimes jokingly said that they, like earrings, went straight through, “can’t you see them coming out on my back?”. Yes. They really did want to check my back. (And, if I remember correctly, I started telling this after some woman actually asked whether I had butterfly backs on them, like on normal ear studs)
I can’t really recall any other myths, except the usual people who believed that all piercings wíll get infected, or that you actually tear instead of stretch your ears (from scratch into a big stretch in one go), that everybody with more than one visible piercing also got intimate piercings, and that piercings performed with a piercing gun are totally risk-free, because theirs healed nicely. Also, you’re totally into S&M, and it’s impossible to fly since the metal detectors must go craaazy when you pass through. Seriously, that last one gets really tiring.
Same here about the microdermals -I used to have 4 on my chest, and sometimes jokingly said that they, like earrings, went straight through, “can’t you see them coming out on my back?”. Yes. They really did want to check my back. (And, if I remember correctly, I started telling this after some woman actually asked whether I had butterfly backs on them, like on normal ear studs)
I can’t really recall any other myths, except the usual people who believed that all piercings wíll get infected, or that you actually tear instead of stretch your ears (from scratch into a big stretch in one go), that everybody with more than one visible piercing also got intimate piercings, and that piercings performed with a piercing gun are totally risk-free, because theirs healed nicely. Also, you’re totally into S&M, and it’s impossible to fly since the metal detectors must go craaazy when you pass through. Seriously, that last one gets really tiring.
Same here about the microdermals -I used to have 4 on my chest, and sometimes jokingly said that they, like earrings, went straight through, “can’t you see them coming out on my back?”. Yes. They really did want to check my back. (And, if I remember correctly, I started telling this after some woman actually asked whether I had butterfly backs on them, like on normal ear studs)
I can’t really recall any other myths, except the usual people who believed that all piercings wíll get infected, or that you actually tear instead of stretch your ears (from scratch into a big stretch in one go), that everybody with more than one visible piercing also got intimate piercings, and that piercings performed with a piercing gun are totally risk-free, because theirs healed nicely. Also, you’re totally into S&M, and it’s impossible to fly since the metal detectors must go craaazy when you pass through. Seriously, that last one gets really tiring.
that people with tattoos aren’t afraid of needles. This doesn’t hold true for me. I hate getting shorts or having blood drawn. There’s a big difference between a tattoo need and the kind they draw blood with. Least thats how I feel about it
that people with tattoos aren’t afraid of needles. This doesn’t hold true for me. I hate getting shorts or having blood drawn. There’s a big difference between a tattoo need and the kind they draw blood with. Least thats how I feel about it
that people with tattoos aren’t afraid of needles. This doesn’t hold true for me. I hate getting shorts or having blood drawn. There’s a big difference between a tattoo need and the kind they draw blood with. Least thats how I feel about it
that people with tattoos aren’t afraid of needles. This doesn’t hold true for me. I hate getting shorts or having blood drawn. There’s a big difference between a tattoo need and the kind they draw blood with. Least thats how I feel about it
X, Y, or Z pigment takes longer to heal in skin than any other pigment.
X, Y, or Z pigment takes longer to heal in skin than any other pigment.