Mitigating Risk in Cell Popping
Cell popping, also called micro-branding or ‘devil’s fire’, is a kink activity in which a hot needle or poker is used to create one or more burn marks on the skin.
Cell popping can be done to cause pain, for decorative purposes, or as a Dominant’s mark of ownership over a submissive.
This is a form of edge play and should be approached with additional care.
Common Risks of Cell Popping:
Circumferential burns
Semi-permanent to permanent scarring
Infection
Key Requirements of Cell Popping:
Bio-waste bags (usually yellow)
Disposable medical gloves (use nitrile if you have a latex sensitivity)
Sterile teasing needles or cautery pen
Skin-safe marker
Antibacterial soap and ointment
Medical tape and medical cling film wrap
Fresh paper towels or clean cotton towels
Vitamin C, Zinc, and Multivitamin supplements
Things to Consider During Cell Popping:
Clean the area for cell popping thoroughly before beginning
Thoroughly sanitise the area of skin that you will be burning using a topical antibacterial soap and fresh water. Also ensure that the equipment being used is properly sterilised. Avoid areas of the body that are in constant movement or where clothing may cause irritation, such as knees, elbows, or waistline. This will help to keep scabs from breaking apart during healing.
Plan out complex designs before you start to burn
If you want to do artistic cell popping designs, plot out the design to scale before you transfer the design to skin to start burning. Skin-safe markers can also be used in conjunction to translate the design onto skin.
Do not brand circumferentially around an extremity under any circumstance
As attractive as a permanent anklet or bracelet may be to some submissives and Dominants, branding around any extremity puts the bottom at very high risk for circumferential burning. The wounds and associated scars can spread to create a tourniquet around that area and cut off circulation to that limb. This can inhibit the person’s ability to breathe. If left untreated, circumferential burning leads to limb- and life-threatening circumstances, and most often requires escharotomy, or incision through the burned tissue to release pressure and allow air flow to the endangered limb.
Cell popping is not recommended for those who are prone to keloid scarring
If you are prone to keloid scarring, or someone in your immediate family has experienced this type of scarring, body modifications - including cell popping - are not recommended. Cell popping is intended to generate a controlled pattern via hypertrophic (raised) scars that naturally fall away to reveal the healed skin beneath. Keloid scars, on the other hand, can grow out of control and form lumps of taut, purple-red scarring that extends well beyond where the scarring was intended. These types of scars have to be treated by a dermatologist through procedures such as laser therapy, surgical removal, or corticosteroid shots.
Be aware that visible marks could be questioned
People will ask questions if they see a brand on you. Be prepared to answer these questions, which could come from family, friends, or coworkers. People who take steroids are at increased risk for permanent scarring, as well as keloid scarring - this can result in knotted scars that are raised, discoloured, and could diminish the decorative intent of cell popping.
Consider taking an antibiotic for the first ten days
Remember that cell popping is causing a wound on your skin. As such, it is at risk of infection, the highest being in the early days following a scene. Best practice dictates asking your physician for a prophylactic antibiotic to take during this time period.
Plan for extensive aftercare
It can take up to six weeks for a scarification piece to heal completely. We strongly encourage you to read our guide to scarification aftercare. Ensure you stay hydrated through the healing process, as water intake can affect the length of time it takes to heal. Do not pick at the scabs but allow them to fall away naturally.
Seek medical attention immediately if any of the following occur:
Discharge of thick, yellowish pus comes from the wound
Red streaks appear from the site
Skin is hot to the touch or you begin to run a fever
Excessive pain or swelling around the wound
These considerations are not designed to be advice on how to play safely - they are things to think about prior to engaging in dangerous forms of play. Scarification can cause permanent marks.
No matter the precautions you take in this kind of activity, you cannot guarantee the safety of those involved. Approach this form of play with extreme caution.
