Mitigating Risk in Needle Play
Needle Play, or play piercing, is a scene involving the use of needles, from either side of the slash. Needle Play can be done with the intention of causing pain, or for decorative purposes.
This is a form of edge play and should be approached with additional care.
Common Risks of Needle Play:
Cross-contamination
Injury
Infection
Key Requirements for Needle Play:
Bio-waste bags (usually yellow)
Disposable clear or white gloves
Sterile needles
Sharps bin (for needles) and waste bin (for needle packets and caps)
Gauze swabs & alcohol wipes
Skin-safe marker
Things to Consider During Needle Play
Prep your body for piercing early
If you need to shave or wax before doing a scene, do so early enough in the day or the night before so that you don't have inflammation. Try to use natural, unperfumed products, and avoid putting moisturiser on.
Plan out complex designs before you start piercing
If you want to do artistic needleplay designs, plot out the design to scale, including which gauge, length, colour etc. you need before you transfer the design to skin to start piercing.
Layout your piercing space properly
Keep one side of your workspace "clean" with unopened needles, fresh gauze swabs, wipes, fresh gloves, etc., and one side "dirty" with a rubbish bin, sharps bin, bio waste bags, etc. to prevent any risk of crossover.
Have snacks & drinks nearby during needle play
Be sure you've eaten and are well-hydrated before the scene, regardless of which side of the slash you're on - have snacks and drinks on hand throughout the scene as well.
Have your phone on hand for an emergency
If you're doing a “self stab” without someone around, have your phone close by in case of emergencies.
Keep warm during needle play
Shock and adrenaline can make the body react in unexpected ways. Bottoms need to keep warm coverings close by and Tops should keep the area at a comfortable temperature. The body will start to feel the cold very soon once shock and adrenaline kick in.
Don't use black gloves when piercing
Although they are more aesthetically pleasing, you won't be able to see if the skin is broken in the event of a misplaced needle prick, and this could lead to cross contamination.
Open your needles as you need them
To prevent accidentally using a contaminated needle, open the packs as you're about to use them, and immediately dispose of the wrapper and caps to keep the area tidy.
Dispose of removed needles immediately and safely
Always use a sharps bin for discarded needles, and be sure to follow your personal aftercare routine on either side of the slash - don’t underestimate the cramps and aches a needle Top can get, too.
Look after the piercing site as it heals
Avoid getting the area too wet whilst it heals, and avoid anything that could put pressure on the bruised area. Avoid tight clothing, and don’t scratch the scabs.
These considerations are not designed to be advice in how to play safely - they are things to think about prior to engaging in dangerous forms of play.
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.
