Newly pierced persons, those contemplating a piercing and those with infections must be warned to clean new permanent piercings at least twice daily and to strenuously guard their piercings from possible sources of contamination. Depending on the area pierced and the size of the piercing, healing can take anywhere from 4 to 40 weeks or longer. A sizable proportion of both the gay and straight community who are also engaged in high risk behaviors are familiar with these scenes. Despite the gay community's familiarity with this scene, many of their health care practitioners are not. And many enthusiasts are not aware of all the health reisks and necessary precautions.
Prevention is the best medicine.
For further information, I have listed some resources below, but of course there are others. Chicago Hellfire Club, Box 5426, Chicago, IL 60680.