Body Piercing

Abstract

Body and earlobe piercing are common practices in the USA today. Minor complications including infection and bleeding occur frequently and, although rare, major complications have been reported. Healthcare professionals should be cognizant of the medical consequences of body piercing. Complications vary depending on the body-piercing site, materials used, experience of the practitioner, hygiene regimens, and aftercare by the recipient. Localized infections are common. Systemic infections such as viral hepatitis and toxic shock syndrome and distant infections such as endocarditis and brain abscesses have been reported. Other general complications include allergic contact dermatitis (e.g. from nickel or latex), bleeding, scarring and keloid formation, nerve damage, and interference with medical procedures such as intubation and blood/organ donation. Site-specific complications have been reported. Oral piercings may lead to difficulty speaking and eating, excessive salivation, and dental problems. Oral and nasal piercings may be aspirated or become embedded, requiring surgical removal. Piercing tracts in the ear, nipple, and navel are prone to tearing. Galactorrhea may be caused by stimulation from a nipple piercing. Genital piercings may lead to infertility secondary to infection, and obstruction of the urethra secondary to scar formation. In men, priapism and fistula formation may occur. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and have a piercing or are considering obtaining one need to be aware of the rare complications that may affect them or their child. Though not a 'complication' per se, many studies have reported body piercing as a marker for high-risk behavior, psychopathologic symptoms, and anti-social personality traits. When it comes to piercing complications, prevention is the key. Body piercers should take a complete medical and social history to identify conditions that may predispose an individual to complications, and candidates should choose a qualified practitioner to perform their piercing. As body piercing continues to be popular, understanding the risks of the procedures as well as the medical and psychosocial implications of wearing piercing jewelry is important for the medical practitioner.

Body Piercing: A National Survey in France

“…The most common complication was infection (approximately 15% of cases), which aligns with previous studies of the topic, which have noted that 10–20% of all piercings lead to infection [2, 21, 22]. We did not enquire about the delay of onset after BP or at which anatomical site and under which condition the BP was performed (i.e., in a shop or by a friend, etc.).…”

The Tongue Enables Computer and Wheelchair Control for People with Spinal Cord Injury

“…Before tongue piercing, all individuals were screened using glued-on magnetic tracers to ensure ability to use the TDS. The piercing procedure for the participants with disability was similar to that for the able-bodied participants, except that the recruited participants with SCI stayed in the hospital for three nights to monitor for side effects, for example, tongue swelling, and in case there was an emergency (54). Later, this stay was reduced to one night.…”

Development of a Tongue-Piercing Method for Use With Assistive Technology

“…The use of chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash for the first week and ongoing use of an antiplaque mouthwash may have helped prevent early infections. 6 However, the appearance of lower ball calculus after only 4 weeks of wear underlines the importance of assiduous cleaning of barbells. Proximal placement of barbells was done to prevent gum and tooth damage.…”