Body piercing has been recorded from ancient civilizations and can be seen in art and antiquities. Body piercing has recently become common in many countries, particularly among young persons. The February 25, 2004, issue of JAMA includes an article about serious infections related to piercing of the ear cartilage.
Piercing has been performed in nearly every area of the body. Cultural ideas influence the types of piercing commonly done in different parts of the world. In the United States, common piercing sites include the earlobe, ear cartilage, eyebrow, tongue, lips, nose, and umbilicus (belly button). Less visible sites include the nipples and the genitals.
Grahic Jump Location
Any time the skin is penetrated, potential for infection exists. Typical signs of infection include pain, tenderness, redness, and foul-smelling drainage from the site of the piercing. Such infections can lead to serious complications such as abscess formation at the site or spread through the bloodstream to distant sites, including the heart valves. If you think you have an infection at a piercing site, see a doctor for evaluation.
Piercing through ear cartilage has more risk of infection than piercing the earlobe. This is because there is little blood flow to the cartilage. Ear cartilage infections are difficult to treat and may require surgery resulting in permanent disfigurement of the ear.
The instruments used to do body piercing may become contaminated with blood, body fluids, or other infectious materials. This may not be visible to the naked eye. Infections (such as hepatitis) can occur if the instruments are not properly cleaned and sterilized. If you choose to have a part of your body pierced, minimize your risk of infection by being certain that the piercing equipment has been sterilized. Piercing guns should be avoided.
Poor healing
Pain
Edema (tissue swelling)
Scar formation
Allergic reactions to metal
Dental damage from oral or tongue piercing
What type of training does the piercer have?
How are the piercing instruments cleaned and sterilized?
How are problems at the specific piercing institution traced?
What kind of care needs to be taken with the piercing?
What type of metal (gold or silver are preferred) is used for the initial piercing?
How long before the piercing is considered to be healed?
Whom do you contact if problems arise with the piercing?
Where do you find more information?
Association of Professional Piercers 888/888-1277 http://www.safepiercing.org
To find this and previous JAMA Patient Pages, go to the Patient Page Index on JAMA's Web site at http://www.jama.com. Many are available in English and Spanish.
Sources: Association of Professional Piercers, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The JAMA Patient Page is a public service of JAMA. The information and recommendations appearing on this page are appropriate in most instances, but they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis. For specific information concerning your personal medical condition, JAMA suggests that you consult your physician. This page may be photocopied noncommercially by physicians and other health care professionals to share with patients. Any other print or online reproduction is subject to AMA approval. To purchase bulk reprints, call 718/946-7424.
TOPIC: INFECTIONS
Country-Specific Mortality and Growth Failure in Infancy and Yound Children and Association With Material Stature
Use interactive graphics and maps to view and sort country-specific infant and early dhildhood mortality and growth failure data and their association with maternal
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