Body piercings, teens and potential health risks

THE earlobe is the most universal site for body piercing — but it is definitely not the only option out there.

A 2010 Pew survey found nearly 25% of teenagers have a piercing somewhere other than an earlobe.

The tongue, lips, nose, eyebrows, nipples, navel (belly button) and genitals can all be pierced.

Among people who get a piercing other than on the earlobe, about one in three end up having a complication.

The American Academy of Paediatrics clinical report Adolescent and Young Adult Tattooing, Piercing, and Scarification encourages parents and teens to consider the risks involved and details the adverse outcomes associated with body piercing.

Complications from body piercing:

• Infection at the pierced site —

Whenever the skin’s protective barrier is broken, local skin infections from staph or strep bacteria are a risk.

Of all the body sites commonly pierced, the navel is the most likely to become infected because of its shape. Infections can often be treated with good skin hygiene and antibiotic medications.

With this type of infection, jewellery generally does not have to be taken out. This helps prevent the hole from closing and promotes drainage of the infected area.

Bloodstream infections — With any piercing, there is the danger of this type of infection, including the hepatitis B or C viruses and tetanus. These types of infections are commonly caused by contaminated piercing equipment.

It is important to be up to date on immunisations, especially hepatitis B and tetanus, before having anything pierced.

Dental trauma —Tooth chipping (or fracture) is the most common dental problem related to tongue piercing. Lip or tongue jewellery can also cause gum problems and damage to the enamel; the jewellery can also become loose and be swallowed.

Researchers have also found that, in some cases, the jaw bone may be affected requiring oral surgery to preserve the teeth. Infection of the mouth or lips may cause speech, chewing, or swallowing problems or swelling that can block the throat.

• Allergic reactions — Nickel allergy is a very common and a potentially serious risk of piercing. Therefore, jewellery containing nickel must be avoided. It is important to know that some gold jewellery contains nickel.

A reaction often requires the jewellery piece to be removed. Steroid creams can then be used to help stop the reaction.

Poor quality jewellery can also cause the same problems as nickel. And teens are frequently on a tight budget, which means they may buy jewellery that is poor in quality.

• Other jewellery-related problems — Jewellery absolutely must be new and never used by anyone else. It should also be the right size for the body part being pierced. If it is too big it could lead to large scars or tissue damage. If it’s too small, it could cut the skin or break off. Prolonged wearing of heavy jewellery also may result in an elongated or deformed earlobe.

• Jewellery in the genital area may cause injury and can cause a condom to break or a diaphragm to dislodge — increasing the risk of pregnancy and exposure to sexually transmitted infections.

Jewellery in the navel can get caught on clothing and linens. This constant irritation can delay healing. Navel piercings can take up to a year to heal completely.

Pointed earring posts may cause pressure sores or skin irritation when worn during sleep.

Tearing/accidents — Cuts and tears are common to pierced ears and may occur after falls, motor vehicle crashes, contact sports, person-to-person violence or accidental pulling of an earring.

To prevent scar tissue from forming and/or permanent deformity, tears should be repaired within 12 to 24 hours.

Keloid formation — Keloids are overgrowths of fibrous tissue or scars that can occur in some people after even minor trauma to the skin — no small deal!

In addition to aesthetic concerns, patients with keloids may have itching and tenderness. Treatment options for keloids include: surgical excision, corticosteroid injections, cryosurgery (freezing), pressure dressings, radiation and laser therapy.