Danger of piercing: Infection, Rejection, Choking, Scarring, Bleeding

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Dangers of Body Piercing

Over the last 20 years, body piercing, as with many fashion trends, has enjoyed a resurgence. People young and old, men and women are piercing their eyebrows, noses, navels, lips, tongues, genitals, belly buttons, hands, and nipples.

According to Tom Rael, a professional piercer and tattoo artist, contemporary body piercing has two primary functions: beautification and sexual stimulation.

Usually those that are visible are for decoration, shock value, or to make a personal statement.
Those that are not visible, such as genital and nipple piercing, are generally for sexual gratification.

To most people, body piercing seems relatively simple. However, it is more complicated than it might seem and can pose serious health risks-which is why piercing should be provided by a physician or an experienced, trained body piercing professional.

The most common and preventable malady of piercing is infection, but there are others as well

1. Infection

Unsterile instruments and techniques can lead to infections from bacteria and viruses including Hepatitis B and HIV.

2. Rejection

Piercing can reject for many reasons, such as inappropriate jewelry, metal allergies, cleansers, or care. Sterling silver, gold-plated or filled jewelry, and any type of ear studs are not appropriate for body piercings. Inferior materials will corrode as they break down in the body, causing ugly infections, and even large holes in the tissue.

Specially made bar bells or rings are common nipple jewelry. The correct gauge (diameter) and metal type are critical. Many people are allergic to nickel, which is commonly used in jewelry manufacturing.

Titanium, nickel-free gold, platinum, niobium, or surgical stainless steel are the metals of choice for body piercing jewelry. Some piercings are simply more prone to rejection, such as the eyebrow and the navel. Also, stress, poor nutrition, inadequate hygiene, and premature manipulation of the piercing site are other potential causes of infection.

3. Choking

This a potential hazard for a baby whose mother has nipple piercings and who does not remove nipple jewelry before breastfeeding. As the baby sucks, the jewelry could become loose and lodge in the throat. The baby's gums, tongue, or the soft and hard palate can be injured by the jewelry.

4. Scarring

If the piercing is placed too shallow it can easily be ripped out of the body. Too deep, and a thick layer of scar tissue may form. Some people may develop keloids.

5. Bleeding