[Complications following eyebrow piercing]

Piercing as a new form of "body art" is becoming more frequent in western industrialised countries and has achieved a certain social acceptance. Materials used are mainly surgical steel and, less frequently due to higher costs, titanium, gold, silver and niobium. The current literature reports complications such as infections, swellings, allergies, wound healing problems, dental damage and hepatitis following piercing in oral and facial regions.

A 22-year-old nurse underwent piercing of her right eyebrow 4 months previously. While piercing of her tongue and nipples had not caused any problems, she first complained of a local inflammation about 3 months after the piercing procedure, which healed spontaneously. Now she complained again about pain, pressure, redness and swelling of her right cheek and face. A dermatologist had recommended tea compresses. On her first visit she presented with a solid, movable, tender, cherry-size swelling of the lateral third of the right eyebrow, a redness of the eyelid and a large swelling of the cheek. Following a systemic antibiotic therapy she underwent surgery and the inflammatory tissue was removed. Histologically, muscle tissue and a piercing canal were visible as well as histiolymphocytotic infiltrates with epitheloid and solitary giant cells.

With an increasing frequency of piercing, the number of complications in the field of ophthalmology is also likely to increase. Considerable costs may arise for the social health care system depending on the severity of the complications.