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Complications of body piercing
1State University of New York at Stony Brook School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York, USA. donna.meltzer@stonybrook.edu
American Family Physician
|December 14, 2005
Summary
Body piercing beyond the earlobe is increasingly popular, leading to various complications like infections and poor healing. Understanding site-specific risks is crucial for managing patient health.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Body piercing at sites other than the earlobe has surged in popularity over the last decade.
- Commonly pierced sites include the tongue, lips, nose, eyebrows, nipples, navel, and genitals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the complications associated with various body piercing sites.
- To inform healthcare professionals about potential risks and management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of body piercing trends and associated complications.
- Analysis of body-site-specific complications and treatment considerations.
Main Results:
- Complications include local/systemic infections, poor cosmesis, foreign body rejection, swelling, and tooth fracture (tongue).
- Ear cartilage piercings carry risks of serious infections and disfigurement; fluoroquinolones are recommended for auricular perichondritis.
- Navel, nipple, and genital piercings often involve prolonged healing.
Conclusions:
- Complications are often specific to the body site and piercing technique.
- Family physicians must be prepared to manage body piercing complications and educate patients.