[Piercing--medical problems from otorhinolaryngological point of view]

Piercing is defined as puncturing an organ in order to place a jewel in the perforated site. There is hardly any external organ in the human body that has escaped piercing. The origin of piercing traces back to the dawn of human history. Piercing is performed for decorative or symbolic purposes. Many different medical specialists are confronted with the increasingly popular practice of body piercing in their daily practice. Until recently body piercing was mainly confined to the ears and/or nose. In the last few years there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of body piercing. There are a lot of side effects, among them especially infections. The most important bacteria cultivated from such patients are Staphylococcus aureus and group A streptococci and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Viruses which can be transmitted by piercing are especially hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus. Besides local complications also systemic infections (sepsis, endocarditis) occur. The main aspects of diagnostics, therapy and prevention are discussed.