Nashua Telegraph: Piercings may be popular, but they can lead to problems
The Nashua Telegraph recently covered complications associated with piercings. The article notes growing concern from physicians and researchers on the various problems that can occur from piercings:
A recent study published by the British Medical Journal reported that 28 percent of all people who got non-earlobe piercing experienced a complication – usually, swelling, residual bleeding, slow healing or infection – with half of the complications serious enough that the patient sought help from a medical professional.
“It is vital that anyone considering a piercing ensures that they go to a reputable piercer to reduce the risk of problems,” said Dr. Fortune Ncube, a researcher with Britain’s National Health Protection Agency, who led the study.
Despite the troubling statistics, body jewelry enthusiasts still find that the positives of piercings — coupled with easy common sense prevention techniques — outweigh the potential risks. So, tell us BodySparklers: Have you ever had a complication from a piercing? Did you have to seek medical advice from a doctor? How do you keep your piercings clean and free of infection?
Nia said,
August 6, 2010 at 8:59 pm
I’m on my fourth attempt piercing my earlobes. I pierced them the first time at the mall when I was ten, kept them in for a miserable year, and later discovered I have a nickel allergy. I pierced twice again as an adult, again at mall stores with piercing guns, and had bad experiences both times. Once the skin on my right ear swelled together over top of the stud and I had to have it surgically removed! This most recent time, I went to a professional piercer and who used a needle rather than a gun and used implant-grade titanium studs. I haven’t had a single issue. They’re almost fully healed, and I’m planning to get several more piercings ASAP
You definitely get what you pay for, professional service is sooooo worth it.
Meg said,
September 11, 2010 at 12:41 pm
I had an industrial piercing done, and the piercer totally screwed it up. He pierced it with a 12g needle, but put in a 14g barbell that was too short. I now have weird bumps of cartilage that grew in around the barbell, along with dimples on the outer edges of my ear because the barbell was too short and my skin fused with the beads. Besides all that, he was rude to me, my boyfriend and friend while we were getting the work done. I will never go to that piercer again. I won’t recommend him to my friends either.
My nose piercing on the other hand was done by a magnificent piercer (different studio). I would totally recommend him to everyone I know.
Bethany said,
September 13, 2010 at 8:12 pm
Oddly enough, I dont get infections easily. Out of 12 piercings, my navel has been the hardest to heal. Ive had it pierced 3 times and this one should be the last. I only wear silver jewelry and usually only have 4 sets of earrings and a tragus piercing for my ears. Biggest complication has been migration or my navel ring being pulled out due to physical activity.