pain, numbness, slurred speech, increased salivary flow and even loss of control over saliva. Piercings also frequently affect the teeth, chipping them and causing small gaps between them.
Furthermore, if a person with a tongue piercing has to be intubated via the windpipe, there is a risk of the piercing being swallowed by the patient.
The nose: A piercing through the nasal septum can cause bleeding and bruising, often accompanied by infection. It can also cause perichondritis and necrosis of the nasal wall.
The navel: Friction by clothing prevents rapid healing and increases the risk of infection. These holes also tend to expand gradually, especially in overweight people and pregnant women.
The nipples: Both men and women pierce the nipple or the areola. Possible complications are the formation of abscesses (collections of pus) and infections. Even if the piercing is removed in breast-feeding women, the scar may affect milk ducts.
The genitals: One of the goals of piercings in the genital area is to enhance sexual sensitivity. However, the risks of complications are high for both men and women.
In men, genital piercings often perforate the glans, urethra, foreskin and scrotum. Piercings inserted through the glans can block urine flow, whereas perforations of the urethra and glans are associated with paraphimosis. Piercings can also cause engorgement and priapism (persistent erection).
Women often pierce the clitoris, labia minora, labia majora and perineum. After perforation, they may experience bleeding, infections, allergic reactions, keloid formation and scarring. An additional problem is in the use of barrier methods of contraception, given that condoms may break.
To pierce or not to pierce?
In addition to these specific problems, any body piercing implies the risk of serious infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C or tetanus.
In view of the outcomes, it seems clear that piercing is not advisable, neither for our skin nor for our health in general. But, fashions strongly influence the subconscious, especially in young people, so here are a few tips:
- Be sure to be well informed before you get a piercing.
- Insist on perforation with properly sterilized instruments.
- Choose jewellery made of quality materials that are less likely to cause infections.
- Regularly check piercings and get prompt medical attention for any complications.
Source: American Family Physician