Piercing

Are you or your teenager considering a body piercing? Is it difficult to see eye-to-eye on this subject, or are you just not sure what the real risks of body piercing are? Sometimes it's hard toseparate the facts from the myths surrounding body modification. When that happens, it can make it even harder for parents and teenagers to come to an agreement on whether a body piercing is an acceptableform of self-expression.
First, you should understand that the risks of body piercing are very real. There are genuine problems that can and do arise, and these shouldn't be ignored. On the otherhand, by taking certain precautions and taking proper care of your piercings, you can minimize your chance of having a problem and greatly increase the chances that you will be one of the millions ofpeople who will end up with a healthy, normal piercing.
What are the health risks of body piercing?
• Infection. Without proper care, infection can lead to scarring and even blood poisoning.Infections of piercings are unattractive and can be very dangerous.
• Allergic Reaction. Some people are sensitive to certain metals and only discover this when they are pierced and have a severe reaction tothe jewelry. The rash, swelling, and difficulty breathing can lead to shock and hospitalization.
• Nerve Damage. If a piercing isn't placed carefully, it can be pushed through a nerve, severing itand making the surrounding area permanently deadened to any feeling.
• Excessive Bleeding. This is just what it sounds like. If you get pierced and happen to hit a large blood vessel, you could havedifficulty stopping the bleeding and may end up in the emergency room getting it cauterized. Not pretty.
• Risk of Cross-Contamination. You may become cross-contaminated by Hepatitis, the HIVvirus, or another blood-borne pathogen is you are pierced by improperly sterilized needles.
• Keloids. These are toughened knots of scar tissue that look like cysts at the base of a piercing that...