{"id":55118,"date":"2022-12-01T10:31:19","date_gmt":"2022-12-01T09:31:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/grupopedrojaen.com\/risks-getting-piercing\/"},"modified":"2026-09-22T14:44:59","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T12:44:59","slug":"risks-getting-piercing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/grupopedrojaen.com\/en\/risks-getting-piercing\/","title":{"rendered":"What are the risks of getting a piercing?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Unlike tattoos, piercings are generally perceived as reversible, although this is not always entirely the case. Their popularity among adolescents and adults has led many people \u2014 particularly parents \u2014 to ask about the potential risks. In this article, we review the main complications and how they vary depending on the area of the body being pierced. <\/em><\/p>\n\n

Body piercing involves inserting jewellery into different areas of the body. The practice has become increasingly widespread and now includes much more than traditional earlobe piercing. The lips, nose, tongue, cheeks, eyebrows, nipples, genital area and other parts of the body may all be pierced to accommodate bars, rings or other types of jewellery. <\/p>\n\n

Some people also progressively stretch the piercing site by inserting jewellery of increasing size, particularly in areas such as the ears, cheeks or lips. <\/p>\n\n

When body piercing became particularly popular again during the 1970s, infection-control practices were considerably less standardised than they are today. Poor hygiene and inadequate sterilisation can facilitate transmission of infections, including blood-borne viruses and bacterial or fungal pathogens. <\/p>\n\n

Today, piercing procedures are generally safer when appropriate hygiene and infection-control measures are followed, including the use of gloves, sterilised equipment and materials suitable for implantation in the body. However, even when these precautions are observed, body piercing is not risk-free. Some complications are also seen with tattoos, including keloid scarring, granulomatous inflammatory reactions and infections. <\/p>\n\n

Other complications are more specific to piercing. One of the most common is nickel sensitisation<\/strong>. Nickel<\/a> is a well-recognised contact allergen and may be present in some items of jewellery or metal alloys. Adverse reactions can also occur with other materials. Piercings in highly vascular areas, such as the tongue or penis, may additionally carry a greater risk of bleeding or tissue injury. <\/p>\n\n

Risks of piercing according to the area of the body<\/h2>\n\n

According to Grupo Pedro Ja\u00e9n\u2019s clinical dermatologists<\/a> and the available scientific evidence, the main risks vary according to the area being pierced.<\/p>\n\n

Oral piercings<\/h3>\n\n

The mouth \u2014 particularly the tongue \u2014 is one of the areas in which piercing can lead to a wider range of complications. The tongue has an abundant blood supply, meaning that even relatively small injuries can bleed significantly. <\/p>\n\n

It also contains numerous sensory nerve endings involved in taste, touch and temperature perception. Piercing the tongue can therefore be painful, while piercing deeper or less accessible structures, such as the uvula, can be particularly difficult and carries additional risks. <\/p>\n\n

The oral cavity also naturally contains a large number of microorganisms. For this reason, creating a wound in areas such as the tongue, lips, frenulum or inner cheek can increase the risk of infection and bleeding. <\/p>\n\n

Cases of serious bacterial infection following oral piercing have been reported in the medical literature.<\/p>\n\n

One potential complication is Ludwig\u2019s angina, a rapidly progressive bacterial infection affecting the floor of the mouth and tissues beneath the tongue.<\/p>\n\n

\"Risks<\/figure>\n\n

Symptoms may include swelling of the neck or floor of the mouth, fever, weakness, jaw pain and difficulty breathing. Because swelling can compromise the airway, this condition requires urgent medical treatment, usually with intravenous antibiotics and, when necessary, surgical drainage. <\/p>\n\n

Less severe but more common complications of oral piercings include:<\/p>\n\n

Dental microtrauma and chipped or fractured teeth; gum recession caused by repeated friction from the jewellery; increased dental sensitivity; local fibrosis around the piercing; tearing if the jewellery becomes caught; allergic reactions; difficulty maintaining good oral hygiene; bad breath; problems with speech or chewing; interference with dental imaging; and accidental swallowing or aspiration if part of the jewellery becomes loose.<\/p>\n\n

Because oral piercings can involve significant complications, appropriate information about the procedure, anatomy, aftercare and potential risks is particularly important.<\/p>\n\n

Genital piercings<\/h3>\n\n

Piercings involving the genital area may also lead to significant complications. Areas such as the penis, scrotum, labia or clitoris have an abundant blood supply, which can increase the likelihood of bleeding. Because genital piercings are generally covered by clothing, friction can also increase the risk of abrasion, irritation or tearing, particularly while the piercing is healing. <\/p>\n\n

Other reported complications include condom damage, discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse and, depending on the site of the piercing, injury involving the urethra or urinary difficulties.<\/p>\n\n

As with piercings elsewhere in the body, infection can occur. In rare cases, a severe local infection may spread beyond the piercing site and lead to systemic complications such as sepsis. Cases of bacterial endocarditis<\/a> associated with body piercing have also been reported. <\/p>\n\n

Navel piercings <\/h3>\n\n

The navel contains skin folds in which moisture, debris and microorganisms can accumulate, making careful hygiene particularly important. Navel piercings also tend to heal relatively slowly and require appropriate aftercare throughout this period. Local infection is one of the complications that may occur. When infection develops, treatment depends on its severity and may include local care and, where clinically indicated, antibiotic treatment. Medical assessment is advisable if the area becomes increasingly painful, red, swollen or warm, if pus or other discharge develops, or if systemic symptoms such as fever appear. <\/p>\n\n

We invite you to share this article about the risks of getting a piercing with family and friends who may find it useful.<\/em><\/p>\n\n

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The content of this article has been prepared by the Grupo Pedro Ja\u00e9n Communications Department and Medical Team in accordance with our editorial commitment<\/a>, which ensures the accuracy and regular updating of the information provided.<\/p>\n

References on the risks associated with body piercing:<\/p>\n

1. Covello F, Salerno C, Giovannini V, Corridore D, Ottolenghi L, Vozza I. Piercing and Oral Health: A Study on the Knowledge of Risks and Complications. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020 Jan 18;17(2):613. doi: 10.3390\/ijerph17020613. PMID: 31963636; PMCID: PMC7013412.<\/p>\n

2. Hennequin-Hoenderdos NL, Slot DE, Van der Weijden GA. Complications of oral and peri-oral piercings: a summary of case reports. Int J Dent Hyg. 2011 May;9(2):101-9. doi: 10.1111\/j.1601-5037.2010.00504.x. PMID: 21481183.<\/p>\n

3. Hennequin-Hoenderdos NL, Slot DE, Van der Weijden GA. The incidence of complications associated with lip and\/or tongue piercings: a systematic review. Int J Dent Hyg. 2016 Feb;14(1):62-73. doi: 10.1111\/idh.12118. Epub 2015 Feb 17. PMID: 25690049.<\/p>\n

4. Ziebolz D, S\u00f6der F, Hartl JF, Kottmann T, Rinke S, Schmalz G. Comprehensive assessment of dental behaviour and oral status in patients with tongue piercing-results of a cross-sectional study. Clin Oral Investig. 2020 Feb;24(2):971-977. doi: 10.1007\/s00784-019-03002-y. Epub 2019 Jul 4. PMID: 31273525.<\/p>\n

5. Plessas A, Pepelassi E. Dental and periodontal complications of lip and tongue piercing: prevalence and influencing factors. Aust Dent J. 2012 Mar;57(1):71-8. doi: 10.1111\/j.1834-7819.2011.01647.x. PMID: 22369561.<\/p>\n

6. Friedrich L, Madrid C, Odman-Jaques M, Yersin B, Carnon PN. Complications li\u00e9es aux piercings [Complications of body piercing]. Rev Med Suisse. 2014 Mar 19;10(422):662-8. French. PMID: 24734366.<\/p>\n

7. Meltzer DI. Complications of body piercing. Am Fam Physician. 2005 Nov 15;72(10):2029-34. PMID: 16342832.<\/p>\n

8. Ekelius L, Fohlman J, Kalin M. Risken f\u00f6r allvarliga komplikationer vid piercing f\u00e5r inte underskattas [The risk of severe complications of body piercing should not be underestimated]. Lakartidningen. 2005 Sep 12-18;102(37):2560-2, 2564. Swedish. PMID: 16200902.<\/p>\n

9. Kloppenburg G, Maessen JG. Streptococcus endocarditis after tongue piercing. J Heart Valve Dis. 2007 May;16(3):328-30. PMID: 17578056.<\/p>\n

10. Van Hoover C, Rademayer CA, Farley CL. Body Piercing: Motivations and Implications for Health. J Midwifery Womens Health. 2017 Sep;62(5):521-530. doi: 10.1111\/jmwh.12630. Epub 2017 Aug 14. PMID: 28806494.<\/p>\n

11. Lee B, Vangipuram R, Petersen E, Tyring SK. Complications associated with intimate body piercings. Dermatol Online J. 2018 Jul 15;24(7):13030\/qt5gp333zr. Erratum in: Dermatol Online J. 2018 Aug 15;24(8): PMID: 30261561.<\/p>\n

12. Holbrook J, Minocha J, Laumann A. Body piercing: complications and prevention of health risks. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2012 Feb 1;13(1):1-17. doi: 10.2165\/11593220-000000000-00000. PMID: 22175301.<\/p>\n

13. Caliendo C, Armstrong ML, Roberts AE. Self-reported characteristics of women and men with intimate body piercings. J Adv Nurs. 2005 Mar;49(5):474-84. doi: 10.1111\/j.1365-2648.2004.03320.x. PMID: 15713179.<\/p>\n

14. Yu CH, Minnema BJ, Gold WL. Bacterial infections complicating tongue piercing. Can J Infect Dis Med Microbiol. 2010 Spring;21(1):e70-4. doi: 10.1155\/2010\/987059. PMID: 21358880; PMCID: PMC2852294.<\/p>[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Learn about the main risks of getting a piercing depending on the area of the body, including the mouth, genitals and navel.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":46145,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[45],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-55118","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sin-categoria"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/grupopedrojaen.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55118","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/grupopedrojaen.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/grupopedrojaen.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grupopedrojaen.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grupopedrojaen.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=55118"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/grupopedrojaen.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55118\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":55121,"href":"https:\/\/grupopedrojaen.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55118\/revisions\/55121"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grupopedrojaen.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/46145"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/grupopedrojaen.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=55118"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grupopedrojaen.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=55118"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grupopedrojaen.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=55118"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}