Many of our college students have body piercings or tattoos. Common sites of piercings include the belly button, ears, nipples, eyebrows and genitalia. Tattoos are also very common especially on the lower legs, lower back and chest. Most of our students do not have adverse outcomes. But some do. What do you need to know to stay safe? 

   When choosing a safe body piercing studio, you may obtain a list of approved establishments through the state health department or by checking the Web site of The Association of Professional Piercers (http://www.safepiercing.org/bodyaftercare.htm) The studio should be certified by the Department of Health. The CDC recommends a tetanus booster if one has not been obtained within 5 years. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) and the CDC recommend obtaining the Hepatitis B immunization series before these procedures.

    Studies have shown increasing rates of infection and complications following body piercing. Common complications include local infections, allergic reactions to metals, structural defects, rejection or migration of jewelry, excessive bleeding, scarring or damage to underlying structures such as bone, blood vessels and nerves. One dentist said he is seeing an ever-growing number of fractured teeth due to the practice of tongue piercing!

Although rare, piercing also presents a risk of systemic infection that could be very serious. When this happens, organisms may enter the blood stream at the pierced site and infect other body organs such as heart valves, kidneys or even cause brain abscesses. Some medical providers recommend NEVER piercing the upper cartilage of the ear. Because of a poor blood supply to that area, complications such as infection are more common.

    If you have had a piercing and have signs and symptoms of a local infection such as redness, tenderness, excessive swelling, odor, discharge or warmth, make an appointment with a medical provider for an evaluation. Please call for an appointment if you have signs and symptoms of a possible allergic reaction such as an itchy rash, redness, weeping, swelling or hives.

    If you think you may have a more serious systemic infection with signs and symptoms of fever, fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, fast heart rate, shaking chills or mental status changes, you should be seen in the Emergency Department. Remember that tetanus, HIV and hepatitis are also potential complications of piercings that are done without the proper sterilization of equipment.

    WHAT IF I DECIDE TO HAVE MY TATTOO REMOVED?

    Several techniques are available to remove a tattoo. The process of tattoo removal is expensive, usually takes several sessions (at an average cost of $400/session) and usually results in unsightly scarring, according to the FDA.

    Laser tattoo removal is considered superior to other removal methods. Depending on the size of the tattoo, an average of 7 sessions over a several month period, may be required to remove the tattoo. 

   If you are concerned that you may have an infection related to your body piercing or have questions related to tattoos or piercings, please call our Student Health and Counseling Services for an appointment with one of our medical providers. Call 750-4915. We will be happy to see you, treat you and answer your medical questions!