Ear-piercing complications in children and adolescents

[摘要] Question Ear piercing is one of the most common forms of body modification seen in children and adolescentspresenting to my office. Parents of my younger pediatric patients inquire about potential post-piercingcomplications and risk factors associated with earlobe infections. What guidance should I give them? Also, arethere any specific post-piercing complications to consider for older pediatric patients seeking second piercings inthe upper cartilage area?Answer Piercing the earlobe or auricular cartilage continues to be a popular procedure among childrenand adolescents. Despite its widespread practice, improper aseptic piercing technique, insufficient training,and trauma to the soft tissue during high-pressure piercing (eg, use of spring-loaded ear-piercing instruments)can increase one’s susceptibility to infections, bleeding, and microfractures. Other post-piercing complicationsinclude embedded earrings, keloids, hypertrophic scarring, and cutaneous hypersensitivity. Early recognition andtreatment of infections and perichondritis secondary to transcartilaginous piercings can prevent the progression ofsevere ear deformities requiring reconstructive surgical interventions.

[学科分类] 卫生学