Health & Well-Being-Body piercing can cause lifelong problems
The popular trend in body piercing has brought with it an equally unpopular trend: allergic reactions. Many of the body locations chosen for piercing have displayed an incredible array of reactions including infections, scarring, and a lifetime allergy to nickel, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).
Nickel is a ubiquitous metal used to make things shiny and bright; it's also the major reason why people break out from fashion jewelry and watchbands. Over 14% of Americans are allergic to nickel, say AAD researchers, noting that many dermatologists see a strong link between rampant body piercing and the increase in nickel allergy patients.
When it comes to ear and body piercing, "Cells in the body react to the presence of nickel in the studs used to keep the pierced site open," explains Pamela Scheinman, MD, a dermatologist and allergy specialist with the New England Medical Center in Boston. "The cells develop a mechanism to react against the metal, causing the skin to erupt. Unfortunately these cells — known as T-cells — develop a memory. Every time nickel comes into contact with skin, the T-Cells think they are doing your body a favor by reacting. Eyelids, a popular site for piercing, are particularly sensitive."
Nickel, cobalt, and chrome are frequently present in the fashion jewelry that is commonly used in body piercing.
Peter Bendetsen, MD, a Boston-area dermatologist who has been practicing for over 20 years, discourages piercing body parts other than earlobes. "Navels, tongues, eyebrows, and lips are far more prone to infection; the thicker the body part, the greater the chance of uncontrollable bleeding. In fact, I had to give a patient a stitch because he hit a vein while trying to pierce his own lip."
Roman Research, a Plymouth, MA-based jewelry manufacturer, offers these "Seven Pillars of Piercing Wisdom":
1. Read the label on jewelry items. All parts must be made of nickel-free alloys or surgical stainless steel.
2. If you or members of your family scar easily, do not get ears or other body parts pierced.
3. Piercing is not a do-it-yourself or group project; home sterilization methods are unreliable. Flaming a stainless steel needle to sterilize it can release nickel into the lobe, setting off a lifetime allergy.
4. One-step sterile ear piercing systems are safe.
5. Do not use nail polish or powders to coat jewelry. They only mask the piece temporarily and those other products may cause an allergic reaction, as well.
6. Fourteen-karat gold or sterling silver are no guarantee against nickel allergies; both metals contain nickel.
7. The entire jewelry piece, not just the earring post, must be made of surgical stainless steel or nickel-free gold, silver, or platinum to avoid the onset of a nickel allergy.
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