The Risks of Ear Piercing in Children

Macgregor, D. M.

Accident & Emergency Department, Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital, Cornhill Road, Aberdeen

Correspondence to: Dr DM Macgregor, Accident & Emergency Department, Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital, Cornhill Road, Aberdeen AB25 2ZG Tel: 01224 681818 ext 52900 Fax: 01224 840937 E mail: [email protected]

Scottish Medical Journal 46(1):p 9-10, February 2001. | DOI: 10.1177/003693300104600104

Body piercing, and particularly ear piercing is becoming increasingly common in young children who may not be capable of properly caring for the pierced site. This may result in infection at the site and embedding of the earring. Infection and the subsequent necessity of removal of such earrings can cause considerable pain and distress. There is also a proven risk of inducing nickel allergy in these children which can be a problem in later life. The potential for serious infection such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV is not appreciated by the parents of these children.