Health risks to ponder before body piercings

After ear piercing became the norm a few decades ago, piercing enthusiasts decided to step out of the ordinary by putting jewellery on other parts of their bodies. Almost any part of the body can be pierced, with some areas remaining more popular than others. The ears are the most common piercing area. Piercing other areas of the ear usually involves piercing the cartilage that gives the ear shape, while other popular sites include the mouth and tongue, nose, eyebrow, navel, and genital area. But why the piercings? To some, it is a fashion statement, while for others, it may be trying to honour the culture of their ancestors. The reasons vary amongst different people and different age groups. A woman with piercings on the lower lip and ears. In some cultures, piercings are a manifestation of beauty. (Net photo) Twenty-four-year old Doreen Mubyeyi has five piercings on each ear, which, she says; she spent a fortune just to stand out from the many to look attractive. “The jewellery that I wear is quite expensive but I had to make sure I get the right type to avoid health risks. Although it cost me a lot, I feel beautiful now and smile every time people turn to look at me,” she says. However, 27-year-old Samuel Mugisha regrets his decision to pierce his ears because he developed an earlobe keloid as a result. He says he made the choice due to the admiration he had for some of the celebrity artists that he looked up to. Whatever the reason may be, we should admit that piercings definitely get our attention. What we should realise however, is that this act can actually cause harmful effects on us if it is done at an inappropriate place. The health risks Dr Elisah Agaba, a dermatologist with CHUK, says people with keloid background in their families should avoid body piercings as they have higher risks of getting complications after the procedure. Not only are they dangerous to the skin, but the risks can also be life threatening as they bring about blood contamination if procedures are not properly done. “Through contamination of the blood, one is also prone to hepatitis B and C, as well as HIV. Blood infections can occur if a sterile technique is not used,” he says. The most commonly pierced oral sites are the tongue and the lip. Without proper caution, however, they might not keep you smiling for long. Dr Frank Rwema, a dentist at Rwanda Military Hospital, says the tongue is a very sensitive oral organ and harming it can breed unwanted results. “Piercing may damage gum tissue behind the lower front teeth, as well as risk over bleeding because the tongue contains arteries and veins that carry blood. The tongue consists of taste buds and when pierced in the wrong places, may lead to taste loss,” he says. He also warns that wearing lip rings for long affects the teeth and causes chipping and abrasion of their surfaces. The enamel is damaged which attracts micro organisms that damage the teeth. Dr Tekle Ezeghiabre, a gynaecologist, says although some women pierce their breasts as part of traditional healing, the health risks that come with such include scars that are very itchy and do not regress over time. “Reproductive body parts are very sensitive and piercings on such often lead to a scarring called the keloid which is almost impossible to heal,” he says For the women planning to breastfeed, they should reconsider the decision, as breasts contain milk ducts responsible for giving breast milk, and thus piercing makes it difficult for nursing the baby. The genital piercings also make sex and urination difficult and painful. Healing process Alex Niyonzima, based at The Mirror beauty Salon in Kigali, is in the business of body piercings. He says that although body piercings are becoming common and trendy, people should be cautious about the type of jewellery they wear because it greatly affects the healing process. “Each body piercing has its own normal healing time and individuals vary as some are allergic to metals. It is important to use the type of jewellery designed for each piercing site and only non allergic jewellery should be used.” He explains. He further explains that surgical stainless steel, gold, platinum, niobium, and titanium are the only types of jewelry that should be used in a new piercing. Healing time varies depending upon the area that is pierced and can be as short as six weeks for an eyebrow piercing to as long as one year or more for some people with a navel piercing. This patience is something one should definitely put into consideration, as the body treats the wound as much as you take care of it so as not to let the piercing become infected. Niyonzima also warns that self-piercing could be dangerous, as it’s unlikely that you’ll have the correct equipment, training or hygiene procedures to reduce the risk of infection or scarring. “A specialist’s help is necessary if you’re considering a body piercing.” He says Body piercing aftercare Taking care of your piercing properly from the beginning can save you from a nasty infection that would cost you more money or even your life. It is wise to follow the specific instructions given after the procedure is done. Alex Niyonzima discourages people from wearing clothes that rub the pierced site. “Clothes that rub against the site can cause irritation and cause skin swelling,” he says. Dr Agaba also advises that the environment and piercing equipment should be clean and sterilesed. Incase of any swelling or infection, one should see a dermatologist immediately to avoid further complications. *********************************************** Your say... Albert Dushime Albert Dushime, vacationist: For adults, it is a personal decision so they shouldn’t be judged. However, those involved in sports or anything that involves physical contact may risk injury. They should be aware of the risks involved before taking such a decision. Vanessa Kamanzi Vanessa Kamanzi, business lady: Piercings look attractive when they aren’t overly done, but they are a big risk because the results can be unpredictable. Anyone who dares piercings should be fully aware of the repercussions and take measures. Robert Mugisha Robert Mugisha, parent: Body piercings aren’t worth the negative effects that come with them. Young people should avoid imitating every trendy thing that comes their way because some may have long term effects. Livingstone Musiime Livingstone Musiime, driver: We are in a generation where people are free to make independent decisions but some are taking this freedom too far. Our appearance speaks so much about our personality which is why we should be careful when taking such decisions. Marian Mbabazi Marian Mbabazi, parent: Some piercings can damage the body such as the ear cartilage or the lips and may bring about keloids which are irritating. This undermines the whole essence of beauty. Body piercings especially on sensitive body parts are not worth the billing. Compiled by Sharon Kantengwa