Ear-piercing complications in children and adolescents.

QUESTION: Ear piercing is one of the most common forms of body modification seen in children and adolescents presenting to my office. Parents of my younger pediatric patients inquire about potential post-piercing complications and risk factors associated with earlobe infections. What guidance should I give them? Also, are there any specific post-piercing complications to consider for older pediatric patients seeking second piercings in the upper cartilage area? ANSWER: Piercing the earlobe or auricular cartilage continues to be a popular procedure among children and 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 complications include embedded earrings, keloids, hypertrophic scarring, and cutaneous hypersensitivity. Early recognition and treatment of infections and perichondritis secondary to transcartilaginous piercings can prevent the progression of severe ear deformities requiring reconstructive surgical interventions.