Tatznw - The Northwests Premier Tattoo Community

Dozens of young people have needed emergency treatment as they suffer from their piercings.

In preparation for the annual rush of summer piercing problems the Australian Medical Association yesterday launched a campaign calling on young people to know the risks before committing to a piercing, warning of longer term dangers such as hepatitis B and C and Aids.

The move has also been welcomed by some in the body-piercing industry, such as Dane Lofthouse from Punktured Body Piercing, who said it was vital customers checked a piercer's abilities and made sure they received the correct jewellery and after-care advice.

"It is important to ask because you don't want to go and have a home job done," he said.

"It is important for people to ask about experience to make sure they are getting a good job.

"They can also ask to see a folio of the work they have done and ask to see the jewellery."

The opinion is backed by figures from the Monash University's Accident Research Centre, which show almost half of the piercing injuries occur in people's homes.

Four out of five of those taken to hospital with piercing injuries are female and more than half are between 15 and 19, while children as young as five have been taken to hospital after piercings.

The most common problems have occurred with ear, lip and tongue piercings, with open wounds and infections a common complaint.
Despite the dangers, AMA vice president Dr Steve Hambleton said many young people were determined to undergo piercing and needed to know how to reduce the risks involved.

"Piercing is not a simple procedure, and it is also not always a safe procedure," he said. "Many studios use pre-packaged sterilised equipment. If so, make sure everything that is used to penetrate your skin is in sealed bags and opened in your presence.

"The studio should be clean. If you think the studio is not up to standard, then trust your instinct and do not get a piercing there."

The AMA warned piercings can also lead to infections, blood poisoning, toxic shock syndrome and blocked airways.

Complications also lead to severe scarring, speech impediments, breathing problems, increased tooth decay, broken teeth and unsightly belly buttons after pregnancies.

Nipple piercing can also leave scar tissue that may cause problems for women wanting to breastfeed.