You’ve got a what? Where? Was my first reaction back in the fall of 1999 when a student entered my office and told me he thought he had an infection. I had asked where? He said that over the weekend he had got a piercing in his penis.

Well I know I turned twelve shades of red and then tried to hide my mortification at the thought of it. Once I gained composure I asked what his symptoms were? He replied it is red, swollen, hot and there is yellowish pus. I then asked if his parents were aware? He said no. I then asked where he had the piercing done? A friend he replied. I told him that I was going to have to tell his parents as he was sixteen and he needed to get to a doctor. I dreaded telling his mother as I dialed her number. I really must say she took it better than I did. She picked him up and off to he doctors they went.

Since that day I’ve seen more piercings than I care to and I want to forewarn anyone considering a piercing of the possible dangers. Extra care should be taken for the following:

1. Oral piercings- can cause gum damage and cracking of your teeth. Make sure you go to a professional as I have seen some pretty ugly scarred tongues. Allergic reactions often occur (watch for tongue swelling). Rinsing with an alcohol-free mouth rinse 4-5 times daily (especially after meals).

2. Piercing of the ear cartilage-If this area becomes infected seek medical attention immediately as there is no direct blood supply to the area and antibiotics often do not work. Infection can lead to cartilage damage and ear deformity.

3 .Naval piercings can take up to nine months to heal and often keloids (scar tissue) form. Infection is very common and many times I’ve seen students just take out the naval ring and let it heal.

4. Genital piercings-watch for any signs of infection-go to doctors immediately.

General care for piercings: Clean area with warm soap and water twice daily. Remove any crusting with a wet cotton swab. Most students come back to me with instructions to use Bactine twice a day. This works well for me as I have an order for Bactine.

As with tattoos choose the facility carefully when you are about to have a piercing done. Make sure they use clean (autoclaved) and fresh equipment. Ask to see the piercer’s certificate. Make sure they use hypoallergenic jewelry and avoid the use of a piercing gun. They are difficult to autoclave and can cause tissue damage.