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Piercings: Techniques and Complications

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Dermatologic Complications with Body Art

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Abstract

With the increasing popularity of body piercing, not only piercers but also healthcare professionals should be aware of the potential risks of this procedure and be able to recognize and handle complications. More in particular young adolescents represent a vulnerable group of customers. Risks of the procedure are bleeding, swelling, infection, and contact dermatitis caused by nickel allergy. Blood-borne diseases can be transmitted; granuloma, scarring, and keloid formation can occur. Oral piercings can damage the gums and teeth and interfere with medical interventions. Genital piercings can cause discomfort and even lead to sterility. Public awareness, good guidelines, and uniform regulation can help to minimize complications.

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Acknowledgments

This chapter was realized with the contribution of Davy D’hollander, Tek Tik, Antwerpen, Belgium who provided piercing material illustrations.

Kim Maertens, Inksane, Roeselare, Belgium, demonstrated the piercing procedure for video recording.

Elayne Angel, Merida, Mexico provided illustrations.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dermatology, Blankenberge, Belgium

    Christa De Cuyper M.D.

  2. AZ Sint-Jan Brugge-Oostende AV, Brugge, Belgium

    Christa De Cuyper M.D.

  3. Department of Dermatology, Clinica Las Condes, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile

    Maria Luisa Pérez-Cotapos S. M.D.

  4. PgDip in Biostatistics and Health Data Administration, Santiago, Chile

    Roberto Cullen M.D.

Authors
  1. Christa De Cuyper M.D.
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  2. Maria Luisa Pérez-Cotapos S. M.D.
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  3. Roberto Cullen M.D.
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, AZ Sint-Jan Brugge, Oostende AV, Belgium

    Christa De Cuyper

  2. Department of Dermatology, Clinica Las Condes, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile

    Maria Luisa Pérez-Cotapos S

5.1 Electronic Supplementary Material

Video 5.1

Piercing procedure (Courtesy of Dr. De Cuyper and Kim Martens, Belgium) (MP4 245684 kb)

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De Cuyper, C., S., M.L.PC., Cullen, R. (2018). Piercings: Techniques and Complications. In: De Cuyper, C., Pérez-Cotapos S, M. (eds) Dermatologic Complications with Body Art. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-77098-7_5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-77098-7_5

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