Infant ear piercing

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Ear piercing is one of the oldest forms of body modification. It occurs when holes are created on the ear lobes or cartilage to allow the insertion of decorative ornaments, such as earrings. Ear piercing in children has been around for centuries as part of ritualistic and cultural traditions but has continued to become a worldwide mainstream fashion statement. [1] It is extremely common in Nigeria, India, Brazil and Hispanic countries. [2]

Contents

Due to the pain and health risks associated with baby ear piercing, critics characterize it as a form of child abuse and have called for bans of the procedure. [3]

Petitions

In the United States and the United Kingdom, the issue of whether or not parents and primary caregivers should consent to baby ear piercing is currently a hot debate.[ citation needed ] According to a petition-making website 38 Degrees, Susan Ingram implores the U.K. Minister of State for Children and Families to set a minimum age requirement for ear piercing and make the practice illegal. She claims that pierced ears is equivalent to physical abuse and child cruelty for the fear and pain inflicted. [4] To this day, to pierce or not to pierce a baby's ears, like many other aesthetic decision, is still firmly a parental prerogative.

Age restrictions

Age restrictions, although not imposed, are not a result of medical evidence or physical complication, but rather to protect babies from potential risks in piercing their ears too early. Newborn infants have extremely small earlobes and the probability of misplaced piercings and infections would be higher. The immune system is also still developing, therefore creating a wound can open up the opportunity for infections. [5] Infants are unable to consent to having the procedure. By piercing their ears, parents are taking away the child's opportunity to have such a choice. [6] Additionally, pediatricians from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) require parents to wait until their child is at least 6 months old to get their ears pierced. [7] The older the child, the more likely that they will be taking responsibility for keeping their ears clean of infection.

Precautions

Medical ear piercing

Dermatologists or pediatricians offer medical ear piercing services on a fee-for-service charge. [8] The professional ensures a truly sterile process for sanitation and follow basic safety protocols. Prior to piercing, the area to be punctured is thoroughly clean with an alcohol pad and pierced with a single-use sterile tool from its previously unopened packaging to prevent cross-contamination. Furthermore, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) stated that if the piercing is performed in a sterile environment and is cared for, there is little risk. [9]

Pain relief

Ear piercing will always be somewhat painful, even if it is over in a matter of seconds. Dermatologists or pediatricians can prescribe a topical numbing with lidocaine derivatives or apply ice to anesthetize and numb the pain receptors in the earlobes to reduce sensation. According to a journal article in Behaviour Research and Therapy, children often under predict their pain on their ears and reported significant procedural pain and anxiety. [10]

Health risks

Mental health

Piercings in children have been seen in religious and cultural ceremonies around the world. A national study of students showed that those with a single ear piercing can symbol a badge of identity or a sign of rebellion, leading to further body modification activities, such as more body piercings, tattoos, daring clothing, and extreme hairstyles. [11]

This causal relationship is very difficult to prove i.e. girls with piercings were two and a half times more likely than other girls to have used marijuana and to have smoked cigarettes in the past month. [12] Some take this even further and state that ear piercing may lead to more body piercing, which serves as a marker for peer substance abuse, potential problem behavior associated with sexual intercourse, truancy, running away from home, and suicidal ideation. [13]

Physical health

Infections

Redness, swelling, itching, pain, and/or tenderness are all signs of possible infection. The risk of an ear piercing becoming infected is the highest during warm weather and shortly after the piercing has taken place. Case studies show that normal ear piercing infections may develop into serious infections caused by Pseudomonas and Staphylococcus, which are reported at rates of 10–30%. [14] Although rare, there is also a theoretical risk of viral infection with hepatitis B, C, and HIV, if ears are pierced by contaminated tools. Furthermore, infected deep soft tissue and abscess at the site of infection have to be surgically drained or it can lead to ear deformities. [15]

Allergic reactions

At a recent seminar sponsored by the American Academy of Dermatology, Alexander Fisher of New York University said that metal allergies are activated after a trauma to the skin. [16] Such allergies, with visible symptoms, such as an itchy rash, weeping skin, pain, and in extreme cases, bleeding and pus, are most often caused by exposure to nickel and cobalt. These are common allergens present in quality jewelry as well as in cheap costume jewelry. A baby can easily develop a condition called contact dermatitis from skin contact with material they have become sensitised to. To avoid metal allergies, Fisher recommends that ears be pierced only with stainless steel or titanium needle. [17]

Keloids

Keloids are raised, reddened, fibrous growths that usually occur after surgical procedures or trauma and can cause significant cosmetic deformity. The ear is one of the most common sites of keloid formation, usually associated with the wearing of earrings caused by ear piercing. [18] The scars, which usually take form of an inappropriately hard lump of tissue, are larger than the initial wound. There is still no definite treatment protocol described for keloids due to an incomplete understanding of the pathogenesis of its formation. Even if it is surgically removed, keloid recurrence rate ranges from 40–100% of the population. [19]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pediatrics</span> Branch of medicine caring for children

Pediatrics is the branch of medicine that involves the medical care of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. In the United Kingdom, paediatrics covers many of their youth until the age of 18. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends people seek pediatric care through the age of 21, but some pediatric subspecialists continue to care for adults up to 25. Worldwide age limits of pediatrics have been trending upward year after year. A medical doctor who specializes in this area is known as a pediatrician, or paediatrician. The word pediatrics and its cognates mean "healer of children", derived from the two Greek words: παῖς and ἰατρός. Pediatricians work in clinics, research centers, universities, general hospitals and children's hospitals, including those who practice pediatric subspecialties.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Prince Albert (genital piercing)</span> Male genital piercing

The Prince Albert (PA) is a penis piercing which extends from the urethra to the underside of the glans. It is one of the most common male genital piercings. The related reverse Prince Albert piercing enters through the urethra and exits through a hole pierced in the top of the glans.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lip piercing</span> Type of body piercing

A lip piercing is a type of body piercing that penetrates the lips or the area surrounding the lips, which can be pierced in a variety of ways.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Keloid</span> Medical condition

Keloid, also known as keloid disorder and keloidal scar, is the formation of a type of scar which, depending on its maturity, is composed mainly of either type III (early) or type I (late) collagen. It is a result of an overgrowth of granulation tissue at the site of a healed skin injury which is then slowly replaced by collagen type 1. Keloids are firm, rubbery lesions or shiny, fibrous nodules, and can vary from pink to the color of the person's skin or red to dark brown in color. A keloid scar is benign and not contagious, but sometimes accompanied by severe itchiness, pain, and changes in texture. In severe cases, it can affect movement of skin. In the United States keloid scars are seen 15 times more frequently in people of sub-Saharan African descent than in people of European descent. There is a higher tendency to develop a keloid among those with a family history of keloids and people between the ages of 10 and 30 years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Otitis media</span> Inflammation of the middle ear

Otitis media is a group of inflammatory diseases of the middle ear. One of the two main types is acute otitis media (AOM), an infection of rapid onset that usually presents with ear pain. In young children this may result in pulling at the ear, increased crying, and poor sleep. Decreased eating and a fever may also be present. The other main type is otitis media with effusion (OME), typically not associated with symptoms, although occasionally a feeling of fullness is described; it is defined as the presence of non-infectious fluid in the middle ear which may persist for weeks or months often after an episode of acute otitis media. Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is middle ear inflammation that results in a perforated tympanic membrane with discharge from the ear for more than six weeks. It may be a complication of acute otitis media. Pain is rarely present. All three types of otitis media may be associated with hearing loss. If children with hearing loss due to OME do not learn sign language, it may affect their ability to learn.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nose piercing</span> Piercing of the skin or cartilage of the nose for wearing jewelry

Nose piercing is the piercing of the skin or cartilage which forms any part of the nose, normally for the purpose of wearing jewelry, called a nose-jewel. Among the different varieties of nose piercings, the nostril piercing is the most common.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Earring</span> Type of body piercing

An earring is a piece of jewelry attached to the ear via a piercing in the earlobe or another external part of the ear. Earrings have been worn by people in different civilizations and historic periods, often with cultural significance.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is the largest professional association of pediatricians in the United States. It is headquartered in Itasca, Illinois, and maintains an office in Washington, D.C. The AAP has published hundreds of policy statements, ranging from advocacy issues to practice recommendations.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Genital piercing</span> Form of body piercing on a part of the genitalia

Genital piercing is a form of body piercing that involves piercing a part of the genitalia, thus creating a suitable place for wearing different types of jewellery. Nevertheless, the term may also be used pars pro toto to indicate all body piercings in the area of anus, perineum, genitals and mons pubis, including piercings such as anal, guiche, and pubic that do not involve perforation of genitalia. Genital piercings can be done regardless of sex, with various forms of piercings available. The main motive is beautification and individualization; in addition, some piercings enhance sexual pleasure by increasing stimulation. Pre-modern genital piercings is most culturally widespread in Southeast Asia, where it has been part of traditional practice since ancient times. Records of genital piercing are found in the Kama Sutra.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Teething</span> Infants gaining their first teeth

Teething is the process by which an infant's first teeth appear by emerging through the gums, typically arriving in pairs. The mandibular central incisors are the first primary teeth to erupt, usually between 6 and 10 months of age and usually causes discomfort and pain to the infant. It can take several years for all 20 teeth to complete the tooth eruption. Though the process of teething is sometimes referred to as "cutting teeth", when teeth emerge through the gums they do not cut through the flesh. Instead, hormones are released within the body that cause some cells in the gums to die and separate, allowing the teeth to come through.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hafada piercing</span> Surface piercing on the scrotum

A hafada piercing is a surface piercing anywhere on the skin of the scrotum. Piercings on the scrotal raphe or "seam" of the scrotum are common. This piercing does not penetrate deep into the scrotum, and due to the looseness and flexibility of the skin in that area, does not migrate or reject as much as many other surface piercings. The main motives are beautification and individualization. A piercing that passes through the scrotum, from front-to-back, or from side-to-side, is known as a transscrotal piercing. Multiple hafada piercings are not uncommon, often as an extension of a frenum ladder or Jacob's Ladder, which is a series of piercings from the frenulum to the scrotum.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nipple piercing</span> Body piercing, centered usually at the base of the nipple

A nipple piercing is a type of body piercing, centered usually at the base of the nipple. It can be pierced at any angle but is usually done horizontally or, less often, vertically. It is also possible to place multiple piercings on top of one another.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ear piercing instrument</span>

An ear piercing instrument is a device designed to pierce earlobes by driving a pointed starter earring through the lobe. Piercing guns may be reusable or disposable. Piercing guns are typically used in mall jewelry shops.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Baby colic</span> Medical condition

Baby colic, also known as infantile colic, is defined as episodes of crying for more than three hours a day, for more than three days a week, for three weeks in an otherwise healthy child. Often crying occurs in the evening. It typically does not result in long-term problems. The crying can result in frustration of the parents, depression following delivery, excess visits to the doctor, and child abuse.

Stretching, in the context of body piercing, is the deliberate expansion of a healed piercing for the purpose of wearing certain types of jewelry. Ear piercings are the most commonly stretched piercings, with nasal septum piercings, tongue piercings and lip piercings/lip plates following close behind. While all piercings can be stretched to some degree, cartilage piercings are usually more difficult to stretch and more likely to form hypertrophic scars if stretched quickly. Dermal punching is generally the preferred method for accommodating larger jewelry in cartilage piercings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Earlobe</span> Part of the ear

The human earlobe, the lower portion of the outer ear, is composed of tough areolar and adipose connective tissues, lacking the firmness and elasticity of the rest of the auricle. In some cases the lower lobe is connected to the side of the face. Since the earlobe does not contain cartilage it has a large blood supply and may help to warm the ears and maintain balance. However, earlobes are not generally considered to have any major biological function. The earlobe contains many nerve endings, and for some people is an erogenous zone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Orbital piercing</span> Type of double hole body piercing

An orbital piercing is a combination of two ear piercings connected by one piece of jewelry. Usually located in the helix region of the ear, an Orbital Piercing can be done anywhere on the body including your earlobes. The piercing uses a hoop, and is not to be confused with an industrial piercing, a conch piercing or double cartilage piercing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plug (jewellery)</span> Piece of jewelry

A plug, in the context of body modification, is a short, cylindrical piece of jewelry commonly worn in larger-gauge body piercings. Modern western plugs are also called flesh tunnels. Because of their size—which is often substantially thicker than a standard metal earring—plugs can be made out of almost any material. Acrylic glass, metal, wood, bone, stone, horn, glass, silicone or porcelain are all potential plug materials.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Body piercing</span> Form of body modification

Body piercing, which is a form of body modification, is the practice of puncturing or cutting a part of the human body, creating an opening in which jewelry may be worn, or where an implant could be inserted. The word piercing can refer to the act or practice of body piercing, or to an opening in the body created by this act or practice. It can also, by metonymy, refer to the resulting decoration, or to the decorative jewelry used. Piercing implants alter body and/or skin profile and appearance. Although the history of body piercing is obscured by popular misinformation and by a lack of scholarly reference, ample evidence exists to document that it has been practiced in various forms by multiple sexes since ancient times throughout the world. Body piercing can be performed on people of all ages, although most minors are only permitted to have earlobe piercings.

A variety of health effects can result from tattooing. Because it requires breaking the skin barrier, tattooing carries inherent health risks, including infection and allergic reactions. Modern tattooists reduce such risks by following universal precautions, working with single-use disposable needles, and sterilising equipment after each use. Many jurisdictions require tattooists to undergo periodic bloodborne pathogen training, such as is provided through the Red Cross and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

References

  1. ↑ Fijalkowska, Marta; Pawel, Pisera; Kasielska, Anna; Antoszewski, Boguslaw (2011). "Should we say no to body piercing in children? Complications after ear piercing in children". International Journal of Dermatology. 50 (4): 467–469. doi:10.1111/j.1365-4632.2010.04778.x. PMID   21413962. S2CID   25773312.
  2. ↑ "Indians, Hispanics and Nigerians defend Kylie Jenner over baby's pierced ears". BBC News. July 19, 2018.
  3. ↑ Marcer, Hilary; Finlay, Fiona; Jordan, Natasha (2006). "Body piercing in school children: a review of the issues". Community Practitioner. 79 (10): 328–330. PMID   17061664.
  4. ↑ Peters, Terri (12 June 2015). "Petition aims to ban baby ear piercing". Today Parents.
  5. ↑ Macgregor, D.M. (2001). "The risks of ear piercing in children". Scottish Medical Journal. 46 (1): 9–10. doi:10.1177/003693300104600104. PMID   11310362. S2CID   37742154.
  6. ↑ Wellener, Mary Ann (2013). "Piercing baby's ears a parent's prerogative". Pittsburgh Post – Gazette. ProQuest   1266995751.
  7. ↑ Urist, Jacoba (14 January 2013). "Cute or cruel? Parents debate whether it's ok to pierce babies' ears". Today Parents.
  8. ↑ Kale, Satish; Patil, Surendra; Jaiswal, Sumeet; Khare, Nishant (2010). "A novel technique of piercing ears". Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery. 43 (2): 230. doi: 10.4103/0970-0358.73475 . PMC   3010795 . PMID   21217993.
  9. ↑ Dennis, Zach. "Petition looks to make baby ear piercing illegal". KRMG News.
  10. ↑ von Baeyer, Carl; Carlson, Gisele; Webb, Louise (1997). "Underprediction of pain in children undergoing ear piercing". Behaviour Research and Therapy. 35 (5): 399–404. doi:10.1016/s0005-7967(96)00127-1. PMID   9149448.
  11. ↑ Poe, Susannah; Cronin, Anne (2014). "Health risks associated with tattoos and body piercing". Journal of Clinical Outcomes Management. 21 (7): 315–320.
  12. ↑ Roberts, TA; Auinger, P; Ryan, SA (2004). "Body piercing and high-risk behavior in adolescents". J Adolesc Health. 34 (3): 224–229. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2003.06.005. PMID   14967346.
  13. ↑ Braithwaite, Ronald; Stephens, Torrance; Sterk, Claire; Braithwaite, Keisha (1999). "Risks associated with tattooing and body piercing". Journal of Public Health Policy. 20 (4): 459–470. doi:10.2307/3343131. JSTOR   3343131. PMID   10643171. S2CID   2973823.
  14. ↑ Stapleton, F Bruder (2004). "Infection after ear piercing". Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine.
  15. ↑ Cicchetti, S; Skillman, J; Gault, D (2002). "Piercing the upper ear: a simple infection, a difficult reconstruction". British Journal of Plastic Surgery. 55 (3): 194–197. doi: 10.1054/bjps.2001.3799 . PMID   12041970.
  16. ↑ Fors, Ronny; Stenberg, Berndt; Stenlund, Hans; Maurits, Persson (2012). "Nickel allergy in relation to piercing and orthodontic appliances – a population study". Contact Dermatitis. 67 (6): 342–350. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0536.2012.02097.x. PMID   22631615. S2CID   13427869.
  17. ↑ Berg, Paul (1986). "Ear piercing can spark allergy to metals".
  18. ↑ Hochman, Bernardo; Isoldi, Felipe; Silveira, Tiago; Borba, Graizela; Ferreira, Lydia (2015). "Does ear keloid formation depend on the type of earrings or piercing jewelry?". Australasian Journal of Dermatology. 56 (3): 77–79.
  19. ↑ Bhat, Vadisha (2014). "Ear piercing: the sad story behind ear lobule keloid". International Journal of Health and Allied Sciences. 3 (3): 210. doi: 10.4103/2278-344x.138612 .
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