Post-piercing perichondritis

Abstract

The increased incidence of perichondritis in adolescents should require more elaborated primary prevention measures.

Evaluating ear cartilage piercing practices in London, UK

“…1 The ear is the most frequently pierced site, with 80-90 per cent of females undergoing this procedure. [4][5][6] Perichondritis is the most common complication of ear cartilage piercing. This involves piercing through the cartilage, where the incidence of complications is approximately 35 per cent.…”

“…2,3 Whilst lobule piercing predominates, there is a growing trend towards 'high ear piercing' and tragal piercing. 4,[7][8][9] Other complications include allergic reaction, bacterial infection, transmission of blood-borne viruses, granuloma, cyst formation, bifid ear lobe deformity, and hypertrophic scar and keloid scar formation. [4][5][6] Perichondritis is the most common complication of ear cartilage piercing.…”

“…This involves piercing through the cartilage, where the incidence of complications is approximately 35 per cent. 4,10 Under the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982, as amended, local authorities in the UK are responsible for regulating and monitoring businesses offering cosmetic body piercing. Lack of treatment can potentially result in necrosis of the underlying cartilage, with longterm cosmetic abnormalities including 'cauliflower ear'.…”

High ear-piercing: an increasingly popular procedure with serious complications. Is good clinical practice exercised?

“…High ear-piercing is an invasive procedure and has a significant complication rate [3,4]. It can result in damage to the pinna cartilage and, as the latter is relatively avascular, may also lead to poor healing, infection and even abscess formation [5].…”

“…Once infection occurs, it can progress rapidly, despite prompt medical management. Abscess formation can leave the ear permanently disfigured [5], as the cartilage forms the skeleton of the ear and its loss leads to ''cauliflower ear'' [3] (Fig. 1).…”