Ear piercing: A review on the legislative regulations and potential health hazards; its relevance to family physicians

摘要

Ear piercing is very popular. Legislation regulating the practice of ear piercing is lacking in Hong Kong. Complications arising from this normally low risk procedure do occur, especially with high ear piercing and improper techniques or instruments. This article reviews the existing legislations governing ear-piercing in different countries and the potential health hazards associated with ear-piercing. We hope to increase the awareness of the general public and primary care physicians to the potential serious medical problems that can result from such a minor procedure, which is performed for cosmetic reasons; and to prevent these complications from happening.