New Ear Piercing Trend in Israel Carries Significant Health Risks
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
A new piercing trend called "Australian piercing," popular in Israel, involves placing multiple earrings along the ear's outer edge and carries significant health risks. Doctors warn of potential infections, scarring, and irreversible ear deformation due to the cartilage's vulnerability. Complications require medical evaluation, and proper sterilization and qualified practitioners are essential to minimize risks.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Australian piercing, a new trend in Israel, involves multiple earrings along the ear's outer edge.
- Doctors warn of serious risks including infection, scarring, and permanent ear deformation.
- Cartilage in the ear is more vulnerable to complications than soft earlobe tissue.
- Complications require diagnosis and treatment by medical professionals, not piercers.
- Using sterile equipment and qualified practitioners is crucial to reduce risks.
- The Israeli Ministry of Health advises against using piercing guns due to sterilization issues.
A new piercing trend, dubbed "Australian piercing," is gaining popularity in Israel, involving the placement of multiple small earrings along the outer edge of the ear.
Despite its aesthetic appeal, Israeli doctors are raising alarms about the potential health complications associated with this practice. The placement of piercings along the delicate edge of the ear, particularly if they involve the cartilage, can lead to infections, scarring, and even irreversible deformation of the ear.
Dr. Snir Bar, an otolaryngologist with Maccabi Healthcare Services, explained that the "Australian piercing" poses an anatomical risk due to the ear's susceptibility to complications like granulation tissue growth. Unlike the earlobe, which is composed of soft tissue, the rest of the ear contains cartilage, which has a limited blood supply, making infections and injuries more severe and slower to heal.
Potential complications include infections that can lead to abscesses requiring surgical drainage, jewelry embedding into the skin due to swelling, permanent ear deformation from severe swelling and cartilage damage, allergic reactions to metals, and the formation of hypertrophic or keloid scars.
Doctors emphasize that any complications should be diagnosed by a medical professional, not a piercer. Symptoms such as redness, swelling, pain, or discharge warrant immediate medical attention. While the British National Health Service (NHS) recommends leaving jewelry in place during suspected infections unless advised otherwise by a doctor, self-treatment is strongly discouraged.
To mitigate risks, individuals should ensure their skin is healthy, choose a qualified piercer in a licensed establishment, and insist on sterile, single-use instruments. The Israeli Ministry of Health warns against using piercing guns, especially those with plastic components, due to difficulties in sterilization. Following aftercare instructions provided by the piercer is crucial, though medical evaluation is necessary if suspicious symptoms arise.