DIY Piercing Dangers: Shattered Ears, Scarring

Professional piercers are increasingly encountering severe injuries resulting from the use of at-home piercing kits and guns bought online. These devices, often blunt, cause significant trauma compared to professional needles, leading to deformities like shattered ear cartilage and deep scarring. A wound care expert noted that some individuals end up in A&E units to have piercings removed.

The UK Association of Professional Piercers (UKAPP) is advocating for a complete ban on at-home piercing kits and guns. They highlight the dangers of blunt jewelry causing trauma and the risk of infection from unsterile environments. While a ban might be distant, they suggest age restrictions as a starting point.

Young individuals, like a 17-year-old named Maddie who pierced her own earlobes at 14 after seeing TikTok videos, report easy access to these kits online without age verification. She experienced infections and discomfort, emphasizing the need for age checks and better awareness of risks.

Retailers selling these kits online, often for low prices, state they comply with laws and lack explicit sales restrictions in the UK. However, professional bodies and healthcare experts urge the public to opt for licensed professionals and approved premises to avoid serious health complications.