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    Teen FAQ

    For over 10 years, teens have been asking us questions on every topic imaginable. While we are no longer taking new questions, we have a wealth of information we would like to share with teenagers.

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    Navigate: FAQ Home Page > Piercing and Tattoos > Diseases from piercing
    Posted on: 10/09/2005

    Question

    What kind of diseases can you get from body piercings?

    Answer

    You can get various types of infections from body piercings. First, you should be extremely careful about where and who is doing the piercing. If they do not use sterile and new needles and equipment, you could acquire a serious infection, i.e. HIV, Hepatitis B or C, all of which can be life-threatening. Furthermore, some areas of the body have poor blood circulation and putting foreign materials there can cause skin infections. Some people get allergic reactions from various metals as well. In the mouth, it has been found that some people have problems with the metal affecting their teeth and gums, including damage to their dental enamel and chronic gum disease, all of which can cause lifelong problems. Please think carefully before doing any procedure to your body!!


    Answered By:
    Judi Yamamoto , M.D.


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