The Perils of Needles to the Body

Health officials say they are increasingly concerned about the health risks posed by body modification practices like piercing and tattooing. These practices are now commonplace: In a recent study of 7,960 Texas college students, one in five had a tattoo or a pierced body part other than an earlobe.

Experts' principal worry is infection with blood-borne pathogens including HIV and hepatitis B and C. Doctors say tongue or genital piercings can open the way for bacteria and viruses to enter the bloodstream after the procedure. Bacteria that live on the skin, including some penicillin-resistant forms of staphylococcus, are easily spread by unsterilized instruments or ungloved hands. The body's reaction to foreign objects, along with bacterial infections, can cause deformities at piercing sites.

A conclusive link between body modification and hepatitis C has not been demonstrated. The CDC-sponsored Texas study found that pierced and/or tattooed students were no more likely than others to have been exposed to hepatitis C virus. However, in an earlier study of 626 patients at an orthopedic clinic, those with tattoos were seven to eight times more likely to have subclinical hepatitis C infections.

Often, middle-age doctors seem unaware that tongue and genital piercings are done to increase stimulation during sex, especially oral sex. Genital piercings may rip condoms; in addition, they may tear or abrade the flesh during intercourse, allowing diseases to spread through blood and other bodily fluids.

In January, Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) joined Long Island health officials in voicing concern over the growing number of hepatitis C cases; they linked the increase in part to piercing and tattooing.

Back to other news for February 1, 2005