The following Healthcast report by Channel 4 Action News medical editor Marilyn Brooks first aired Feb. 24, 2004, on Action News at 5 p.m.
If you're in the older crowd, you had your earlobes pierced. But younger people are getting holes in not only their lobes, but their upper ear cartilage. Therein lies the problem.
Aura Canton, has cartilage piercing: "I do know there is a risk of infections as far as piercings go."
Canton already knows that her upper ear cartilage piercing needs special care to prevent infection. A new report has found something else.
William Keene, researcher: "Cartilage piercing is not as safe as getting your ear lobe pierced. It is much more prone, because of the lack of blood to the area, to get these kinds of serious infections."
Researchers in the Oregon Health Department investigated the cause of severe infections following upper ear cartilage piercing in at least seven people. They discovered a jewelry stand in a rural mall was using unsanitary, out-of-date equipment.
The pseudomonas infection that people with the piercings developed can be very serious.
Keene: "The ear loses its ability to hold its shape, and so the ear kind of crinkles up and becomes quite unsightly. It is a disfiguring infection. It doesn't affect your hearing or long-term health, but cosmetically, it is quite unfortunate."
Researchers warn that piercing, while common, is still an invasive procedure. To cut down on infection, people should look for places that have well-trained employees, updated equipment and a sanitary environment.
