Genital myiasis associated with genital piercing. Case report

ABSTRACT CONTEXT: Myiasis is caused by larval infestation that usually occurs in exposed wounds. Dermatobia hominis is the most common fly species responsible for this parasitic infection. Genital piercing is an ornamental practice used in certain social circles. At placement, it transverses the skin surface and, as such, may be related to complications. CASE REPORT: We report a case of a 31-year-old man with a history of wound infection secondary to genital piercing who was exposed to an environment with flies, leading to myiasis. Mechanical removal and systemic antiparasitic drugs are possible treatments for myiasis. However, prevention that includes wound cleaning and dressing is the best way to avoid this disease. CONCLUSIONS: Genital piercing can lead to potential complications and myiasis may occur when skin lesions are not properly treated.

Risk Factors for Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection in Areas with a High Prevalence of HCV in the Republic of Korea in 2013

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Busan, Gyeongnam, and Jeonnam Provinces in Korea is more than twice the national average. This study aimed to examine whether demographic and lifestyle characteristics are associated with HCV infection in these areas. METHODS: A case control study was performed at three study hospitals. HCV cases were matched with two controls for sex and age. Patient controls were selected from non-HCV patients at the same hospital. Healthy controls were subjects participating in medical checkups. Conditional logistic regression models were used. RESULTS: A total of 234 matched-case and patient- and healthy-control pairs were analyzed. The significant risk factors for both controls were sharing razors (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.39 and 3.29, respectively) and having more than four lifetime sexual partners (aOR, 2.15 and 6.89, respectively). Contact dockworkers (aOR, 1.91) and tattoos (aOR, 2.20) were significant risk factors for the patient controls. Transfusion (aOR, 5.38), a bloody operation (aOR, 5.02), acupuncture (aOR, 2.08), and piercing (aOR, 5.95) were significant risk factors for the healthy controls. Needle stick injuries and intravenous drug abuse were significant in the univariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: More education concerning the dangers of sharing razors, tattoos and piercings is required to prevent HCV infection. More attention should be paid to needle stick injuries in hospitals and the community.

Piercings in medical students and their effects on the skin

BACKGROUND: Piercings are body embellishments commonly seen in young people, however their inherent risk of infection and scarring disorders are less divulged. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of body piercings among medical students and their possible dermatologic consequences. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with 58 medical students, by means of a structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, technical issues related to the piercing and characteristics of the dermatologic complications. RESULTS: The sample was predominantly female (86.2%), with mean age 24 ± 3 years. The placement of the first piercing occurred during adolescence (median age 15), without medical supervision (91.4%) or knowledge of parents/guardians (74%). Most piercings were made of metal alloy/stainless steel, in a dumbbell model (51.7%), inserted in the umbilical area (53.5%) or ear (41.4%), with frequent cutaneous reactions in the first six months post-piercing. Hypertrophic scarring, pain, swelling and infection (p<0.05) had significantly higher frequencies among those with navel piercings. CONCLUSION: Piercing insertion occurred during adolescence. Local inflammatory and infectious reactions were common. Scarring disorders and dermatitis appeared in the long term. There is need for preventive and educational activities, starting with those in the academic environment. .

Piercings en cabeza y cuello / Head and neck piercings

Los piercings corporales son una práctica habitual en la sociedad actual, y consisten en la perforación de un tejido para insertar un aro u otro elemento ornamental. Este procedimiento implica la creación de una puerta de entrada cutánea o mucosa que puede permitir el ingreso de microorganismos, además de la posible formación de cicatrices anómalas. Asimismo, el aro puede predisponer a otras complicaciones como reacciones de hipersensibilidad, desplazamientos o aspiración. Debido a esta amplia gama de posibles complicaciones, los piercings debieran realizarse en establecimientos autorizados, por personal entrenado y bajo técnica aséptica. El personal médico debe conocer el diagnóstico y manejo de estas complicaciones, y dado que la mayoría de las perforaciones se realizan en el área de cabeza y cuello, el otorrinolaringólogo debiera estar especialmente familiarizado con los aspectos médicos de ésta práctica.

Body piercing is considered a normal practice in today's society. It consists in the perforation of corporal tissue to insert a ring or other ornamental object with an esthetic purpose. This procedure implicates the creation of a cutaneous or mucosal entry point that could allow pathogenic microorganisms into the body, and could also promote the formation of anomalous scar tissue. Other complications, such as hypersensitivity reactions, displacement and aspiration, have been reported. Due to this wide range of possible complications, body piercings should be performed only in authorized establishments, by trained staff and under supervised aseptic technique. Health care providers should be aware about the diagnosis and treatment of these complications. Given that most piercings are placed in the head and neck area, otolaryngologists should be especially familiarized with the medical aspects of this practice.

Aumento da faixa de gengiva inserida através de enxerto gengival livre em área de recessão originada pelo uso de piercing: relato de caso / Increasing the width of attached gingiva through free gingival graft in the area of recession caused by the use of piercing: case report

O Enxerto Gengival Livre (EGL) é uma técnica simples, rápida, segura e previsível para a recuperação da faixa de gengiva queratinizada. A importância dessa técnica é restabelecer uma estabilidade periodontal proporcionada através do aumento da faixa de gengiva queratinizada que tem como sua principal função a proteção dos tecidos adjacentes. Dentre os fatores etiológicos traumáticos atuais que ocasionam a recessão gengival, no qual resulta na diminuição ou perda da faixa de gengiva queratinizada, o uso do piercings na cavidade bucal chama a atenção pelos potenciais efeitos danosos à saúde bucal e interferências nas estruturas teciduais de seu portador. Este artigo relata um caso de aplicação do EGL em paciente feminina, 21 anos, fumante, para a recuperação de faixa de gengiva queratinizada, diminuída em decorrência do uso de acessório (piercing) com atrito contínuo

The Free Gingival Graft (FGG) is a simple, fast, secure and predictable for the recovery of the range of keratinized gingiva. The importance of this technique is to restore periodontal stability afforded by increasing the range of keratinized gingiva that has as its primary function the protection of adjacent tissues. Among the etiological factors that cause traumatic gingival recession, which results in the reduction or loss of range of keratinized gingiva, the use of piercings in the mouth draws attention to potential adverse health effects and interference in oral tissue structures of its bearer. This article reports a case of application of FGG on female patient, 21, smoker, to recover range of keratinized gingiva, decreased due to the use of accessory (piercing) with continuous friction

Piercing y sus complicaciones / Piercing and its complications

El piercing (perforación en español) es una práctica que consiste en la perforación de los tejidos blandos con la posterior inserción de un objeto en el orificio realizado. Constituye un fenómeno de ornamentación corporal bien conocido desde hace siglos que, en las dos últimas décadas, se ha tornado relativamente popular, sobre todo entre adolescentes y adultos jóvenes. En la práctica moderna los adornos se aplican en diversas áreas del cuerpo, siendo cada vez más común que se encuentren en sitios “de riesgo”, como orejas, nariz, cejas, boca, mentón, mejillas, aréolas mamarias, pezones, ombligo y genitales externos. En este trabajo se describen los distintos tipos de piercing y las complicaciones locales y sistémicas que originan.

Piercing consist on the soft tissue perforation with the subsequent introduction of an object in the performed hole. It is a well known phenomena of body decoration that became relatively popular in the last two decades, especially among teenagers and young adults. This modern practice includes its use in several body areas and currently is more common to find them on risk zones as ears, nose, eyebrown, chin, cheeks, areolas, nipples, navel and external genitals. In this article the different types of piercing and their local and systemic complications are described.

Prevalência de complicações em tecidos moles e duros devido ao uso de piercing oral / Prevalence of complications in hard and soft tissues from oral piercing / La prevalência de complicaciones en tejidos duros y blandos debido a la utilizacion de la perforacion oral

O estudo objetivou analisar a prevalência de complicações na cavidade oral em indivíduos usuários depiercing oral. Trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratória, realizada no ano de 2009, com 57 usuários de piercing oral, de Teresina – Piauí, por meio de exame clínico da cavidade oral e entrevista. Os resultados indicaram que a idade dossujeitos variou de 18 a 35 anos e que 49,1% dos sujeitos usavam o piercing no lábio, 36,8% na língua, 8,8% no freiolabial, 1,8% no freio lingual e 3,5% em outras regiões da cavidade oral. A complicação de maior prevalência foi ainflamação com 36,84%, seguida por recessão gengival – 29,82%, aspiração – 21,05%, formação de queloide – 17,54%, fratura dental – 17,74%, perda de gustação – 12,28%, infecção – 10,53% e alergia – 1,75%. Conclui-se que a maioria das alterações provocadas pelo uso de piercing oral são prejudiciais à saúde dos usuários e levam a danos permanentes ou provisórios.

The study assessed the prevalence of complications in the oral cavity in individuals using oral piercing. This exploratory study was performed in 2009 with 57 users of oral piercing in Teresina (Piauí), through clinical examination of the oral cavity and interview. The results showed that the subjects were from 18 to 35 years old, and that 49.1% used piercing of the lip; 36.8%, of the tongue; 8.8%, of the labial frenulum; 1.8%, of the lingual frenulum; and 3.5% in other regions of the oral cavity. The most prevalent complication was inflammation (36.84%), followed by gingival recession (29.82%), aspiration (21.05%), keloid formation (17.54%), dental fractures (17.74%), loss of taste(12.28%), infection (10.53%) an allergy (1.75%). It can be concluded that most of the changes caused by the use of oral piercing are harmful to users’ health and cause temporary or permanent damage.

El objetivo del studio fue analizar la prevalencia de complicaciones en la cavidad oral en las personas que utilizan piercing oral. Este es un estudio exploratorio, realizado en 2009, con 57 usuarios de piercing oral, en Teresina-PI-Brasil, a través de examen clínico de la cavidad oral y entrevista. Los resultados indicaron que la edad de los sujetos varió de 18 a 35 años y que 49.1% de los sujetos utilizan la perforación del labio, 36.8% de la lengua, 8,8% en el frenillo labial, 1.8% en el freno de la lengua y 3,5% en otras regiones de la cavidad oral. La complicación más prevalerte fue la inflamación con 36,84%, seguida por recesión gengival con 29,82%, aspiración con 21,05%, queloide con 17,54%, fracturas dentales con 17,74%, pérdida del gusto con 12,28%, infección con 10,53% y alergia con 1,75%. Se concluye que la mayoria de los cambios causados por el uso de piercings orales son perjudiciales parala salud de los usuarios y los conduce a daños permanentes o provisorios.

Oral piercing and its complications in two Serbian youths a case report and review of the literature / El piercing oral y sus complicaciones en dos jóvenes de Serbia reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura

OBJECTIVE: Historically, wearing adornments on pierced body parts has been associated with many cultures as manifestations of religious or cultural identities. Currently, its use has a broad acceptance among young people. In the oral cavity, the most common sites for piercings are the tongue and lower lip. RESULTS: Pain, swelling and infection are the most serious consequences associated with this procedure. Several complications may be associated with this practice with the most frequently observed being halitosis, periodontitis, tooth fracture, glossitis, and the formation of abscesses. Other adverse outcomes include mucosal or gingival trauma, increased salivary flow, and interference with speech, mastication and swallowing. CONCLUSION: This article presents case reports on lip and tongue piercings and literature review highlights of this procedure. Special attention is given to complications and dental implications associated with such a practice.

OBJETIVO: Históricamente, el llevar adornos en partes del cuerpo perforadas ha sido asociado en muchas culturas como manifestaciones de identidades religiosas o culturales. Actualmente, su uso tiene amplia aceptación entre los jóvenes. En la cavidad oral, los sitios más comunes para el piercing son la lengua y el labio inferior. RESULTADOS: Dolor, inflamación e infección son las consecuencias más serias asociadas con este procedimiento. Varias complicaciones pueden asociarse con esta práctica, siendo la halitosis, la periodontitis, la fractura de dientes, la glositis, y la formación de abscesos, las más frecuentemente observadas. Otros resultados adversos incluyen traumas de la mucosa y la encía, aumento del flujo salival, e interferencia con la articulación del habla, la masticación, y la deglución. CONCLUSIÓN: Este artículo presenta reportes de caso de piercing del labio y la lengua, y resalta aspectos de este procedimiento como parte de una revisión de la literatura. Se presta especial atención a las complicaciones y las implicaciones dentales asociadas con tal práctica.

Dermatosis del adolescente / Skin disease in teenagers

Durante la adolescencia se producen cambios importantes en la piel que son motivo de consulta frecuente al especialista. Estos son producidos por múltiples factores, dentro de los cuales están los hormonales, inmunológicos, psicológicos y los psicosociales. Las dermatosis más frecuentes son: el acné, en sus distintas formas clínicas, que afecta a más del 90 por ciento de los adolescentes en distintos grados de severidad; la dermatitis seborreica; las alopecias no cicatriciales; hiperhidrosis y dishidrosis. Además, este grupo etáreo está presentando con mayor frecuencia complicaciones cutáneas por realizar arte corporal (perforaciones, tatuajes, entre otros). Estas dermatosis deben ser conocidas por los médicos generales y especialistas, porque los adolescentes son una población muy vulnerable psicológicamente y muchas de estas enfermedades van en detrimento de su calidad de vida. Las enfermedades cutáneas infecciosas (virales, bacterianas y parasitarias) que también comprometen a los adolescentes se analizarán en el capítulo sobre Infecciones Cutáneas.

Adolescent skin undergoes significant changes that may lead to frequent specialized consultation. These changes can be due to a number of factors such as physiological, hormonal and psychosocial changes. The most common skin diseases are acne in its various clinical forms which is suffered by over 90 per cent of teenagers at different levels of severity, seborreic dermatitis, non scarring alopecia, hyperhydrosis and dishydrosis and the skin complications originated by Body Art (tattooing, piercing, scarring andbranding), that are on the increase in this age group. General practitioners and specialist should be aware ofthese skin conditions since teenagers are psychologically vulnerable and many of these diseases have a negative effect on their lives. The infectious skin diseases (viral, bacterial an parasitic) which also affect adolescent will be reviewed in the Chapter related to skin infections.

Piercings bucales y peribucales: ¿qué debemos saber? / Oral and perioral piercings: what must we know about it?

El término piercing significa "penetrante" y corresponde a la perforación de los tejidos blandos en cualquier parte del cuerpo. Es una costumbre que se emplea desde la antiguedad. En la actualidad es una tendencia que va en aumento debido a su gran aceptación social, particularmente en los jóvenes. En este trabajo se describen los distintos tipos de piercing bucales y peribucales, sus posibles localizaciones y las complicaciones derivadas de su uso. También las contraindicaciones, las recomendaciones y los cuidados de la zona de perforación.

Hepatitis C seroprevalence and correlation between viral load and viral genotype among primary care clients in Mexico

OBJECTIVE: To measure hepatitis C virus (HCV) sero-prevalence, prevalence, hepatitis risk characteristics frequency, and genotype correlation with viral load among clients attending health care clinics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Venous blood samples from l12 226 consecutive consenting adults were collected from January 2006 through December 2009. HCV antibodies were detected by immunoassay. HCV RNA was detected by qRT-PCR and viral genotype was performed by PCR and LIPA test. RESULTS: The HCV seroprevalence observed was l.5 percent (C.I. 95 percent l.3-l.7), from seropositive individuals 60.9 percent reported previous blood transfusion, 28.3 percent declared to have relatives with cirrhosis, 25.2 percent had tattoos or piercings, and 6.9 percent referred to have used drugs. Male gender and transfusion (p<0.00l) were the most frequent hepatitis risk characteristics in the HCV seropositive group. Among seropositive subjects 48.3 percent presented HCV RNA.The most frequent genotype detected in all geographic areas of Mexico was l (subtype lA, 33 percent; subtype lB, 21.4 percent) followed by genotype 2 (subtype 2A, 8.50 percent). Subjects with genotype 1 had a significant correlation with the highest viral load. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that nearly half of seropositive individuals are chronically infected. HCV infection has been shown in this study to be an emerging health problem in Mexico.

OBJETIVO: Medir la seroprevalencia y prevalencia del virus de hepatitis C (VHC), la frecuencia de caracteristicas de riesgo y la correlacion genotipica con la carga viral en sujetos asistentes a clinicas de medicina familiar. MATERIAL Y METODOS: muestras de sangre venosa se colectaron de l12 226 adultos, previo consentimiento informado, de enero 2006 hasta diciembre 2009, para la deteccion de anticuerpos contra VHC por ELISA. La deteccion de RNA-VHC y el genotipo viral se realizo mediante qRT-PCR. RESULTADOS: La seroprevalencia de VHC fue l.5 por ciento (C.I. 95 por ciento l.3-l.7), 60.9 por ciento reportaron transfusion sanguinea previa, 28.3 por ciento dijo tener familiares cercanos con cirrosis, 25.2 por ciento tenian tatuajes o piercing y 6.9 por ciento refirio ser usuario de drogas intravenosas. El ser hombre, el antecedente de transfusiones y el uso de drogas (p<0.00l), fueron los factores con mayor frecuencia en el grupo VHC seropositivo. La prevalencia del RNA-VHC en seropositivos fue de 48.3 por ciento. El genotipo mas frecuente en todas las areas geograficas de Mexico fue el l (subtipo lA, 33 por ciento; subtipo lB, 21.4 por ciento) seguido por el genotipo 2 (subtipo 2A, 8.50 por ciento). Se observó una correlación positiva de 51 por ciento con la carga viral más alta y el genotipo viral 1A. CONCLUSIONES: Nuestros resultados muestran que cerca de la mitad de individuos seropositivos están infectados crónicamente. Esta infección debe considerarse como un problema emergente de salud pública en México.

Complicações decorrentes da utilização do piercing bucal: avaliação e conduta clínica / Complications due use of oral piercing: clinical evaluation and management

Objetivo: apresentar três casos clínicos de pacientes portadores de piercing bucal, nos quais foram motivados a remover os adornos e, quando não admitiram a remoção, foram orientados preventivamente para evitar maiores complicações. Descrição do caso: a conduta do Cirurgião-dentista frente ao paciente portador do piercing na cavidade bucal foi descrita. O estudo ainda enalteceu a importância da intervenção do Cirurgião-dentista no esclarecimento dos possíveis prejuízos à saúde ocasionados pelo piercing bucal. Conclusão: o Cirurgião-dentista e particularmente o periodontista desempenham papel relevante na orientação evitando a instalação do piercing bucal, ou na recomendação de cuidados quando o paciente não aceita a remoção do adorno.

Aim: present 3 clinical cases of patients with oral piercing, who was guided to remove the ornaments, and when the patient did not admit the piercing removal, the patient was preventively warned to avoid more complications. Case description: the dentist management on the patient with oral piercing was described. This study also enhances the importance of the dentist intervention in the explanation of possible health injury occasioned by oral piercing. Conclusion: the dentist and particularly the periodontist play relevant role in guiding avoiding the installation of oral piercing, or the recommendation of care when the patient does not accept the removal of adornment.

Considerações sobre o uso do piercing lingual / Considerations regarding the use of tongue piercing

OBJETIVO: Verificar as implicações do uso do piercing lingual em indivíduos da cidade de Araraquara, São Paulo. MÉTODOS: A cidade de Araraquara, São Paulo possui cinco estabelecimentos para colocação de piercing, dos quais apenas dois autorizaram a realização da pesquisa e permitiram acesso a listagem dos usuários de piercing lingual. Os usuários foram contatados pelo telefone. Ao final do estudo a amostra esteve composta por 100 indivíduos de ambos os sexos, maiores de 18 anos, que fazem ou fizeram uso do piercing lingual. Para levantamento das informações utilizou-se um formulário, com seis questões objetivas. Os dados obtidos foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva. RESULTADOS: Dos participantes, 77 indivíduos usavam piercing lingual há mais de seis meses. O tempo de cicatrização após a colocação do adereço foi abaixo de quatro meses, sendo que, 68 pessoas utilizaram enxaguatórios bucais e 19, além deste, utilizaram analgésicos. Apenas 11 pessoas não apresentaram sintomas após as primeiras semanas decorrentes da colocação do piercing e 56 indivíduos relataram complicações como aumento da salivação, dificuldade na fala, fraturas dentárias, traumas na gengiva ou mucosa e dificuldades na alimentação. CONCLUSÃO: Frente às implicações apresentadas pelo uso do piercing lingual justifica-se o despendimento de esforços na orientação de jovens frente à opção de utilização de piercing na cavidade oral.

OBJECTIVE: Investigated the consequences of tongue piercing in individuals from the city of Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: In Araraquara there are five piercing shops, but only two agreed to help the research by providing the contact information of customers who had had their tongues pierced. These customers were contacted by telephone. By the end of the research, the sample consisted of 100 individuals from both genders aged 18 years or more. Not all of them still had their tongue piercing. A form with six objective questions was used to collect information. The information was then analyzed by descriptive statistics. RESULTS: From the 100 participants, 77 had been using tongue piercing for more than 6 months. It took less than 4 months for the tongue to heal. Sixty-eight individuals used oral rinses and of these, 19 also used painkillers. Only 11 individuals did not present symptoms after the first weeks using the piercing. On the other hand, 56 individuals reported complications such as increased salivation, speaking difficulties, gingival or mucosal traumas, dental fractures and eating difficulties. CONCLUSION: All these tongue-piercing complications justify efforts to inform the youth about the use of piercing in the oral cavity.

Complicação após colocação de piercing na região de lábio inferior: relato de caso clínico / Complication due to piercing on lower lip: case report

A prática da colocação de piercing é comum entre jovens, na boca os locais de escolha são: lábio, língua, úvula e frênulos. Os motivos que levam a escolha dessa prática são os mais diversos, dentre eles estão: expressão de identidade, estética, inclusão em grupos sociais, moda e manifestação de rebeldia. A colocação do piercing é feita, mediante a uma perfuração dos tecidos no local desejado, que em alguns casos pode resultar em compilações pela penetração de micro-organismos nos tecidos ou em infecções mais graves. neste relato de caso clínico, apresentamos uma complicação após a instalação de um piercing na região do lábio inferior esquerdo, resultado na remoção cirúrgica do piercing.

Currently the use of body piercing is common in young people. Among the places chosen for the placement are: lip, tongue, uvula and frenum. The reasons that lead to this practice are several, such, expression of identity, aesthetics, fashion and rebelion. The placement of th piercing is done through a perforation of the mucosa and the tissue at the desired location, a fact which can cause complications in piercings users, by the communication set up, allowing the penetration of micro-organisms to the inside of tissues, may cause that may be responsible for more serious infections. the present study was presented a clinical case of the complication after the installation of a piercing in the region of left lower lip, resulting in surgical removal of the piercing.

Perfuração dos lóbulos das orelhas como fator de risco para o desenvolvimento de alergia de contato ao níquel / Ear piercing as a risk factor for contact allergy to nickel

OBJETIVOS: Determinar a prevalência da alergia de contato aos metais em crianças que frequentam um centro de saúde e caracterizar o subgrupo com alergia em relação aos fatores de risco. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal não controlado, conduzido em um centro de saúde de Belo Horizonte (MG). Foram incluídas crianças com idades entre 0 e 12 anos que se apresentaram para consulta pediátrica de rotina, sendo aplicados testes de contato para o cromo, o cobalto e o níquel. As análises estatísticas foram realizadas com base na leitura do teste em 96 horas. Leituras classificadas como fraca (+), forte (++) ou extrema (+++) foram consideradas como reação, enquanto as classificadas como duvidosa, negativa ou irritativa foram consideradas como não reação. RESULTADOS: Completaram o estudo 144 crianças. Destas, 4,9 por cento apresentaram reação ao cromo, 9,7 por cento ao cobalto e 20,1 por cento ao níquel. Os pacientes com orelha perfurada tiveram mais chance de reação ao níquel do que aqueles sem essa característica (p = 0,031 e odds ratio = 2,8). CONCLUSÕES: Em face da tendência atual ao aumento da alergia ao níquel, familiares devem ser alertados sobre a sua associação com a perfuração das orelhas. Estudos posteriores são necessários para avaliar a idade ideal para a perfuração das orelhas e o material ideal para brincos.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of metal contact allergy among the children seen at a health center and to characterize children with metal allergies in terms of risk factors. METHODS: This was an uncontrolled cross-sectional study undertaken at a health center in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Children aged from 0 to 12 years were recruited when they presented at the health center for routine pediatric consultations and were given contact tests for chrome, cobalt and nickel. Statistical analyses were conducted on test readings taken at 96 hours. Results classed as weak (+), strong (++) or extreme (+++) were defined as "reaction," while those classed as doubtful, negative or irritant were defined as "no reaction." RESULTS: A total of 144 children completed the study protocol. Of these, 4.9 percent exhibited a reaction to chrome, 9.7 percent to cobalt and 20.1 percent to nickel. Patients with pierced ears were more likely to react to nickel than those without pierced ears (p = 0.031 and odds ratio = 2.8). CONCLUSIONS: In view of the current tendency for the prevalence of nickel allergy to increase, parents should be warned about its association with ear piercing. Further studies are needed to determine the ideal age for ear piercing and the ideal materials for earrings.

Piercings bucales: riesgos asociados a su uso / Oral piercings: risks associated with their use

Los adolescentes y jóvenes son más vulnerables a incorporar en su estilo de vida, objetos promocionados por el marketing de consumo. La cultura denominada body art sigue incrementando seguidores, año tras año, sin límite de fronteras. La misma, promueve el auto diseño corporal como forma de autoafirmación y distinción personal, utilizando elementos perforantes (piercings), tatuajes, marcas de corte (escarificadores) o marcas por quemadura (brandings). Esta forma de lenguaje corporal no está exenta de riesgos biológicos, generalmente desconocidos, por sus usuarios. El presente trabajo describe las complicaciones clínicas en relación al uso de piercings intra y peribucales. Las áreas más comunes perforadas, las motivaciones que impulsan a los jóvenes a esta práctica invasiva y autolesiva, como así también, los cuidados que éstos deben tener antes y después de las perforaciones, especialmente cuando los han adoptado con fines ornamentales o lúdicos, son expresadas en la literatura científica.

Perfil dos usuários de piercing oral e implicações decorrentes de seu uso / Profile of oral piercing users and implications resulting from its use

Objetivo: Identificar o perfil dos usuários de piercing oral e as possíveis implicações decorrentes de seu uso, bem como esclarecer os cirurgiões-dentistas sobre em que pode acarretar o uso de joias na região bucal de seus pacientes. Métodos: Foram entrevistados 51 usuários de piercing oral com idades entre 18 e 42 anos, de diferentes classes sociais, residentes na cidade de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Resultados: Com base nos questionários analisados, a maioria dos usuários possui piercing na língua ou no lábio como uma maneira de expressar a identidade, sendo que 45% relataram a ocorrência de alguma alteração bucal e/ou geral associada ao uso de piercings. Conclusão: A maioria das alterações é prejudicial à saúde do usuário do piercing, sendo assim, devem-se alertar os profissionais da área de Odontologia a esclarecer seus pacientes que fazem uso de piercing oral sobre as consequências que podem ter e a necessidade de cuidados especiais para amenizar estes problemas.

Objective: To identify the profile of oral piercing users and the possible implications resulting from its use, as well as explaining to dentists aboutthe possible consequences to their patients as a result of wearing this type of jewelry in the oral region. Methods: Fifty-one oral piercing users were interviewed. They were aged between 18 and 42 year, from different social classes, and resident in the city of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Results: Based on the questionnaires analyzed, the majority of users had tongue or lip piercing as a way to express identity, and 45% reported the occurrence of some type of oral and/or general alteration associated with the use of piercings. Conclusion: The majority of alterations are harmful to the piercing user's health, therefore, professionals in the Dentistry area must be warned to explain to their patients, who use oral piercings, about the consequences that may occur and the need for special care to ameliorate these problems.