Walking anywhere, you may notice that at least someone around you is wearing some sort of body jewelry, like septums, nose rings, belly button rings, eyebrow piercings, and the list goes on. Getting body modifications, like piercings, can be not only exciting but also popular, as they have become more socially acceptable and widespread. However, body piercings are considered an ancient practice, being traced back thousands of years.
Even though piercings are becoming so normalized, especially in teens, the question may arise: “Is it too much?”
For decades, body piercings were considered to be signs of rebellion or even counterculture affiliation. It’s easy for someone to take a look at you and form an opinion, and with that mindset, piercings can create a negative stigma around them. Although some might still view it in that sense, the practice used for decades stood for symbolic spiritual meaning, culture, religion, and even social status. And while body modifications in general can be considered a bit controversial, they are also modernly viewed as a form of self-expression and have a long history as cultural markers. Some even turn to body piercings to provide an outlet for rebellion that is less harmful than other choices.
Yes, piercings go back thousands of years, but the rise of social media platforms, such as Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest, has further pushed the popularity of piercings, creating different jewelry styles and designs that are appealing to the eye, especially in teens.
Although the appeal of body piercing may sound nice, it can lead to complications that include infections, allergic reactions, oral damage, migration/rejection, scarring, and delayed healing. It’s important to make sure your piercings are done professionally, with clean, sterile tools, and using high-quality jewelry. It’s also important to follow aftercare instructions, paying attention to your anatomy, and keeping a healthy, healing environment.
If you follow these rules, you’ll most likely not experience any complications. According to the National Library of Medicine, between 10% and 20% of all piercings lead to a local infection, with the most commonly found causal agents being Staphylococcus aureus, group A Streptococcus, and Pseudomonas species. It’s not uncommon for people not to regularly clean their piercings, so make sure your jewelry is cleaned two to three times a day. It’s also key to get pierced by a professional who uses sterile tools.
Piercings and body modifications are a personal choice that can help create self-identity, value, and a sense of responsibility. Today’s trends are another part of history, and as long as people prioritize safety with piercings and know the risks, they can make informed decisions. Ultimately, however, whether piercings are “too much” will be up to you.
