Awareness of dental complications with oral piercings.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate knowledge and awareness of dental complications with oral piercings among adults with oral piercings, a control population with no piercings and body-piercing professionals in South-East Queensland, Australia. METHODS: Participants recruited from public and private dental clinics and body-piercing professionals from piercing centres in the same region completed questionnaires to assess knowledge and attitudes. RESULTS: Respondents comprised 54 pierced individuals, 54 controls and 35 body-piercing professionals. Only 13% of the pierced group were informed about oral piercing-related complications, and 14% of body-piercing professionals did not warn their clients about long-term complications. The latter included chipped teeth (26%) and gingival recession (15%). About 76% play with their piercing, developing teeth grinding (15%), jaw clenching (15%) and sleep disturbances (4%). Interestingly, 41% of those with oral piercings advised others against getting piercings. CONCLUSIONS: There is a lack of awareness about dental-related complications among pierced individuals and body-piercing professionals. A significant proportion of pierced individuals advise others against getting piercings. Body piercers do not consistently advise clients about risks associated with oral piercings. Thus, it is recommended that programmes be developed to improve awareness of oral and dental complications associated with oral piercings.

Oral complications associated with metal ion release from oral piercings: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: This systematic review explored dental complications associated with metal ion release from oral piercings using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. METHODS: Item retrieval from October 2022 to December 2022 from databases, such as Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Web of Science, using predefined search terms was undertaken by two independent reviewers. Data were extracted and risk of bias was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist. From 1509 identified studies, 25 were included for analysis. RESULTS: Of the 25 studies, 20 included both clinical examination and questionnaire-based data. The remaining five studies were deemed low quality based on the Joanna Briggs Institute criteria. The average time piercings were worn ranged between 5 and 48 months. Most studies did not investigate complications from metal ion release. Only two studies examined the direct effects of metal ion release and showed that metal ions may cause hypersensitivity reactions and mucosal changes. Other soft tissue complications were reported, with gingival recession noted in 16 out of 25 studies, especially due to lip piercings. Studies reporting other complications were as follows: swelling (9), pain (8), infection (6), bleeding (6), inflammation (5), alterations to speech, eating and/or swallowing (5), changes to taste or metallic taste (5), and mucosal changes (4). Ten studies reported tooth chipping from tongue piercings. CONCLUSION: Oral piercings leach metal ions into surrounding tissues which may cause local mucosal changes. Furthermore, oral piercings cause damage to both soft and hard oral tissues, particularly gingival recession for lip piercings and tooth chipping for tongue piercings. Thus, to prevent such adverse injuries, dental professionals should discourage patients against oral piercings.

Ion release from oral piercings from in vitro acidic challenges.

OBJECTIVES: This laboratory-based study measured ion release from metallic piercings when exposed to organic acids (lactic, citric) and inorganic acids (phosphoric, hydrochloric) that could be encountered in the oral cavity. METHODS: Barbell and ring oral piercings composed of stainless steel, titanium or gold-plated titanium were submerged in 2 mL volumes of 0.1% lactic acid, 10% citric acid, 0.2% phosphoric acid, and 0.1% hydrochloric acid for 7 and 34 days. Ion release into the liquid was measured using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICPOES) and expressed in relationship to surface area. Surface changes from baseline were assessed using light and backscatter scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: ICPOES results showed that hydrochloric and phosphoric acid caused the greatest release of material per surface area. Released elements included (ranked highest to lowest): Fe, P, Ti, Na, Cr, S, Ni, Ca, Mg, K, Si, Al, V, Mn, Ba, and Co. SEM imaging identified qualitative surface changes consistent with corrosion, for most piercing types examined. CONCLUSIONS: Under the exposure conditions used, inorganic acids cause greater metal dissolution than organic acids. Inorganic acids could therefore pose a risk of corrosion and leaching of ions from metallic oral piercings.

Ulcerative and Inflammatory Lesions of the Oral Mucosa.

Ulcerated and inflammatory lesions of the oral mucosa are not rare. A detailed patient medical and social history including habits and abuses, as well as the duration, location, focality and presence, or lack of local and/or systemic symptoms is critical in establishing a proper diagnosis. This article discusses the clinical presentation, management, and histopathologic characteristics of a variety of ulcerative and inflammatory lesions seen in the oral cavity.

Tattoos and Piercings in Female Adolescents and Young Adults.

This article covers body art in female adolescents and young adults, including tattoos, piercings, and intimate piercings. We review the epidemiology, definitions, motivations, proactive counseling, regulations, complications, and removal practices. Providers are likely to encounter and manage young women with tattoos and piercings and should be familiar with how to support young women before and after obtaining body art. Providers should be familiar with the treatment of the most frequent complications of body art in young women, which include allergic reactions and localized soft tissue infections. Finally, we review the techniques and indications for body art removal.

Urgent and emergent breast lesions - A primer for the general radiologist, on-call resident and sonographer.

There are very few true breast emergencies. While infrequent, women do present to emergency departments or urgent care centres with breast-related concerns. In this case-based review, both common and uncommon urgent and emergent breast lesions are presented, emphasising ultrasound characteristics and imaging optimisation to improve accurate diagnosis and appropriate recommendations.

Body Piercing with a Metallic Tongue Stud Resulting in Ineffective Implantable Cardioverter-defibrillator Shocks: "Heart to Mouth".

Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) provide circulatory support to patients with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction. Many such patients have a pre-existing implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) at the time of their LVAD surgery. LVAD implantation can alter the ICD lead parameters, including R-wave sensing, right ventricular capture threshold, and impedance. These changes can in turn affect the ability of the ICD to successfully treat malignant ventricular arrhythmias. In most patients who present with ineffective ICD shocks, the failed shock is assumed to be secondary to the patient's severe cardiomyopathy. Especially, the role of physical examination in such patients is often minimized. In our patient, a thorough history-taking and history-guided physical examination led us to the root cause of the failed ICD shocks. Our patient was noted to have a metal tongue piercing, which was the likely cause of his ineffective ICD shocks. Our case highlights the importance of a comprehensive history-taking and physical examination.

Factors associated with medical complications after body art among Israeli adults: a retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Body-art, including tattoos and piercings, is steadily increasing world-wide but with relatively limited reporting of adverse outcomes. The objective of the present study was to identify correlates that would facilitate a preventative strategy to minimize adverse effects of body-art. METHODS: We examined patterns of body-art, health risk and perceptions among 921 participants (54% female, mean age of 35; SD = 10.8) through in-person questionnaire. RESULTS: A significantly lower frequency of those with body-art acknowledged that not all venues (parlors, clinics, etc.) are safe in terms of health and hygiene (84.7%t vs. 96.6%, p < .001) as compared to those without body-art. Similarly, knowledge of the need for a Ministry of Health certification was reported with lower frequency (77.2% vs. 94.5%, p < .001) among those with body-art. Those who experienced medical complications reported higher frequencies of smoking cigarettes and hookah as well as using ecstasy (MDMA). The risk of medical complication after body-art was 4 times higher in those who used ecstasy (OR = 3.97; CI 1.0-14.4; p < 0.05). In addition, it was more than 3 times higher for street or home tattooing as compared to studio or a licensed medical center (OR = 3.59; CI 1.32-9.76; p < .01), as well as almost 3 times higher among those who did not receive information before performing body-art (OR = 2.70; CI 1.05-6.92; p < .05) and who had somebody other than themselves decide on the body-art design (OR = 2.68; CI 1.00-7.19; p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: A targeted informational-preventative program should be developed, informed by the risks highlighted in this study. In addition, it would be necessary to draft policies related to regulation and enforcement in order to more effectively manage body-art service provision. The Ministry of Health should supervise and guide tattooists and practitioners regarding the health risks of body-art and offer training and raise awareness among potential clients.

Uso de los tatuajes y piercings como factores influyentes en la personalidad / Use of tattoos and piercings as influential factors in personality

INTRODUCCIÓN: para hablar de personalidad se toma en cuenta un conjunto de respuestas específicas y permanentes en diferentes tipos de contextos que resultan del aprendizaje influenciados por la inteligencia emocional frente a la adversidad, cuando no se puede superar los conflictos o perdidas, ciertas personas buscan perennizar esos eventos en su piel, a través de grabaciones. OBJETIVO: determinar la prevalencia de personas que usan tatuajes, determinar el tipo de personalidad del usuario de tatuajes y piercings, analizar los factores causales y las vivencias relacionadas con su uso, métodos, se utiliza una técnica bibliográfica, de corte transversal, descriptiva, retrospectiva, esta investigación es parte de un proyecto general realizado en Ecuador, este resultado se usará como base bibliográfica. RESULTADOS: las personas que usan tatuajes se ubican en un 75%, de la población total, la según los datos encontrados, existe una tendencia al uso de tatuajes en personas con rasgos de personalidad dependiente, seguidas de conductas limites o borde line, en un 47 % usan tatuajes por modismo. CONCLUSIONES: se determinar el tipo de personalidad de los usuarios porque existen falencias en su comportamiento y en la capacidad de enfrentar los diferentes conflictos emocionales, la mayor incidencia se da en la adolescencia, se determina como causa la moda, pérdidas afectivas no superadas, inseguridad e inestabilidad, baja capacidad de resiliencia; el uso de accesorios para compensar estas falencias en la estructura mental, buscan una manera de reconocimiento personal y social hasta convertirse en necesidad.

INTRODUCTION: to talk about personality, a set of specific and permanent responses is taken into account in different types of contexts that resultfrom learning influenced by emotional intelligence in the face of adversity, when conflicts or losses cannot be overcome, certain people seek to perpetuate those events on your skin, through recordings. OBJECTIVE: to determine the prevalence of people whouse tattoos, to determine the type of personality of the user of tattoos and piercings, to analyze the causal factors and the experiences related to their use, methods, a bibliographic technique is used, cross-sectional, descriptive, retrospective, this Research is part of a general project carried out in Ecuador. This result will be used as a bibliographic basis. RESULTS: people who use tattoos are located in 75% of the total population, according to the data found, there is a tendency to use tattoos in people with dependent personality traits, followed by borderline or borderline behaviors, 47% use tattoos by idiom. CONCLUSIONS: the type of personality of the users is determined because there are flaws in their behavior and in the ability to face different emotional conflicts, the highest incidence occurs in adolescence, fashion is determined as cause, emotional losses not exceeded, insecurity and instability, low resilience; The use of accessories to compensate for these shortcomings in the mental structure and their lack of resilience, seek a way of personal and social recognition until it becomes necessary.

Daith Piercing: Wonder Treatment or Untested Fad?

Daith piercing is a form of body piercing that involves the crux of the ear's helix. While daith piercing has been used as an esthetic piercing since the 1990s, it is gaining popularity in the general population as an alternative treatment in chronic headaches, especially migraines. Despite its use, the evidence is currently lacking. Postulated hypotheses include vagal neuromodulation vs. placebo effect. We present a case of a 47-year-old female patient suffering from refractory cluster headache who underwent daith piercing. We aim to raise awareness among the general practitioners of this health-related practice prevalent in the community.

Perceptions of Visible Body Art Among Radiographers.

PURPOSE: To determine the perceptions among radiographers of visible tattoos and nontraditional body piercings (piercings other than traditional pierced earlobes) in the clinical setting. METHODS: An institutional review board-approved survey was delivered electronically to radiography clinical preceptors working at hospitals affiliated with a radiography program in the South Central part of the United States. Discussion board forum posts about the survey were created in the American Society of Radiologic Technologists Communities, targeting radiographers throughout the United States. Responses were collected for 4 weeks and compared quantitatively using linear regression, logistic regression, and chi-square analysis. Qualitative results were examined for themes, and proportions among themes were reported. RESULTS: A total of 943 valid responses were received from radiographers working in the United States. Acceptance of body art was lower among individuals without tattoos compared with those who have tattoos (P < .001). Individuals without piercings had a lower acceptance of piercings compared with those who have piercings (P < .001). Acceptance was lower for those who have tattoos but cover them at work compared with those who have visible tattoos at work (P < .001). Acceptance was not statistically significant among those who have piercings who cover them compared with those who have visible nontraditional piercings at work (P = .073). Respondents believed it was more acceptable for members of the public to display a tattoo than for radiographers to display a tattoo at work (P < .001). However, acceptability was higher (P < .001) when the radiographer's tattoo was medically related. DISCUSSION: Research links visible body art with negative perceptions of professionalism and skill set ability in other professions, but no studies have addressed radiography. This study reflects findings similar to those professions. A negative perception exists among radiographers regarding the display of body art while working, even among those who have body art. However, the subject of a tattoo might matter more than the location of a tattoo in terms of acceptability. These results have implications for the credibility and appropriateness of radiographers who display body art in the clinical setting because it might adversely affect the perceptions of co-workers and the perceptions of patient care provided during imaging services, and might affect hospital policy management. CONCLUSION: Among radiographers working in the United States, a negative perception exists regarding visible body art such as tattoos and nontraditional piercings in the health care setting. Implications include negative perceptions of radiographers displaying body art while working. Future research might influence policy implementation as hospitals work to continually improve satisfaction scores and perceptions of care received.

Oral exfoliative cytology and corrosion of metal piercings. Tissue implications.

OBJECTIVES: A group of adolescents with oral piercings was studied to determine the presence of metallic particles in cells exfoliated from the mucosa surrounding their metal oral piercings and the association between such particles and the metal jewelry, and to evaluate subsequent tissue implications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen teenage patients who had tongue and/or lip piercings were included. The clinical features of the oral mucosa and lip skin were evaluated. Exfoliative cytology was performed in the area surrounding the piercing. The surface of used and unused jewelry was studied by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. RESULTS: Hyperplastic, leukoedematous, and lichenoid lesions were observed in the mucosa, as well as lesions associated with metallosis of the lip skin. Cytological smears showed the presence of particles inside the epithelial cells; the particles were found to contain aluminum, tungsten, and molybdenum. In one case requiring surgical removal of the piercing, histological examination of the tissue associated with the piece of jewelry showed the presence particles containing aluminum, iron, and tin inside multinucleated giant cells. Although surface finish defects were observed on both unused and used piercing jewelry, they were more evident on the used pieces. CONCLUSIONS: Ion particles are released from the metal piercings and could have been adjuvant factors in the development of the observed lesions. Cells exfoliated from the oral mucosa surrounding metal piercings may serve as bioindicators of corrosion processes. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We propose the use of exfoliative cytology to monitor corrosion processes and for routine clinical follow up.

Body Piercing: Motivations and Implications for Health.

Body piercing has evolved from a behavior once considered extreme to an accepted choice among the general population. Earlobe piercing is so common that it is now considered a normative behavior. The motivations for choosing body piercing have changed and are associated with piercing site and number of piercings chosen by the individual. Meanings ascribed to body piercing were traditionally related to enhanced sexual desirability and experience, but now range from the innocuous, such as a fashion statement, to the risk laden, such as nonsuicidal self-injury. Professional piercers are the primary providers of piercing services, and people will first turn to their professional piercer for advice when complications of the site arise, thus delaying entry into needed health care. Health care providers are often perceived as uninformed, dismissive, and biased against individuals, who are pierced particularly those with multiple piercings and piercings in intimate areas of the body. Common complications of piercing include infection, bleeding, and problems relating to tissue trauma and scarring, and are reported by nearly 50% of individuals who are pierced. Metal allergies can develop as a result of piercing, making the type of jewelry used for body adornment an important consideration. Additionally, management of the piercing site becomes critical under certain conditions, such as during pregnancy and birth, lactation, or surgery. This article provides information supporting midwives and other health care providers to offer anticipatory guidance and health care services in a nonjudgmental and supportive manner to individuals choosing body piercing.

[Body modifications and sexual health : Impact of tattoos, body piercing and esthetic genital plastic surgery on the sexual health of women and men]. / Körpermodifikation und sexuelle Gesundheit : Einfluss von Tattoo, Piercing und ästhetisch-plastischer Chirurgie im Genitalbereich auf die sexuelle Gesundheit von Frauen und Männern.

The present paper addresses the psychological impact of body modifications (e.g. tattoos, body piercing and esthetic genital plastic surgery) on the sexual health of individuals and refers to past and present research insights. Body modifications are understood as invasive interventions on the human body, especially interventions on the human skin which result in (semi-)permanent changes. Tattoos and body piercing (in particular genital piercing) positively affect the sexual satisfaction and the sexual appeal of men and women but there is a controversial association with high risk sexual behavior. Moreover, this article focuses on esthetic genital plastic surgery based on the increasing interest and insights of the impact on female genital self-perception and sexual behavior.

Beauty and the burn: tanning and other appearance-altering attitudes and behaviors.

Tanning is often prompted by appearance concerns, yet little is known about associations between tanning and other appearance-altering behaviors. In the current study, we examined potential correlates of indoor and outdoor tanning that, like tanning, may enhance appearance but present health risks. College students (N = 284; Mage = 20.14, SD = 3.39) completed a survey. The main outcome measures were indoor tanning and outdoor sunbathing. Participants also answered questions pertaining to piercings and tattoos, healthy and unhealthy dieting behaviors, cigarette smoking, and interest in cosmetic surgery and enhancements. Results indicate that indoor tanners were more likely to have piercings, tattoos, to engage in healthy dieting behaviors, and to express interest in cosmetic enhancements. Outdoor sunbathers were more interested in cosmetic enhancements than non-outdoor sunbathers, and female outdoor sunbathers reported more unhealthy dieting behaviors than male outdoor sunbathers. These findings provide evidence for college students' engagement in a constellation of appearance-oriented risk behaviors.

Factores de riesgo sexual y parenteral en los encuestados durante la campaña contra hepatitis virales 2013, Rosario, Argentina / Sexual and parenteral risk factors in subjects surveyed during a campaign against viral hepatitis (2013), Rosario, Argentina

La enfermedad hepática viral constituye un problema y un desafío para los médicos y sus pacientes. En agosto de 2013 en la ciudad de Rosario se efectuó la Campaña de Detección y Vacunación de Hepatitis Virales. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo caracterizar los principales factores de riesgo sexual (FRS) y parenteral (FRP) de los voluntarios asistentes a dicha campaña. Se llevó a cabo un estudio de corte transversal utilizando como instrumento un cuestionario validado. Se encontró que el 37,1%(IC 95%: 32,8-41,6%) de los encuestados refería al menos un FRS, siendo el más prevalente la presencia de relaciones sexuales inseguras con el 68,9% (61,6-75,6%). El 35,7% (31,4-40,1%) presentó al menos un FRP, destacándose aquí la utilización de piercings y tatuajes con el 74,6% (67,4-80,9%) y el 48% (40,3-55,7%) respectivamente. En los individuos mayores de 60 años,los hombres hicieron referencia a mayor exposición a FRS que las mujeres (37,2% vs 16,2%; p= 0,019); mientras que para los menores de 40 años las mujeres presentaron mayor exposición a FRP (64,5% vs 45,0%; p= 0,016). La prevalencia de factores de riesgo aumentó al disminuir la edad de los respondedores. Los jóvenes entre 18 y 30 años mostraron además, asociación entre los FRS y FRP (p= 0,01). Los factores de riesgo estudiados resultan diferenciarse según grupos etarios y género. Es necesario contemplar una educación dirigida a distintos grupos poblacionales, focalizando en las debilidades propias de cada uno

Viral liver disease is a problem and a challenge for physicians and their patients. A campaign for the detection and vaccination againstviral hepatitis was performed in August 2013 in the city of Rosario, Argentina. This work aims to characterize the main sexual (SRF)and parenteral (PRF) risk factors among those volunteers attending the campaign. A cross-sectional study was conducted using avalidated questionnaire. It was found that 37.1% (95% CI: 32.8-41.6%) of the respondents mentioned at least one SRF; the mostprevalent factor was the presence of unsafe sex with 68.9% (61.6-75.6%). On the other hand, 35.7% (31.4-40.1%) referred atleast one PRF, of which the most frequent were the use of piercings and tattoos with 74.6% (67.4-80.9%) and 48% (40,3-55.7%)respectively. Men reported higher exposure to SRF than women (37.2% vs 16.2%, p= 0.019) among individuals older than 60 years;while for those under 40 years, women were more likely to show PRF (64.5% vs 45.0%, p= 0.016). The prevalence of risk factorswas increased while decreasing age of respondents. Young people between 18 and 30 also showed association between SRF and PRF(p = 0,01). Risk factors studied varied according to age groups and genders. It is necessary to provide education targeted to differentpopulation groups, focusing on their particular characteristics and weaknesses of each of them

Factores de riesgo sexual y parenteral en los encuestados durante la campaña contra hepatitis virales 2013, Rosario, Argentina / Sexual and parenteral risk factors in subjects surveyed during a campaign against viral hepatitis (2013), Rosario, Argentina

La enfermedad hepática viral constituye un problema y un desafío para los médicos y sus pacientes. En agosto de 2013 en la ciudad de Rosario se efectuó la Campaña de Detección y Vacunación de Hepatitis Virales. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo caracterizar los principales factores de riesgo sexual (FRS) y parenteral (FRP) de los voluntarios asistentes a dicha campaña. Se llevó a cabo un estudio de corte transversal utilizando como instrumento un cuestionario validado. Se encontró que el 37,1%(IC 95%: 32,8-41,6%) de los encuestados refería al menos un FRS, siendo el más prevalente la presencia de relaciones sexuales inseguras con el 68,9% (61,6-75,6%). El 35,7% (31,4-40,1%) presentó al menos un FRP, destacándose aquí la utilización de piercings y tatuajes con el 74,6% (67,4-80,9%) y el 48% (40,3-55,7%) respectivamente. En los individuos mayores de 60 años,los hombres hicieron referencia a mayor exposición a FRS que las mujeres (37,2% vs 16,2%; p= 0,019); mientras que para los menores de 40 años las mujeres presentaron mayor exposición a FRP (64,5% vs 45,0%; p= 0,016). La prevalencia de factores de riesgo aumentó al disminuir la edad de los respondedores. Los jóvenes entre 18 y 30 años mostraron además, asociación entre los FRS y FRP (p= 0,01). Los factores de riesgo estudiados resultan diferenciarse según grupos etarios y género. Es necesario contemplar una educación dirigida a distintos grupos poblacionales, focalizando en las debilidades propias de cada uno(AU)

Viral liver disease is a problem and a challenge for physicians and their patients. A campaign for the detection and vaccination againstviral hepatitis was performed in August 2013 in the city of Rosario, Argentina. This work aims to characterize the main sexual (SRF)and parenteral (PRF) risk factors among those volunteers attending the campaign. A cross-sectional study was conducted using avalidated questionnaire. It was found that 37.1% (95% CI: 32.8-41.6%) of the respondents mentioned at least one SRF; the mostprevalent factor was the presence of unsafe sex with 68.9% (61.6-75.6%). On the other hand, 35.7% (31.4-40.1%) referred atleast one PRF, of which the most frequent were the use of piercings and tattoos with 74.6% (67.4-80.9%) and 48% (40,3-55.7%)respectively. Men reported higher exposure to SRF than women (37.2% vs 16.2%, p= 0.019) among individuals older than 60 years;while for those under 40 years, women were more likely to show PRF (64.5% vs 45.0%, p= 0.016). The prevalence of risk factorswas increased while decreasing age of respondents. Young people between 18 and 30 also showed association between SRF and PRF(p = 0,01). Risk factors studied varied according to age groups and genders. It is necessary to provide education targeted to differentpopulation groups, focusing on their particular characteristics and weaknesses of each of them(AU)

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.

Cuerpos que narran: la práctica del tatuaje y el proceso de subjetivación / Talking Bodies: Tattooing Practice and the Subjectivation Process

Este artículo reporta los resultados obtenidos específicamente con practicantes de body arts (piercings y tatuajes) que constituyeron el grupo de sujetos entrevistados como parte del proyecto Prácticas Corporales y Construcción del Sujeto, el cual, a través de un enfoque cualitativo-interpretativo, ofrece una comprensión de la relación entre las prácticas corporales, la percepción del cuerpo, el cuidado de sí y el sentido de sí mismos que construyen personas vinculadas a diferentes prácticas corporales. Los autores se aproximan a una comprensión de la forma en que los sujetos construyen su "sí mismo" desde sus prácticas corporales, en este caso, específicamente del tatuaje.

This article reports the results obtained from a study with a group of tattoo practitioners integrating the sample of subjects interviewed as a part of the project entitled Corporal practices and the construction of self. By means of a Qualitative-interpretative approach, it offers an understanding of the relationship between the corporal practices, the body perception (body concept), the selfcare and the sense of themselves that people build when they link to different forms of corporal practice. The authors approach to an understanding of the way in which persons build their "selves" from their corporal practices, in this case, specifically from tatooing.