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'Her ear was shattered' - home piercings leading to deformities, says expert

'Her ear was shattered' - home piercings leading to deformities, says expert

Summary

Home piercing kits sold online are causing serious ear injuries, including scarring and deformities. Professionals warn that piercing guns and self-piercing can lead to damage that is hard or impossible to fix, and experts suggest banning these kits or adding age restrictions.

Key Facts

  • Home piercing kits can be bought online for as little as £1.50 without age checks.
  • Piercing guns use blunt jewelry and can cause rough, damaged piercing holes, unlike needles that make smooth cuts.
  • Injuries range from uneven earlobes to completely shattered ear parts like the helix or tragus.
  • Some people have required emergency care to remove piercings gone wrong.
  • The UK Association of Professional Piercers wants a ban on at-home piercing kits and guns.
  • There are no UK laws setting a minimum age for ear piercings done by professionals, but many studios set their own age limits.
  • In Wales, it is illegal to perform intimate piercings on anyone under 18.
  • Online retailers say they follow the law but do not have specific restrictions preventing sales of piercing kits in the UK.
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