Beth's Essay

Elizabeth Bairley

Period 2

Mrs. LoMonte

Body Piercings

            Body piercings have become more and more common among the new generation. But one of the last things on their minds is how this could hurt them. There are diseases caused and allergic reactions of these body modifications. A “religion” is now active, the church of body modification, and is based on piercings and tattoos of the body. A new danger has come upon the population.

            After the piercing there is an open wound which can lead to infection if not properly cared for, which as most people have too busy of schedules to follow through on. It is one of the biggest risks and bacteria infection can turn into Staphylococcus aurous, says an article by Reshma Jirage. A fatal disease from infection is Septicemia. Allergies can also be reacted from the kind of metal; a common allergy is nickel from a 14 karat gold stud. But this can be solved by using high quality jewelry. If the equipment is not sterilized then diseases can be transmitted like as, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tetanus and HIV. Piercings can also cause killing of the nerves, if it is not properly pierced it can kill the nerve and the tissues around it. In oral piercings, the enamel can be worn down, chipped teeth, and gum disease. Keloids are an abnormal proliferation of scar tissue according to Dictionary.com. They are found at the end of a piercing and stretch out the piercing which interrupts cleansing the piercing as reported by Jirage.

            The Church of Body Modification views piercings and tattoos as a way to spiritually strengthen the connection between the body, the mind and the soul. It has a website and many members with ministers as well, uscobm.com.

            Some look down on those who get body modifications, but many question why. What is the reason for the extremity of a corset piercing, or tattooing your teeth?  Shelly L. Twyman says it is because of low self esteem. Shelly did a psychological study of self-esteem between people with modifications and ones who are not. Her result was that ones with a tattoo or piercing had little to no self-esteem. 

            Whether you are thinking of getting a body modification because of low self-esteem, a religion, or peer pressure, make sure you take a look at all of the risks you will be taking.