Kim Kardashian defended her daughter North West’s decision to get a distinctive piercing, leading a doctor to issue a cautionary note.
While piercings are generally considered legal and safe, especially for adults, when minors make such choices, it often sparks debate.
North West, the 12-year-old daughter of Kim Kardashian, recently stirred discussions online by flaunting her new piercing.
The piercing in question is a ‘derma piercing,’ which is not a standard body modification for someone so young.
This type of piercing involves a bar inserted under the skin below the knuckle of her finger, secured by a bar and small silver balls at each end. It’s quite popular in body modification circles, but it carries certain risks.
Social media users have expressed concern about the piercing and North’s age.
One commenter said: “I get ear piercings but this is actually crazy,” while another added: “Let children be children!”
Kim responded to these concerns on a TikTok post from her joint account with North, @kimandnorth, stating: “It’s okay.”
In response, a doctor has highlighted the potential risks associated with this type of piercing.
Dr. Donald Grant, a GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, noted to a media outlet that it’s a ‘risky’ decision.
He stated: “Dermal piercings, particularly those placed on the finger, carry risks that can easily be underestimated or attributed to more familiar concerns.”
He pointed out that early signs of irritation or rejection could be overlooked, mistaken for benign issues like dry skin or minor injuries.
“These symptoms may also be mistaken for an allergic reaction to jewellery, simple overuse of the hands, or mild contact dermatitis,” he explained.
The finger is especially ‘vulnerable’ to complications from ‘snagging, pressure, and constant movement,’ according to the doctor.
He added: “The area is frequently exposed to bacteria through everyday activities, and even small breaks in the surrounding skin can allow an infection to take hold. Signs may include increasing redness, warmth, swelling or an unusual discharge, and these can worsen if left unaddressed.”
Regular hand washing can also impede the healing process, exacerbating the situation.
While there is ‘no conclusive evidence that younger individuals’ skin is more likely to reject a piercing purely due to age,’ Dr. Grant emphasized it largely depends on factors like ‘placement of the piercing, the quality and material of the jewellery, and the standard of aftercare.’
He advised: “Anyone experiencing persistent redness, tenderness, changes in the position of the anchor or signs of skin infection should seek advice from a trained piercing professional or their GP, who can recommend the most appropriate course of action.”