Expert: Terry B - 10/19/2007

Question
Hi Terry,

I feel a little silly asking, as i imagine a lot of people do, but earlier today i had both of my ear lobes pierced with a gun. After hearing comments from friends about the risk of using guns, and the possibility of contracting HIV or HEP i'm really starting to worry. The procedure seemed sterile to myself, the earrings were in sealed packages opened in front of me, but i've heard that the guns are not always properly sterilized. I googled and havent found any actual cases of it (to my knowlegde). I'm really quite worried and am contemplating removing the studs, if that would even make a difference?

Charlie

Answer
Dear Charlie:

Peace.  

No problem in asking, wish I had some definitive answer for you.  

I guess I have to say that, depending on where you are, and who the provider of piercing services might be, there is a relative risk of Hepatitis transmission and theoretical HIV transmission.  Removing the studs won't help, as any transmission would have occurred during the piercing process.   

The good news is that, as you noted in your research, transmission of HIV or Hepatitis via piercing or similar procedures seems rare, with some isolated outbreaks from time to time.  The vast majority of people do not contract HIV or Hepatitis from piercing.   

I cannot give you much more than this speculative answer, but hope it helps a little.  If you experience prolonged redness, swelling, or especially fever, see a health professional.

The best to you and yours,

Terry