Body piercing and tattoos are the popular types of body modification. Body piercing has been practiced for centuries for various purposes, including eroticism, religion, spirituality, subcultural identification or fashion. It is an art of puncturing different body parts for creating an opening in order to wear jewelry. Body piercing can be performed on different body parts such as nose, ears, cheeks, tongue, lips, eyebrows, navel, nipple, and even genital organs. Ear and nose piercings are more commonly practiced. This body art offers a trendy, appealing look to a person. However, it may cause some adverse effects on the body. If you don't take good care of your piercing, you may end up with very unpleasant effects. Critical Effects of Body Piercing Some of the possible consequences of body piercing are infection, allergies, nerve damage, keloids, cross-contamination, etc. There could be bacterial infection at the site of body piercing. Infection by Staphylococcus aureus is more commonly seen. It results in swelling, redness and pus formation around the piercing site. It may be caused by lack of good aftercare or unhygienic piercing technique. Hence, piercing should be done only by the experienced, skilled person. Another serious risk of body piercing is transmission of hazardous diseases such as tetanus, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. It could happen, if the piercing equipment are not properly sterilized. To avoid this risk, make sure that the equipment are sterilized. Some people are highly sensitive to certain metals and they may develop allergic reactions. For example, 14-karat gold stud contains a large amount of nickel and it can cause a higher risk of allergy. The allergy typically appears as a dry, crusty, itchy, red skin rash along with watery blisters. Hence, you should go for non-allergic metals such as titanium, non-reactive surgical stainless steel or niobium. Healing time depends upon a type of piercing. Ear piercing generally heals within 3-4 months. It takes about 2-3 months to cure nose piercing. Appropriate aftercare is very important during the healing period. If aftercare is neglected, then there is a possibility of irritation or infection at the piercing site, or the healing period may extend. The piercing should be placed very carefully; else it can damage the nerve and make the surrounding tissues permanently dead. There is also a risk of formation of hard knots of scar tissues, known as keloids. In case of oral piercing, there is a possibility of damage to the gums, chipped teeth and wearing of tooth enamel. In case of tongue piercing, you could suffer from numbness, loss of sensation and movement. Although, there are few adverse effects of body piercing, you can avoid them by taking some precautions. With hygienic piercing practices and appropriate aftercare, you can enjoy the piercing, which is an ultimate way to express yourself and decorate your body.