As pediatricians, we love seeing kids express themselves, but the piercing trend is hiding potential medical risks. Learn more about piercings and the strict California law that protect your child.

THE LEGAL LANDSCAPE IN CALIFORNIA
According to the California Health and Safety Code, anyone under the age of 18 must have the consent of a parent or guardian to get a body piercing.

The Earlobe Exception: traditional earlobe piercings are generally exempt from the parental consent law.

Beyond the Lobe: for cartilage, nose, navel, eyebrow, or tongue piercings, a parent or guardian must be present and provide valid identification and consent.

Business Restrictions: many reputable California piercing studios may refuse to perform certain piercings on minors under the age of five under any circumstance, regardless of parental consent.

THE MEDICAL RISKS
Because a piercing breaks the skin barrier, it introduces several health risks, especially for growing children and teenagers whose immune systems and hygiene habits are still developing.

Infections: this is the most common complication. Piercings in cartilage (the upper ear) or the nose are particularly prone to serious bacterial infections because these areas have poor blood supply, making them harder to heal.

Allergic reactions: many cheap jewelry pieces contain nickel. This can trigger severe allergic contact dermatitis, causing itchy, weeping rashes. Always insist on implant-grade titanium, niobium, or 14-karat gold.

Keloids and scarring: some children are genetically prone to keloids—thick, raised scars that grow larger than the original wound. These can be painful and often require medical treatment to remove.

Choking and dental hazards: tongue and lip piercings can chip teeth, erode gums, and even become choking hazards if the jewelry comes loose.

TIPS FOR SAFE PIERCING
If you and your child decide to move forward with ear piercing, skip the mall kiosks that use piercing guns, which cannot be fully sterilized and cause blunt-force tissue trauma. Instead, visit a professional, licensed studio that uses single-use, sterile needles. Ensure the piercer sanitizes their hands, wears fresh gloves, and opens all sterile equipment right in front of you. Most importantly, remember that aftercare is a commitment.

CPCMG offers ear piercing to patients who meet the following requirements:
• Patient must be a minimum of two months old.
• Patient must have received first set of vaccines.

Please note ear piercing is not covered by insurance.

If your child has had their ears (or other part of their body) pierced and you notice any signs of infection – such as excessive redness, swelling, warmth, or yellow discharge – please reach out to your CPCMG pediatrician right away.