EAR PIERCINGS REVISITED

Piercing of the ears and body is an age old practice of adornment. Piercing, is defined as the insertion of a needle to create a fistula for decorative ornaments1.The earliest record of piercing, is in the Bible (Genesis 24:22), where a golden earring was one of the gifts given to Rebecca, wife of Abraham’s son Isaac. Over the ages, ear piercings have become a widespread practice enjoying social, cultural and religious acceptance. Body piercing is beyond the scope of this article.