DIY ear-piercing kits linked to lasting deformities, experts warn

BBC Wales reports that DIY piercing guns and at-home kits are causing serious ear injuries in the UK, ranging from scarred lobes to a completely shattered helix, with some patients needing emergency removal of embedded jewellery. The UK Association of Professional Piercers is calling for bans on DIY kits and the introduction of age checks, while online retailers claim compliance with laws. The article notes kits can be bought online for about £1.50 with little verification, and that social media, especially TikTok, has influenced buyers; a teen user’s experience underscores the risks and experts urge professional, needle-based piercings in sterile settings.