Body Piercing: A National Survey in France.
BACKGROUND
There are no recent data available in France regarding body piercing (BP).


OBJECTIVE
We examined the demographics, motivations, quality of life, cutaneous conditions, and cutaneous side effects after BP within the French population.


METHODS
A representative sample of 5,000 individuals (aged 15 and over) from the general population responded to a survey online between April and August 2017. Data regarding demographics, BP characteristics (location, age at first piercing, hesitation, regrets, motivations, cutaneous side effects), tobacco, skin conditions (acne, contact eczema, atopic eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, vitiligo), and tattoos were collected. Respondents also filled an SF-12 quality of life questionnaire.


RESULTS
Overall, 12% of the respondents reported at least one BP (women: 19.4%, men: 8.4%, p < 0.01). The prevalence was highest among those aged between 25 and 34 years (25.8%). Individuals with BP were more likely to smoke (p < 0.01). The most common body parts for piercings were the external part of the ear (42%), the navel (24%), the tongue (15%), and the nose (11%). Gender differences included localization (belly button and nose for women, eyebrows for men) and motivations (embellishment of the body for women, individuality and sexuality for men). A total of 33.6% of the study participants reported having skin problems after BP, primarily infection (44%). Individuals with BPs were more likely to report having contact eczema, atopic dermatitis, and acne. BP was associated with a lower mental quality of life score.


CONCLUSION
This is the largest epidemiological study on BP in France to date. It allows us to draw a precise current snapshot of French indi viduals with BP.
['Kluger|Nicolas|N|', 'Misery|Laurent|L|', 'Seité|Sophie|S|', 'Taieb|Charles|C|']
D000293:Adolescent D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D000369:Aged, 80 and over D046288:Body Piercing D002648:Child D005260:Female D005602:France D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires D055815:Young Adult
Body piercing France Infection Epidemiology Complication Skin diseases