A lecturer at the Department of Physiology at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos, Dr. Francis Agbaraolorunpo, stressed that the nipple is a special area in the breast that has abundant sensory nerves in it, warning that if damaged, can hinder lactation for women.

He explained that these sensory nerves are important because they are needed in the process of lactation.

Agbaraolorunpo said, “Lactation is milk production in a woman that just gave birth and there is a need for this area to be stimulated. When the area is stimulated, it will send a signal to the brain and the brain receives these signals and releases chemicals that will help in milk production and also in the release of milk in the breast. So if a woman has nipple challenge, then the process of lactation would be affected.”

“In the course of a harsh healing process, it can form scars in the milk duct and that can hinder the flow of milk. Equally, for some of the nerves that get damaged, the signals that should travel from the nipple to the brain may be hindered and so it could affect breastfeeding,” the expert explained.

He noted that while there has been an argument that only just a few milk ducts are affected by nipple piercing and that only a few sensory nerves could get damaged, he stressed that the procedure is still very dangerous to health.

Those doing it, he said, could develop infections if the instruments used are not properly sterilised.

“There could be an infection in the immediate term and that would be tetanus because it is equally an injury that is created.

“So depending on the sterilisation of the instruments used for the procedure, it could cause either mild infection or strong infection.

“Tetanus is strong, so for those who are not immunised against tetanus, it is a big risk. Hepatitis could also be picked up.

“Infection can also cause an abscess. An abscess is the presence of pus in the space of the tissue and if not properly medically attended to, can equally spread to the other area of the breast. This will result in a condition referred to as mastitis. Mastitis is the inflammation of the breast tissue,” he said.

Agbaraolorunpo said another challenge that could occur is rashes, either as a result of irritation from the jewellery or irritation from the piercing procedure.

“For some persons in the healing process, the irritation by the jewellery that is inserted in the nipple or the irritation by the procedure can equally result in rashes.

“There could be localised aggressive healing that can cause a slight lump in that nipple area because the body can perceive the ring that is inserted in that area. All these are not very strong effects, they are mild effects,” he said.

The physiologist stated further that those engaging in nipple piercing are not only at risk of health complications but also psychological issues.

“Individuals who do this equally usually do a lot of piercings on other parts of their body.

“They often do tattoos and all these addictive practices could cause emotional issues like depression,” he said.

Also speaking in the same vein, a public health physician at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Prof. Tanimola Akande, said unlike piercing of other parts of the body, nipple piercings take a longer time to heal.

He said piercing of the nipples can cause permanent damage through scar formation, adding that there is a possibility of nerve damage in the process of scarring.

Akande added that there could also be bleeding and infection like an abscess, for those at risk.

“It may affect breastfeeding, as the scarring of the nipple can block the passage of milk. It can block the milk ducts through which milk should flow and the baby will not be able to get adequate milk while sucking. This can make the baby irritable,” he said.

Speaking further with our correspondent, the professor said, “Possible infections can come from unsterilised needle piercing equipment, this can lead to hepatitis B, HIV and other blood-borne infections.

“Hepatitis B is a blood-borne infection. If the equipment or needle is used on someone with hepatitis B and it is not well sterilised before using it on another person, then the other person may be infected.”

The public health expert noted that nipple piercings are often done for cosmetic reasons or to improve the sensitivity of the nipples to touch and arousal.

He, however, stressed that it has been confirmed to cause some health challenges, warning that precautions should be taken if it has to be done.

According to an online health portal, WebMD, “Nipple piercing has some health risks. 

The portal warned that for those who have health conditions or take medication that makes them more likely to get an infection or bleed a lot, nipple piercing could be riskier.

“Nipple piercing could cause problems if you want to breastfeed. Scar tissue around the pierce or your nipple ring could block your milk ducts. Piercings that damage the nerves in your nipple may make it hard for milk to come out.

“Nipple jewellery can make it harder for your baby to latch on. Your baby might even swallow or choke on a loose nipple ring. Don’t get your nipple pierced if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, wait a few months after you complete breastfeeding.”

“A pierced nipple is more likely to form an abscess. That’s a painful, pus-filled lump under the nipple or in your breast. You’ll need to see the doctor for treatment. 

“Nipples are sensitive tissue and connected to milk ducts. A nipple piercing is more likely to get infected than some other types of piercings.”

“Infections can happen well after you get your nipple or areola, the darker ring around the nipple, pierced. Like any other body piercing, unsterilised equipment can put you at risk for infection with blood-borne diseases like HIV, hepatitis B or C, or tetanus.

“If your nipple ring gets caught on your clothes and rips loose, it can tear your skin and require stitches,” it said.

Also, Healthline, an online health portal, says, “Localised infections around the piercing are most common. On rare occasions, the infection may spread beyond just the nipple and breast and become more severe.

“These systemic infections can include infection of the heart valves, that is endocarditis in people with a history of abnormal heart structure, and infection in the bloodstream.”

Source: healthwise