(June 13, 2008 - Insidermedicine) Young adults are increasingly getting body piercings in areas other than the earlobe, and with increased piercings come increased complications, according to research published in the British Medical Journal.

Here are some tips for selecting an appropriate piercing shop:

•    Be sure the shop has an autoclave – a sterilizing machine – and all instruments are kept in sealed bags.

•    Have a look around the shop to determine that it is hygienic.

•    Be sure the person doing the piercing washes his or her hands with a germicidal soap and wears disposable gloves.

Researchers out of the Health Protection Agency and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine surveyed over 10,000 people living in England who were over the age of 16. They were asked whether they had piercings, where they received their piercings, and what complications they experienced, if any.

Overall, about 10% of respondents reported having a piercing in a part of the body other than the earlobe. Such piercings were far more common among women than men. The preferred site for women was the navel, while men favored the nipple. Nearly one-third of respondents acknowledged experiencing at least one complication with their piercing, including swelling, infection, and bleeding. Complications were most common among the 20% of respondents who had their piercing done by a non-specialist and among those with tongue piercings.

Today's research highlights the rising popularity of piercings in parts of the body other than the earlobes by young adults. It also suggests that, in the years to come, healthcare resources will be needed to manage the complications associated with this practice.

For Insidermedicine in Depth, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.