Council issue warning to piercing studios

Causeway Coast and Glens Council has highlighted a potentially unsafe type of after care solution

The Council has alerted piercing studios throughout the district about a Public Health Warning from England, that has warned against the use of a type of cleansing product.  The product in question is manufactured by Lion Care Products Ltd. and has been flagged as potentially causing severe infection.

26 cases of the severe ear infection, Pseudomonas aeruginosa have been reported in England, and with the product being widely distributed, more cases are expected,  The known cases have affected piercings made between mid-July and late August, however there may be more recent cases that are yet to be reported.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council wants to alert piercing studios to a warning issued by Public Health... https://t.co/1A80lwgfOb

— Causeway Council (@CausewayCouncil) 16 September 2016

Dr Richard Puleston, a consultant at Public Health England pointed out that infections are not uncommon after piercings but he said "the particular type of bacteria linked to this outbreak can cause severe infection".  Dr Puleston added that anybody concerned about a possible infection should seek medical advice immediately.

Warning over infection that may be linked to piercing product https://t.co/xtCnscEjbz pic.twitter.com/iFcJZfcUYc

— PublicHealthEngland (@PHE_uk) 15 September 2016

The Council stress that there is no consistent brand name or labelling associated with the spray, with some labels using only black and white lettering.  Others will have the trading name 'Body Art Supplies' while some may carry the 'Lion Care' name. Other studios’ labels will use neither, but possibly just their own studio name or brand on the label. If unsure, use of the spray should be stopped immediately.

The Council added that piercing after-care should follow the guidelines found on the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health website.