A new warning has surfaced after Kim Kardashian defended her 12-year-old daughter North’s unusual piercing. The young star recently showed off a dermal piercing on her finger, sparking intense debate across social media. Many followers were shocked to see such a risky modification on someone so young.
A dermal piercing is not like a regular earring. It sits under the skin, held in place by a small bar and two metal ends. While popular in body-modification circles, it carries real risks — especially when placed on a finger, which is constantly moving and exposed to pressure.
The backlash grew quickly. Commenters called the decision “crazy” and urged adults to “let children be children.” Kim responded calmly on their shared TikTok account, writing only, “It’s okay.” But the conversation didn’t end there.
Dr. Donald Grant, a GP and clinical advisor, stepped in with a serious warning. He explained that dermal piercings are easy to misjudge. Early signs of trouble — such as irritation, redness, or slight swelling — can be mistaken for dry skin or normal healing. In reality, they may indicate rejection or infection.
The finger makes things even riskier. It’s vulnerable to snagging, pressure, and constant contact with bacteria during everyday activities. Frequent hand washing can also slow healing, leaving the area open to complications.
The doctor stressed that safe healing depends on proper placement, quality jewelry, and strong aftercare. If redness, tenderness, or unusual discharge appears, he urged families to seek help from a trained piercer or a GP right away.
