Thika residents have been warned against body piercings which may have adverse health implications both in the short term and the long term.
Speaking in his office on Wednesday, a Thika Level Five Hospital dermatologist, Dr John Kibe, advised those going for piercing to seek the services of experts.
Kibe noted that those seeking the services of quacks were at risk of contracting infections due to the use of unsterilised piercing equipment.
"Ordinarily, ear piercing has been the most common way of body piercing but now young people are piercing tongues, nose, eyebrows, nipples to maintain 'swag' abd beauty,” said Kibe.
He added, "Some of these areas are very sensitive and if not taken care of well, it could result to very serious infections.”
Kibe cautioned young women who pierce their nipples saying they risk getting infections or inability to breastfeed in future.
"When you go for any form of body piercing you ought to consider the implications because some of these things that look simple are potentially life threatening,” he said.