The relationship of viral
hepatitis and
body piercing has been investigated in 12 research studies published between 1974 and 1997. Because there are often a large number of unknowns regarding the cause of viral
hepatitis, most of the studies were conducted to identify multiple risk factors for
hepatitis. Eight of the 12 studies identified percutaneous exposure, including
body piercing and
ear piercing, as a risk factor for viral
hepatitis. Six studies found that
hepatitis seropositivity was significantly associated with
ear piercing. Conclusions indicate that evidence is sufficient to institute public health education along with regulation of the
body-piercing industry. Recent research has found a significant increase in legislative efforts to regulate
body piercing. Little research has focused directly on
body piercing as a specific risk factor for viral
hepatitis. Further research in this area is necessary to increase the understanding of
hepatitis transmission by
body piercing.