By: Lin Collins

A survey complied by the Health Protection Agency and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine showed that 25 percent of piercings in body areas other than the earlobe lead to complications.

One in 100 piercings result in a hospital admission.

More than 10,000 people above 16 years took part in the study which was published online by the British Medical Journal.

About 10 percent of the adult population in Britain has a non-earlobe body piercing. The research showed that 16-year-olds with piercings were more likely to suffer from complications, with almost a third reporting problems and 15 percent seeking professional help.

The most common problems with piercings were swellings, infection and bleeding.Almowst half of tongue piercings resulted in complications in the British survey.

Tongue Piercing

If you insist on getting your tongue pierced, you must use mouthwash, avoid alcohol, hot liquids and spicy foods until the area is healed. Your mouth is likely to feel uncoordinated at first, but this will pass. Ice may be used to decrease swelling. Try to focus on keeping your tongue level in your mouth to avoid biting on the jewelry as you eat. With tongue pie

rcing healing time is approximately 3 weeks. To keep this area as clean as possible use an antiseptic mouthwash 2 to 3 times a day. Once healed brush tongue and jewelry thoroughly to keep plaque away. Gently brush your tongue and jewelry when you are healing. Once healed brush tongue and jewelry thoroughly to keep plaque away. Oral contact with other persons should be avoided for several weeks.

A long healing time is needed for a belly button piercing - sometimes as long as five months - as well as the challenge of clothes that create friction, build up moisture, and increase the chance of infection.