I DIDN’T KNOW THAT

Question: Is it safe to pierce the upper part of the ear?

Answer: It can be dangerous, leading to cartilage damage and permanent deformities of the ear, according to the Mayo Clinic Health Letter.

The earlobe has its own blood supply and, if infected, generally responds well to antibiotics. But cartilage in the upper ear lacks an independent blood supply and absorbs nutrients from a special tissue lining.

Infections can peel off the nourishing layer, depriving cartilage of nutrients and even killing it. Antibiotics often are ineffective in treating such infections because there is no blood supply to deliver them to the site. If an infection occurs, it is often necessary to surgically remove the infected portion of the ear.