North West, the 13-year-old daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, has drawn attention for her growing collection of hand piercings. A board-certified dermatologist has now warned that these unusual body modifications could carry lasting health consequences, particularly for younger people.
Medical Expert Highlights Risks
Dr. Corey Hartman, founder and medical director of Skin Wellness Dermatology and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Alabama School of Medicine, cautioned that hand piercings can lead to complications beyond cosmetic concerns. According to Hartman, surface and dermal piercings on the hands are more complex than traditional ear piercings due to hand anatomy. Long-term complications may include hypertrophic scarring, hyperpigmentation, tissue disfigurement, and in severe cases, reduced function of the affected area.
Hartman noted that individuals with highly melanated skin face an increased likelihood of noticeable scarring or pigmentation changes. Unlike standard ear piercings, dermal piercings involve an anchor inserted beneath the skin, while surface piercings use a bar placed under the skin with openings at both ends. Because hands are constantly moving and exposed to frequent contact, these piercings have a greater chance of irritation or rejection, where the body gradually pushes the jewelry out.
Potential for Nerve and Tendon Damage
Hartman also warned that incorrectly placed hand piercings could affect nearby tendons, blood vessels, or nerves. In rare but serious cases, this could interfere with normal hand movement or leave permanent damage if complications develop. North first revealed a finger piercing in 2025 before adding several others throughout 2026. Some piercings have appeared and disappeared, leading observers to speculate that not all are permanent. Visible marks around certain sites have prompted discussion about whether some procedures were genuine dermal piercings.
Kim Kardashian Supports Daughter's Expression
Kim Kardashian has consistently supported her daughter's creative expression. While she has not directly addressed the medical concerns, she previously defended North's individuality, saying she would never want to limit her daughter's creativity. Speaking on the Call Her Daddy podcast, Kardashian stated she was doing her best as a parent while encouraging her children's self-expression.
Call for Caution in Minors
Hartman acknowledged that parents ultimately make decisions for their children but argued that permanent body modifications require careful consideration because minors may not fully appreciate the long-term implications. He advised families to evaluate the child's maturity, the qualifications of the professional performing the procedure, and the lasting nature of the modification before proceeding. His recommendation remained straightforward: if a young person continues to want hand piercings after reaching adulthood, they can revisit the decision with a clearer understanding of the possible risks.
