Clinicians should be aware of an increase in cases of severe pseudomonas aeruginosa infections following cosmetic piercing procedures.
Public Health England believes a product which is commonly used when piercing ears has been contaminated with pseudomonas.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection is the definition of a tough bacterial strain, able to survive in harsh environments.
Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of the infection and consider appropriate treatment in any patients presenting with a skin infection at the site of a recent piercing. Any confirmed cases should be reported to the local health protection team.
To see the full alert, please visit the Public Health England website.
Published 27th September, 2016