Kim Kardashian’s eldest daughter, North West, was spotted in New York City on Tuesday rocking her signature long green-blue hair and black platform shoes.
Yet it wasn’t her outfit or hairstyle making headlines — it was her new body modification.
At just 12 years old, North has taken a bold step into the world of piercings, catching the attention of fans and health experts alike.
The Piercing Everyone’s Talking About
North’s unusual finger piercing first appeared publicly in Rome during a family trip in August.
The silver jewelry is installed on the top of her right-hand middle finger, running between the knuckle at the base and the middle knuckle.
Earlier this month, she shared clips on TikTok showing the piercing process, including a needle passing through the skin — a move that immediately raised eyebrows among medical professionals.
Doctors Warn of Hand-Specific Risks
Dr. Tanya Kormeili, a Board-certified dermatologist in Santa Monica, California, voiced strong concerns over the procedure.
“As a physician, I find it my duty to advise anyone against such aggressive piercings, especially for minors,” she told the Daily Mail.
The hand is a delicate and complex area, packed with sensory nerves, arteries, veins, and tendons running close to the skin.
One small accident could lead to serious injury, doctors caution.
“The chance of injury is very high,” said Dr. Kormeili.
“Hands are constantly in use, which makes accidental trauma to the piercing site likely and potentially dangerous.”
Infection Risks Are High
Hands are also exposed to germs constantly, from doorknobs to phones, pets, and food.
For minors still learning proper hygiene, this adds another layer of risk.
“There are risks of infection associated with this type of piercing,” Dr. Kormeili explained.
“Infections in the hands can escalate quickly and lead to severe complications like compartment syndrome.”
Compartment syndrome occurs when swelling in the hand restricts blood flow, potentially causing tissue damage and systemic infection.
Blood-borne illnesses such as hepatitis C can also spread through a severe hand infection, raising the risk of liver damage, organ failure, or even death.
Serious Health Complications Are Possible
Dr. Kormeili also highlighted the dangers of sepsis and Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
Sepsis arises when bacteria from an infected piercing enter the bloodstream, causing widespread inflammation and organ failure if untreated.
TSS, caused by toxins from bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, can trigger rapid fever, rash, low blood pressure, and multi-organ failure.
“Given such risk, why would anyone do this, especially at the age of 12?” Kormeili asked.
Body Rejection and Long-Term Healing
Jewelry in high-movement areas like fingers is especially tricky because the body works to expel foreign objects, similar to how it might push out a splinter.
Healing can take anywhere from two months to several years, and during that time, the risk of infection remains high.
“We all want to be ‘cool’ and be ‘noticed’ and feel unique,” Dr. Kormeili concluded, “but as parents, we need to protect our youth against fads and, simply put, bad ideas.”
A Call for Awareness
North West’s piercing highlights a growing trend among young celebrities and their children experimenting with bold body modifications.
While individuality and self-expression are important, experts urge caution — especially for minors in sensitive, high-risk areas like fingers.
The message from physicians is clear: safety and long-term health should come before fashion statements.
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