HomeAnswersToxicologyanti-epileptic drugsCan body absorb heavy metal from new body piercings?

Is it possible to get metal poisoning due to new body piercings?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Divya Banu M

Published At December 9, 2019
Reviewed AtJune 20, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My symptoms started a few months back. The symptoms are mostly neurological, eyesight, fatigue, depression, anxiety, and nausea. I am currently taking 500 mg Depakote extended release (ER) and 150 mg Lamictal ER daily for seizures and have been taking them for several years now. My questions are not related to my medications necessarily. I am wondering if it is possible for the body to absorb heavy metals like lead, thallium, mercury and cadmium for example from new body piercings, specifically earlobe piercing, if the needle or jewelry is dirty or has toxic metals in them. I have been chronically exposed to puncture wounds with needles that could potentially have toxic metals in them for many months and I am worried that I may be poisoned. What should I do? More details about the presenting complaint: The symptoms were sudden and stronger originally than they are currently but I still have symptoms. The symptoms started a few months back. I had several puncture wounds before that. Previous history of the same issue: I have never experienced these symptoms before. Current medications: Depakote and Lamictal. Past medications of the same issue: I have been taking Depakote and Lamictal for several years. Lab tests performed: I had a lead blood test and a metals acute poisoning panel blood test a few days ago but I do not have the results yet.

Answered by Dr. Arul Amuthan L

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com. The mentioned symptoms might be due to the antiepileptic drugs also, so do not confuse too much. Due to climate change, changing the brand, stress level, changing dietary patterns all can facilitate antiepileptic drugs to produce the above symptoms. Consume more fresh fruit juices three to four times in a day, that will make you fresh. Once you get a blood test report, you may know whether there is heavy metal poisoning. If it is positive, do not worry, there are better chelating drugs to remove metals from body. But, I do not think it is due to heavy metal toxicity.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Arul Amuthan L
Dr. Arul Amuthan L

Pharmacology

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