Reality television star Kim Kardashian has found herself at the centre of another parenting debate after her 12-year-old daughter, North West, showcased a new and medically concerning body modification.
The Reveal and Expert Concerns
North West, the eldest child of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, recently displayed a second dermal piercing embedded in her finger through social media posts. Images revealed two silver gemstones on one hand and a striking blue stone positioned in the centre of her middle finger on another. This follows a similar silver piercing she first showed off during a trip to Rome with her mother in August 2025.
Unlike traditional piercings, dermal piercings involve a surgical procedure where a small, flat-bottomed anchor is inserted beneath the skin to hold the jewellery in place. This method carries significant health warnings, particularly for a child.
Nilesh Rakholia, a Jewellery Expert and Founder of Abelini, issued a stark warning regarding the choice. "At just 12 years old, North is still developing, and any piercing at this age requires careful consideration," he stated. "A piercing in the finger is particularly risky, as it’s constantly exposed to knocks, dirt and bacteria, making the risks of infection and complications far greater than with more traditional piercings."
He emphasised that while jewellery is a form of self-expression, "trends should never outweigh health and wellbeing".
Not the First Controversy
This is not the first instance where Kim Kardashian's parenting decisions regarding North's public appearance have drawn scrutiny from followers. Just last month, the pre-teen sparked debate with a dramatic new look on TikTok.
In the video, North sported long blue braids, faux blue contact lenses, and black grillz over her teeth. The most shocking elements for many were the large fake face tattoos, including a star beneath her eye and script writing on her cheek, alongside a pretend nose ring.
The upload, captioned "Fake piercings and fake tatts for life," divided fans. While some dismissed it as seasonal Halloween fun, others recalled her father Kanye West's past concerns about his children's presence on social media.
Kim Kardashian has previously addressed this tension, hitting back at her ex-husband's criticisms. She stated, "Kanye's constant attacks on me in interviews and social media is actually more hurtful than any TikTok North might create."
Long-Term Risks and Scarring
The concerns surrounding North's latest piercing are supported by medical information. According to health resource WebMD, dermal piercings are not permanent and typically last from several months to a few years.
The site clearly notes a lasting consequence: "After it is removed (or comes out on its own), you might end up with a scar." This potential for permanent scarring, combined with the high risk of infection in a high-traffic area like the hand, forms the core of the expert advice cautioning against such procedures for young, developing individuals.
