Ear piercing is a popular fashion trend among teens. Done properly, it is quite safe.

However, teens who have a tendency to bleed heavily, have allergies to metals, are unusually susceptible to infections, or who tend to form kiloid scars, may want to think twice about getting their ears pierced, or may want to ask a physician first.

"Do it yourself" ear piercing should be discouraged, since most cases we see of infection come from such efforts.

Some people wonder if ear piercing could put one at risk for AIDS. It could -- if a teen and friend share a common piercing needle or use an unsterilized one.

Having the procedure done by a physician, or by a technician at a jewelry store who uses the sterilized post of the earring itself to pierce the ears is the best way to avoid risks.

After the piercing, the teen should take special care of the earlobes, dabbing with alcohol or mild soap to prevent infection, and dipping earrings in alcohol before inserting them. Also, the ear should be allowed to heal before removing the initial post earrings. Some care and common sense will prevent infection.

Dr. Wibbelsman, M.D., is an award-winning author and former "Dear Doctor" columnist for Teen magazine. Chair of Adolescent Medicine for the Permanente Medical Group, Northern California, he is chief of the Teen-Age Clinic at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in San Francisco, and an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Francisco Medical School. Dr. Wibbelsman is the news anchor for a Bay Area television series, "Medicine in the Nineties".