North West, the 13-year-old daughter of reality TV star Kim Kardashian and rapper Kanye West, has drawn medical scrutiny after reportedly posting a TikTok video revealing an unconventional finger piercing. A doctor is warning parents about the potential health risks posed by body modifications to children.
North West and Kim Kardashian are in Midtown Manhattan in New York City on August 14, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Dangerous New Trend Raises Alarm, Doctor Warns
In the video, North displays a silver piercing threaded through her finger, positioned between the base and middle knuckles. The jewelry appears to pass directly through tissue dense with nerves, arteries, and veins, a location rarely used for piercings due to its sensitivity and potential complications.
Dr. Tanya Kormeili, a board-certified dermatologist based in Santa Monica, cautioned against this type of piercing, particularly in minors. “As a physician, I find it my duty to advise anyone against such aggressive piercings, especially for minors,” she said.
She explained that the hands are frequently exposed to germs from surfaces such as doorknobs, food, and mobile devices, increasing the risk of infection. This concern is even greater in children, who may not consistently follow hygiene routines.
“There are risks of infection associated with this type of piercing,” Dr. Kormeili added.
Injuries — such as snagging the piercing — she says can delay healing and increase the likelihood of complications. Infections in this area may also enter the bloodstream and affect vital organs.
Dr. Kormeili noted, “If you happen to have a heart condition, you are at risk of endocarditis [life-threatening infection of the heart’s inner lining or valv
Risk of Disease, Organ Failure, and Other Shocking Outcomes
Other possible outcomes include compartment syndrome, a condition that restricts blood flow and can lead to tissue damage, and the transmission of blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis C. Dr. Kormeili also cited toxic shock syndrome, a rare but life-threatening reaction to bacterial toxins that can result in fever, rash, and organ failure.
In light of these potential complications, Dr. Kormeili questioned the decision to allow such a piercing at North’s age at the time. “Given such risk, why would anyone do this, especially at the age of 12?”
While the medical concerns sparked serious discussion, North’s recent videos reveal that her bold aesthetic is part of a larger, playful style transformation.
As reported on October 22, 2025, North shared videos and photos of herself adorned with face tattoos and eye-catching nails. The young fashionista caused an online commotion with her style, which is something her mom has spoken about in recent interviews.
Netizen comment about North West’s striking new look, posted on October 22, 2025. | Source: Facebook/Page Six
Inside a Private Jet: TikTok Chaos as North West Unveils Bold New Appearance
In the series of TikToks posted to the account she shares with her mom, North offered an unapologetic look at her edgy makeover, and she wasn’t alone.
Filmed aboard what appeared to be a private jet, one video shows her lip-syncing to a rap track with a group of friends, each girl wearing coordinated streetwear looks and dramatically styled hair.
North West lip-syncing to a song while dressed in her striking look, posted on October 18, 2025. | Source: TikTok/@kimandnorth
North, sporting piercings, bright turquoise braids, and icy blue contact lenses, led the group in the clip, flashing a mouth full of blacked-out teeth and faux face tattoos, including stars and hearts. Her caption, “fake piercings and fake tatts 4 life,” made it clear the aesthetic was intentionally playful, not permanent.
Each girl in the crew brought her own twist to the theme, with turquoise, pink, and green braided hairstyles framing heavily accessorized outfits. Their nails were bold and glittering; their expressions confident, and their energy infectious.
North West smiling with her friends, posted on October 18, 2025. | Source: TikTok/@kimandnorth
In the next clip, which has since been deleted, captioned “preparing for antagonist 🫡,” the girls flashed grins and struck poses, and in another post, they showed off intricate henna designs on their hands and a shared affinity for statement jewelry.
A different now-deleted video, sped up for effect, captures the group dancing, laughing, and showcasing their looks — many of which paid homage to hip-hop culture through graphic, oversized shirts featuring prominent artists and chunky chains.
North also shared a montage of photos, including backstage snapshots alongside the performers they appeared to go see, underscoring the day’s vibe of fun, fashion, and fierce expression.
