Piercing Shop Faces Scrutiny After Bacterial Infections Affect Over 150 Customers
Coevorden, Netherlands – LM Piercings, a piercing shop in Coevorden, is under investigation following reports of infections among more than 150 customers, some of whom have experienced significant complications. The infections are linked to a self-made saline spray used for aftercare, which was found to contain a bacterial contamination.
The Dutch health authority, GGD Drenthe, began receiving complaints in late 2024 regarding swelling and infections following piercings performed at LM Piercings. The situation escalated, with approximately 150 individuals reporting adverse reactions as of February 13, 2026, according to RTL Nieuws. One 14-year-old customer, Tess, required hospitalization due to a severe infection and now faces permanent disfigurement of her ear.
Shop owner Leon Bothof initially maintained that the saline spray had been used for six years in consultation with the GGD, and that previous inspections had approved its use. “We make this spray ourselves, also in consultation with them. With every inspection, we have indicated that aftercare with saline spray is done. That has always been approved by the GGD,” Bothof stated, as reported by RTV Drenthe.
Still, the GGD disputes this claim, stating that they advised Bothof to discontinue use of the spray as early as March 2024. A GGD spokesperson emphasized, “We indicated in March 2024 that he should use a different spray.” Bothof reportedly continued to offer the self-made spray until late January 2026, when the RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) identified the bacterial contamination, prompting its removal from sale.
Prior to the official notification from the RIVM, customers were already experiencing issues. In December 2024, one customer reported swelling after receiving a piercing. Bothof suggested that such infections can occur, but noted that infections producing “green, smelly pus” were not observed before November 2025.
The incident raises concerns about the regulation of aftercare products used in the body modification industry and the potential financial and reputational fallout for LM Piercings. The shop owner expressed deep distress over the situation, stating, “It deeply affects my wife and me,” according to RTV Drenthe. Further investigations are ongoing, and the GGD is continuing to collect reports from affected individuals. Additional reports can be found at Headtopics and NU.nl.
