More than 150 people in the Netherlands have reported infections and, in some cases, lasting damage to their ears after receiving piercings at LM Piercings in Coevorden, a town in the province of Drenthe. The infections are linked to a self-made salt spray used for aftercare, which was found to be contaminated with bacteria.
The first signals of a problem reached the GGD Drenthe (municipal health service) in late 2024, following reports from Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) doctors of a surge in patients presenting with unusual ear infections. The GGD subsequently tested samples of the salt spray produced by LM Piercings owner Leon Bothof. According to GGD-arts Siem Looijen, the majority of tested bottles contained bacterial growth. “People were essentially spraying water with bacteria into a fresh piercing, allowing the bacteria to grow,” Looijen stated to RTV Drenthe.
LM Piercings owner Leon Bothof claims he had been producing the spray for six years, in consultation with the GGD, and that previous inspections had always approved of the aftercare method. “We always indicated during each inspection that the aftercare involved using salt spray. The GGD always approved this,” Bothof told RTV Drenthe. However, the GGD disputes this account, stating they advised Bothof to switch to a different spray in March 2024. Bothof continued to offer the self-made spray until late January 2026, when the RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment) informed him of the bacterial contamination, at which point he removed it from sale.
The infections reported by customers range in severity from redness and itching to prolonged pain, inflammation, and, in some instances, permanent damage. Fourteen-year-ancient Lisa Doldersum from Hardenberg required hospital treatment after receiving a helix piercing at LM Piercings in December 2024. She described the piercing process as rough and experienced significant bleeding. Her doctor advised immediate removal of the piercing and prescribed antibiotics. Another fourteen-year-old, Tess, has been left with a misformed ear as a result of the infection, according to RTL Nieuws.
Bothof expressed his distress over the situation, stating to NOS, “This is just unbelievable, it deeply affects my wife and me.” He acknowledged reports of infections occurring before the GGD’s control, but suggested these may have had different causes, stating that infections can occur with any piercing, but that infections with “green, smelly pus” were not seen before November.
As of February 15, 2026, the GGD Drenthe has registered over 150 complaints. The health service continues to investigate the extent of the contamination and is working to support affected individuals. The RIVM has not yet released a comprehensive report on the specific bacteria found in the spray, and the long-term health consequences for those infected remain unclear.
