In case you haven’t noticed, tattoos are the newest and perhaps oldest craze. I myself haven’t experienced anything other than a henna tattoo, but with TV shows like L.A. Ink on the air, its apparent that tattoos are super popular. For some, tattoos are more than body art. They are a lifestyle!
About 1/4 of adults 18-30 years old have at least 1 tattoo. And that percentage will definitely increase in years to come. 65% of people with tattoos are women, so it’s not a guy thing anymore either. With such high numbers of people getting tatted up, it’s important to discuss the health risks.
But first, let me illustrate how tattoos aren’t just green-inked body art. There are so many types of tattoos.
1) Amateur tattoos: made by pricking ash, charcoal or ink under the skin with a needle. With these, there’s a high risk of infection because of lack of sterile conditions.
2) Cultural/Religious tattoos: these may serve many purposes for members of various ethnic/tribal groups. Many different techniques can be used to achieve these.
3) Professional tattoos: Done by a licensed/registered artist often using a tattoo gun.
4) Cosmetic tattoos including ‘permanent make up’ : Women may get their eyeliner, lip liner, blush or eyebrows tattooed on. Often, touch ups are needed every few years to keep the colors crisp and vibrant.
5) Medical tattoos: For instance, after breast reconstruction surgery after a mastectomy, doctors typically simulate the appearance of a nipple using tattoo methods. Some patients with chronic medical conditions also get tattoos to alert others of their condition in the event of an emergency.
Do doctors think you should get tattoos? No, most doctors advise against tattoos because the use of unsterilized needles can cause the transmission of diseases like Hepatitis C from one person to another. Also, people often get their tattoos at a young age and down the road they may not want it anymore. A tattoo on the body of a 20 year old looks very different than it does on the body of a 70 year old.
If you really really want one, then at least be safe! Make sure that the tattoo studio you choose is as clean as a doctor’s office. And, make sure that your tattoo artist has a valid business license. If you have doubts, go with your gut feeling and find a different studio.
Safety Tips:
- Watch your artist remove all needles from sterile packaging. Make sure the artist washes his/her hands and puts on sterile gloves before getting started.
- Don’t drink alcohol or take any drugs including over the counter drugs like aspirin the night prior
- Ask for a list of specific pigments used, the manufacturer, lot number and color.
- After getting your tattoo, follow healing instructions and make sure to use antibiotic ointment.
- Do not get a tattoo if you’re at all sick!
What Kinds of Infections can you get from Tattoos?
The most serious risks include life -compromising infections like HIV, Hepatitis C ( a virus which attacks your liver). You can also get skin infections like impetigo caused by bacteria like staphylococcus or MRSA (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus). If you notice that the skin around your tattoo is blistering, oozing pus, red or tender for an extended period of time please see your doctor.
Photo of Kat Von D, courtesy of Getty Images.
