Piercings And Tattoos / Question
Published: March 12, 2003
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I have been thinking of getting a tattoo. The problem is that I don't know for sure if it is safe. What kind of diseases and viruses can you get from tattoos and how do you prevent them. Also, are there any health regulations at tattoo parlors, like sterilizing needles?
Signed: Tattoo Safety
Dear Tattoo Safety,
Getting a tattoo does carry some potential dangers, and you are right to be concerned about your safety. While it is difficult to get HIV from a tattoo - HIV cannot live outside the body very long - it is possible to get Hepatitis C, which is also a very serious virus. There is also the potential for other kinds of infection.
There are many things a tattoo artist can do to ensure your safety, but some establishments are more professional and safety-oriented than others. Here are some recommended guidelines for getting a safe tattoo:
- Always insist that you see your tattooist remove a new needle and tube set-up from a sealed envelope immediately prior to your tattoo.
- Be certain you see your tattooist pour a new ink supply into a disposable container.
- Make sure your artist puts on a new pair of gloves before setting up tubes, needles and ink supplies.
- Check that the shop furnishings and your tattooist are clean and orderly in appearance.
- Feel free to question the tattooist about his/her sterile procedures and isolation techniques. Take time to observe them at work and do not hesitate to enquire about their experience in the tattoo business.
- If the tattooist is a qualified professional, they will have no problem in complying with the standards above and beyond theses simple guidelines.
- If the artist or studio does not appear up to these standards or if they become evasive when questioned, leave and find another tattoo establishment.
We suggest you get in touch with the tattoo establishment ahead of time and question them about whether they follow safety procedures. A good, professional tattoo artist should have your safety (and their own) in mind.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
About 6.2 million Americans get a new genital HPV infection each year.
