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Tattoo Safety

What is a Tattoo?

  • Tattoos have grown increasingly popular in recent years.

  • A tattoo is a permanent kind of body art. A design is made by puncturing the skin with needles and injecting ink, dyes, and pigments into the deep layer of the skin. 

What if I want a Tattoo?

  • Remember that tattoos are permanent. While tattoo removal is possible, it is difficult, expensive, and may not be able to completely remove the tattoo.

  • Before getting a tattoo, make sure you have had all your immunizations. If you have medical problems such as heart disease, allergies, diabetes, skin problems or weakened immune system, talk to your doctor before getting a tattoo.

  • While tattoos are generally accepted, some employers prefer to hire employees who can easily cover their tattoos with work clothes.

Taking Care of a Tattoo

To make sure that a tattoo heals properly, TeensHealth recommends the following tips:

  • Keep a bandage on the area for 24 hours.
  • After 24 hours, remove the bandage and keep the tattoo open to air.
  • Avoid touching the tattooed area and don't pick at any scabs that may form.
  • Avoid clothes that might stick to the healing tattoo.
  • Wash the tattoo with soap and warm water (don't use alcohol or peroxide). Use a soft towel to dry the tattoo — just pat it dry and be sure not to rub it.
  • Apply antibiotic ointment, thick skin cream, or vitamin E oil to the tattoo 2 to 3 times a day for a week. Don't use petroleum jelly.
  • Do not let the tattoo soak in water. Showers are fine but avoid swimming and baths until the tattoo is fully healed.
  • Keep your tattoo out of the sun until it's fully healed.

Tattoo Reactions

If you find that you are experiencing a tattoo reaction, TeenHealthFX suggests visiting your doctor immediately. If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist or contact your local teen health center. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers. 

References:

https://teenshealth.org/en/teens/safe-tattooing.html?WT.ac=ctg#catcancer