Tattoo: Risks

Permanent tattooing of any form carries inherent risks, including infection, allergy, and disease.

Diseases

Since tattoo instruments come in contact with blood and bodily fluids, diseases may be transmitted if the instruments are used on more than one person without being sterilized.

Most reputable tattoo shops use fresh disposable needles for each client and sterilize reusable instruments between clients using an autoclave. Universal precautions, such as washing the hands, wearing latex gloves and the thorough cleaning of floors and surfaces, also reduce the risk of disease.

In addition, it is important that needles and other instruments do not come in contact with inks that will be used on other clients. To avoid contamination, small amounts of ink are poured from larger bottles into disposable cups. These are used on one client, once only, and are discarded when the session ends.

Allergic reactions

Allergic reactions to tattoo pigments are rare but not unheard of. People who are sensitive or allergic to certain metals may react to pigments in the skin, causing damage to the epidermis.

People with allergies should consider carefully getting a tattoo because of the risk of anaphylaxis (hypersensitive reaction) and the shock that might occur, which can be life threatening. Some tattoo artists give small tests, by marking a small amount of ink behind the ear to determine if that person has an allergic reaction.

Infection

Infection from tattooing in clean and modern tattoo studios is rare.

Potential infections include everything from surface infections of the skin to staph infections that can cause cardiological damage. People who are susceptible to infection should know the dangers of the abasing of the skin can have and should consult a physician before getting a tattoo.

The risk of infection also be reduced by following universal precautions. Shops should appear clean; sinks with hot water and soap should be available in the bathroom as well as in the studio; tattooers should wash their hands regularly and wear latex gloves; surfaces should be cleaned with disinfectant and floors should appear clean; proper procedures for sterilizing equipment should also be followed strictly.

Deciding where to get a tattoo!

The tattoo studio must have all of the following:

• biohazard containers for blood-stained objects
• sharps containers for old needles
• an autoclave is usually required by law but is not really needed if the items to be used have been presterilized elsewhere.
• easily accessible facilities for washing the hands with hot water and soap

A reputable tattoo artist will:

• be knowledgeable, courteous and helpful
• refuse to tattoo minors, intoxicated people, or those incapable of consent due to mental defect.
• ensure that the customer is satisfied with and sure about the design before applying it
• be willing and able to answer questions
• wash his or her hands with hot water and soap or an approved sanitizing agent, and wear latex gloves. Many artists will change gloves one or more times during longer sessions
• always open new, sterile needle packages in front of the client, and always use new, sterile disposable instruments
• always use properly sterilized non-disposable and disposable supplies
• always use fresh ink for each session, placing small amounts in disposable containers which are used for one client only
• provide clear aftercare instructions and products (if necessary)

Membership in professional organizations, or certificates of appreciation/achievement, may imply that the artist is aware of the latest trends in equipment and sterilization. Many of the most notable tattooists do not belong to any association.

Aftercare

New tattoos are wounds which must be looked after properly. Immediately after completing the tattoo, most tattooists will cover the area to keep out dirt - sometimes the area is wrapped in clingfilm in order to incubate the tattoo and draw out any impurities. Most tattooists will recommend leaving the covering on for several hours or overnight, and then gently washing the area.

Different artists favour different aftercare techniques; the artist who applies the tattoo will give specific instructions for aftercare, and these should be followed carefully to yield the best results.