If You Have Decided to Get a Tattoo Make Sure You Stay Safe

Are you thinking about getting a tattoo? It is extremely common today to get a tattoo, but maybe you should give it some more thought before you make your final decision. Tattoos are considered permanent body art. Some are very beautiful and delicate, others are wild and making a bold statement. It is up to you. But you should first take steps to protect yourself from potential risks. The Mayo Clinic has some excellent advice and suggestions, which I have summarized here.

A tattoo is a permanent mark or design made on your skin with pigments inserted through pricks into the skin's top layer. Typically, the tattoo artist uses a hand-held machine that acts much like a sewing machine, with one or more needles piercing the skin repeatedly. With every puncture, the needles insert tiny ink droplets. The process - which is done without anesthetics and may last up to several hours for a large tattoo - causes a small amount of bleeding and slight to potentially significant pain.Any time you breach the skin, you are running the risk of infection. Some specific risks include,

-Skin Infections, local bacterial infections, characterized by redness, swelling, pain and a pus-like drainage.
-Granulomas and Ketoids, Sometimes bumps called granulomas form around tattoo ink - especially red ink. Tattooing can also lead to raised areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue (keloids).
-Bloodborne diseases including Hepatitis Band C, tetanus and HIV
-MRI complications, Rarely, tattoos or permanent makeup may cause swelling or burning in the affected areas during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams.
-Allergic Reactions, Tattoo dyes - especially red dye - can cause allergic skin reactions, resulting in an itchy rash at the tattoo site. This may occur even years after you get the tattoo

You must take charge of your own safety. Don't let someone else make your decision. Only go to a reputable tattooing studio. Check with Your city, county or state health department for information on local licensing and regulations regarding tattooing.

A simple thing, but does the tattoo artist wear gloves? Make sure the tattoo artist washes his or her hands and wears a fresh pair of protective gloves for each procedure.

Make sure the tattoo artist use proper equipment. The tattoo artist should be removing the needle and tubes from sealed packages before your procedure begins. Any pigments, trays and containers should be unused as well.

And make very sure your tattoo artist sterilizes all non-disposable equipment. A heat sterilization machine should be used. Anything that can not be autoclaved should be disinfected with a commercial disinfectant or bleach solution after each use.

So ask yourself whether you truly want to have permanent body art. Choose the location of the tattoo carefully. Don't get a tattoo if you're under the influence of alcohol or drugs or worry that you might regret the tattoo later. But if you decide to go ahead and get a tattoo, just keep yourself safe, make good decisions and be careful.

Detroit, Michigan has an annual Motor City Tattoo Expo presented by Eternal Tattoos. The event features over 200 tattoo artists. It usually includes a demonstration of their art and they offer body piercings on site, as well as a seminar for techniques and tips. This years event occurred in February.

Some articles you wish to view before you decide to get a tattoo

What can you expect with MRSA staph infections?
MRSA staph infection a real threat
Side effects of taking antibiotics