So You Are Planning to Get a Tattoo: First Know the Risks

It is really rather remarkable the number of tattoos that people are acquiring. It is almost like you are abnormal if you don't have a tattoo. Back in the 50's and 60's the only people that had tattoos were sailors with an anchor on the arm. Or a real tough man that had "mom" written across his bicep. But now tattoos are very popular, big bright colorful full body tattoos. Statistics show that 25% of 18-30 year olds, male or female have tattoos. And in the next few years that will rise to 40%. And another very interesting statistic is that it is not just a guy thing. In fact. 65% of all people with a tattoo are women! But Lets take a closer look at tattoos. Are there any dangers. What do you need to know?

Tattoos are Not Just For Vanity or Fashion

There are many types of tattoos for many different reasons. Let's take a look.

The Amateur tattoo is what we used to see back in the day. When kids would make their own tattoo by sticking themselves with lead pencils, or using ink or charcoal or even ashes and jab it under the skin in a simple design or word. This was just dumb kid stuff, but the chance of infection was very dangerous. And certainly not up to the standard of today's tattoo art.

Today there are professional tattoos done by actual artists registered in their craft. They use tattoo machines. They do not like the slang term tattoo gun. They use high quality inks and sterile conditions. Their work is considered art. These are the types of tattoos that you see in full body tattoos with multiple colors. Also this is the type of tattoo that some women will have discreetly on their body somewhere meant only for their lover to see. No matter which type, it is professional done. And if a tattoo is what you are after, be sure to have a professional do it to decrease your chances of infection.

People do get tattoos for a number of reasons. There are cultural tattoos obtained by people of certain ethnic groups. These are often obtained for class distinction, ritual or cosmetic functions. Or even religious purposes.

Then there are cosmetic tattoos. This would be the type that is obtained for a permanent cosmetic look such as lip liner or eye liner. Or full lipstick coverage, permanent blush, eyebrows or even balding people, men or women will get permanent hair appearance to make what hair they have seem thicker.

There are also Medical tattoos. This is sometimes recommended by a physician for the patient's safety. To alert medical staff of the patient's condition. Such as the patient having a chronic disease such as diabetes. Or anaphylatic allergies. Or if the patient is needing to undergo radiation therapy after a cancer diagnosis, they may have tattooing done to show where the repeated radiation treatment should be. Sometimes after a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery, the patient may elect to have a nipple tattooed in place of further reconstructive surgery.

If You Are Going to Get a Tattoo, Make Sure to Keep it Safe.

If you're going to get a tattoo, there are some things you need to keep in mind. A permanent tattoo is an invasive procedure of a surgical nature. It requires breaking the number one barrier against infection your body has, your skin. It also involves coming into contact with blood and body fluids, by you and the tattooist. Make sure you choose a professional studio. One that is clean and sterile like a medical facility. Make sure the tattooist has a business license that you should ask to see, and make sure it is up to date. Ask to take a look at the work area. That is separated from other work areas with a clean hard work surface and no items scattered about but looks professional.

Some other safety tips include don't drink alcohol or take any blood thinning drugs such as aspirin, or Motrin the night before or the day of your tattoo appointment. Make sure you are healthy and not contagious. Make sure all equipment especially the needles are sterile and removed from a one time use sterile packaging before use. Make sure the tattooist washes his hands and puts on gloves. Get a list of all color pigments used, including color name, manufacturer's name and lot number, in case of reaction or allergy.

Tattoo Risks of Infections

No matter the type of tattoo or the reason you get it, there are always risks of infection. Some can be life-threatening, such as HIV or Hepatitis C from unclean needles and poor technique. You might also get a staph infection such as MRSA, (learn more about MRSA Infections). Or infectious cellulitis may develop. It may be noted that the FDA has not regulated tattoo inks before but is currently studying the issue.

So needless to say this is a very popular form of adornment. And many people are deciding to have a tattoo for one reason or another, be it a little or a lot. But if you are deciding to get your own tattoo, make sure you know what you are getting into and take prudent precautions so you can minimize your risk and increase your enjoyment.

Source:

WebbMD