Possible Side Effects
of Getting a Tattoo
We've all heard stories of people getting a communicable
disease from an infected needle at a tattoo shop. People
have been reported for becoming very sick from unsanitary
tattoo parlor practice. Many people get tattoos
every day; however the news only reports those incidents that
go wrong.
So how can we know what are the real potential effects of
getting a tattoo? We do some research. Talk to the
tattoo artist about your concerns. Make sure the parlor you are
going too practices sanitary measures, sterilizes equipment and
uses new needles for each and every customer.
The CDC, or Center for Disease Control reports that if
cleanliness and sanitation are maintained, then the
transmission of communicable diseases isn't likely to be
widespread. Many specialists have determined that
commercial tattoo parlors are quite safe but prison tattoos are
where the problems are occurred. Another problem is
encountered with amateurs and those who do their own
tattoos.
The Food and Drug Administration has said that the colored
ink used in tattoos technically isn't legal as it hasn't been
approved by them for use. However, problems have not been
reported with the colored inks aside from minor cases.
One type of minor case may include a reaction to the
ink. These theoretically can occur in anyone with any
tattoo, but does occur more with the colored ink. Delayed
reactions are possible and may not happen right away.
Some dyes in the ink are created with cosmetics and other
chemicals that are not approved for being injected into the
skin, creating a reaction.
Infections at the tattoo site are rare but do happen.
Tattoo parlors that are unclean and do not practice good
sanitation measures are reported to have the highest incidents
of reported infections. The FDA does not regular tattoo
shops so it's easy for these places to get away with these
practices.
Because of unsanitary shops, the APT, or Alliance for
Professional Tattooists formed in 1992. Membership isn't
required but is encouraged among tattoo artists. Seminars
are provided throughout the year for continuing education for
the tattooists. Sanitary measures are regulated and encouraged
to members of APT. Tattoo parlors that can prove
membership are more likely to have a reduced risk for tattoo
site infection.
Hepatitis C is a scare to many who are considering a
tattoo. This is a disease carried through the blood and
is transmitted through infected needles. Tattoo shops
that reuse needles put the customer at a higher risk.
These are become few and far between, however as most parlors
today use disposable or single use needles.
Overall, tattoos are relatively safe. As mentioned
before, we only hear about the bad news on television when
someone has contracted a disease or infection for a poorly
taken care of tattoo facility. If the parlor practices proper
sanitary measures, risks are diminished. All equipment
should be sterilized between each customer. Needles
should be used once before disposing of them. General
cleanliness of the facility itself is always a key aspect to
watch for as well.
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