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.
Tattoos: Not Just
For Bikers Anymore
The History Of Tattoos
What To Expect When
You Get Your Tattoo
Possible Side
Effects Of Getting A Tattoo
Problems Associated With
Tattoos
What Do The Religions
Say About Tattoos?
Tattoos Around The World
Tattoos VS. Other Body Art
Tattoo Designs
Why Do People Get Tattoos?
How To Find A Good Tattoo
Artist
Positive Attributes Of Tattoos
First
You Want It, Then You Don't - Tattoo Removal
Tattoos In History
Who Is Most Likely To
Get Tattoos?
Tattoo Cover Ups
Tattoo Removal
Are Tattoos An Addiction?
Celebrities And Their Tattoos
Celebrities Love Tattoos
How Tattoos Are Made
What Is Going On Today
With Tattoos
Why Get A Tattoo?
Variations In Tattoos
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