Know the Risks

Tattooing involves potential exposure to infectious bodily fluids for both the customer and the artist.  It is crucial that you find a safe, clean, and professional tattoo studio. There are three major areas of concern to consider when choosing a studio.

1.  Is the artist a licensed practitioner? If so, he/she should be able to provide you with references.

2.  Is the equipment sterilized with an autoclave? An autoclave is a tool that uses steam, pressure, and heat.  It sterilizes all needles and any other equipment that may be used.

3.  Are “Universal Precautions” followed? The tattoo studio should be following the precautions listed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).  These outline specific procedures to be followed when dealing with bodily fluids (ie., wearing latex gloves during the procedure)
 
Tattoo studios that do not adhere to these safety precautions can put you at risk for contracting serious infectious diseases such as Tuberculosis, HIV, and Hepatitis B. These diseases can be transmitted from one customer to another if the needles and tubes being used are not properly sterilized, or if the tattoo artist sticks him or herself with the needle.

Other risks of tattooing include skin infections and irritations such as psoriasis and dermatitis. Those who already suffer from skin conditions such as eczema may worsen with tattooing. Others may have allergic reactions to the tattoo pigments. Sometimes, people develop thick, raised scars called keloids.

Recognize an Infection

• Inflammation or ‘redness’ of the site
• Unusual soreness or pain
• Continuing discharge of pus

Take care of your tattoo (Use this checklist):

After getting a tattoo, there are specific instructions to follow to make sure it heals properly. Tattoos can take up to six weeks to completely heal. You must protect the area with an antibiotic cream until it fully heals. You must also cover it or wear sunscreen on the area if you will be in the sun.  The tattooed area is more susceptible to harmful rays of the sun.  It is recommended that you wear sunscreen on that area for the rest of your life. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop an infection.

• Keep the tattooed area covered with a bandage for 2-12 hours, and touch the area as little as possible.
• After removing the bandage, wash the area with antibacterial soap (Dial) and water to remove all Vaseline and blood.
• Apply an antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin or Bacitracin to the tattooed area at least three times a day. This will keep the scab soft, and avoid cracking. Do not apply Vaseline, which will cause a heavy scab to form.
• After five days you may stop using an antibiotic ointment and switch to a gentle cream-based body moisturizer. Do not use lotions with perfumes and color additives. Continue to apply the lotion for at least two weeks.
• Avoid direct sunlight for four weeks. Exposure to sunlight may result in an allergic skin reaction. Waterproof sunscreen (at least 30 SPF) should be applied to the tattooed area for the rest of your life.
• Avoid swimming, taking hot baths, or soaking in hot tubs until the peeling has stopped.

Get a Tattoo Removed

Brace yourself, this is not going to be easy. There are several ways to remove tattoos that have been proven to be successful. However, tattoo removal is very expensive, and may cause permanent scarring or discoloration. The method of tattoo removal chosen depends on the size, location of the tattoo, and the amount of time the tattoo has been on the skin.

• Excision is used for small tattoos.  It involves an injection of a local anesthetic to numb the area after which the tattoo is removed surgically. The edges are then brought together and stiched.
• In Dermabrasion, a small portion of the tattoo is sprayed with a solution that freezes the area.  This is so the area can be "sanded" with a rotary abrasive instrument that causes the skin to peel.
• Laser treatment involves directing pulses of light from the laser onto the tattoo to break up the tattoo pigment. Multiple treatments are usually necessary to remove all of the tattoo.