Did you know 25% of 18- 30 year olds have a tattoo?  According to WebMD.com, in 10 years it is likely that 40% of this age group will have a tattoo.  Interesting fact: 65% of those who have tattoos are women. 

 

With tattooing on the rise, we think it is important for you to know the health risk that are involved with getting tatted and also how the removal process works…just in case…

 

Risks:

Now wait, wait…, before you run off and get a tattoo we want you to be aware of the different risk that are involved;

 

No matter what type of tattoo you get there is always going to be some type of risk involved.  The most serious is HIV or hepatitis C (blood-borne diseases) from dirty needles. 

 

Other infections/complications that can occur;

• Staph infections,
• Deep skin infections
• Allergic reactions to different colored pigments (especially red)
• Complications from some imaging studies such as an MRI

 

Please note: The FDA has not “traditionally” regulated or approved tattoo inks because the inks are classified as “cosmetics”.

 

Tattoo Removal:

 

Fact: Tattoos can be removed

 

You have a better chance of reducing it’s visibility if it is only in black.  There are three different removal options:

• Cutting away the tattooed skin
• Dermabrasion
• Laser removal

 

***The FDA urges you NOT to use the do-it-yourself tattoo removal products, a lot of them contain acid.  People seeking tattoo removal should see a physician NOT a tattoo artist.

 

The risks that come with tattoo removal are similar to the risks that come with getting a tattoo.

 

Picking the right tattoo studio:

1. Check the bathroom, if it’s dirty RUN!
2. Check the artists business license: Make sure it is up to date- if not RUN!
3. Check their work area: make sure where they are tattooing is in a separate area that is clean with hard surfaces, if not- RUN!
4. Look for recommendations from others who have gotten a tattoo.

 

Precautions:

• The night before..DON’T drink alcohol, or take drugs (especially aspirin)
• Don’t get a tattoo if you are sick
• Make sure the artists removes your needle from a sterile individually wrapped package
• Jot down the pigment colors they will be using along with the manufacturer’s name, and lot number
• If you have allergies let the tattoo artist know before hand
• Be sure your tetanus and hepatitis vaccinations are current.

 

To learn more about all the different types of tattoos, visit:  http://www.webmd.com/skin-beauty/slideshow-before-you-tattoo

 

We would love to hear your tattoo stories; good or bad & if you have any advice for those thinking about getting a tattoo,we would love to hear those as well!!!

 

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/skin-beauty/slideshow-before-you-tattoo

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/tattoo-problems-home-treatment

http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/tattoo-problems-preparing-for-your-appointment

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tattoos-and-piercings/MC00020

http://www.tattooingtips.com/health-risks-of-getting-tattoos.html