As tattoos have become increasingly Popular in today’s society, so have the number of tattoo Artists and tattoo studios, some of which are very reputable and some not so reputable. This has led to an increase in the cases of infections and diseases potentially caused by receiving a tattoo. We will look at some of the different types of infections and diseases associated with tattooing, ways to prevent contracting infections and diseases from receiving a tattoo and how to identify a reputable Artist and safe studio.
Disease and Infection:
The process of getting a tattoo involves multiple layers of the skin being breached with a needle causing the recipient of the tattoo to bleed, in essence creating an open wound. Like any open wound they are susceptible to blood borne Pathogens, some of which we will look at below and identify the some of the results of contracting them.
Hepatitis B:
Hepatitis B Causes liver inflammation, vomiting, Jaundice and rarely death. Chronic hepatitis B can eventually lead to cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer; liver cancer has been known to respond very poorly to chemotherapy treatment. There is a vaccine available for Hepatitis B and should be considered prior to getting tattooed.
Hepatitis C:
Hepatitis C virus is spread by blood-to-blood contact. This is the most important reason for choosing the tattoo Artist and studio wisely. The disease has been know n to exhibit no symptoms in many of the people infected but can lead to liver failure due to cirrhosis or liver cancer abercrombie and fitch , resulting in the need for a transplant, the reoccurrence of the disease after transplant is very likely. Currently there is no vaccine available for Hepatitis transplantation.
HIV/AIDS:
(AIDS)Acquired immune deficiency syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is a disease that affects the Immune system cause by (HIV) Human Immunodeficiency virus. HIV is contracted through direct contact of bodily fluids with an infected person, again the most important reason for choosing the tattoo Artist and studio wisely. AIDS compromises a person’s immune system leaving them susceptible to contracting many harmful diseases and cancers. Although HIV/AIDS can be treated with expensive medications and reduce the mortality rate there is currently no cure or vaccination. Tetanus:
Tetanus or Lockjaw as it is also known, generally occurs in an infected wound, most often a deep cut or puncture, this lessens the risk of contracting tetanus through getting tattooed but not rendered it impossible. The symptoms of Tetanus at onset are generally identified by muscle spasms in the jaw (lockjaw) and elsewhere throughout the body.
Necrotizing fasciitis (Flesh eating disease):
Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare but still potential disease that occurs in the deeper layers of the skin and subcutaneous tissue caused by a common group A streptococcus or staphylococcus bacteria. The infection will begin at the site of the wound, often appearing minor or non-existent but creating a great deal of pain, with progression of the infection the tissue will appear red and swollen and the person will likely experience diarrhoea and vomiting, eventually the infection will lead to serious tissue damage as the bacteria release toxins into the body. The infection can be treated successfully with antibiotics; if the infection is not treated the inevitable result is death.
Allergic reactions:
Occasionally people can develop an allergic reaction from some of the inks used in tattooing, although this not very common it is usually due to the red inks/dyes, however much like any situation in which a foreign substance is introduced to the body and all people being different in their makeup, a reaction is possible with any of the inks/dyes that are used. One of the main reasons for the red ink being the usual suspect when a reaction occurs is due to the development of most tattoo inks being hypo-allergenic with the exception being the red ink. Anyone who may be susceptible to allergies or allergic reactions should investigate further what is in the inks that will be used by the Artist, tattoo ink manufacturers are usually bound by law to reveal the contents of their inks. They may want to reconsider the thought of getting a tattoo altogether as some instances can be potentially life threatening. An allergic reaction to tattoo ink is generally identified by a localized rash, consisting of swelling, inching, redness, hives and on some occasion’s secretion of clear a liquid. Most reactions can be cleared with antibiotic ointment however it is recommended that a physician be consulted first.
Steps to avoid Disease or Infection:
• Use a reputable Studio that is update on all its health board requirements (autoclave logs, spore tests) • Ask the artist about their process; analyze the risk of contamination. • How do they dispose of their needles and other refuse? • How are the tattooing stations sanitized? • How long has the Artist been tattooing? • What training did they receive? • Is the Studio clean and organized on visual inspection?
Bottom line don’t be afraid to ask questions, a reputable Artist and Studio will have nothing to hide and more likely will be proud of their skills and knowledge. A tattoo is permanent as are many of the Diseases and Infections that can be potentially contracted. Tattoo Infection Risks”
Great Wall
