The down (and dangerous) side to getting a tattoo

The down (and dangerous) side to getting a tattoo

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SALT LAKE CITY — There's no doubt body art has become increasingly popular over the years — but just because something is popular doesn't make it safe. Within a few minutes you could become the proud owner of a great looking tattoo and a lifetime of health problems.

Now before anyone gets upset or panicky, it's important to note that most people with tattoos do not have any problems. However, you should be informed of the risks before you get any kind of body art.

To create a tattoo, artists use a handheld machine, similar to a sewing machine, which contains one or more needles. Those needles are dipped into permanent ink and then imbedded into your skin, making the image they create permanent. That penetration of the skin is where potential problems arise.

According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the health risks associated with getting a tattoo include:

  • Skin infections.
  • Bloodborne diseases. If equipment used is contaminated, you can contract tetanus, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
  • Allergic reactions. Tattoo dyes — especially red, green, yellow and blue dyes — can cause allergic reactions either immediately after you get a tattoo or years later.
  • Scarring, which causes deformity of the skin.
  • MRI complications. In rare instances permanent makeup or ink has been known to cause swelling or burning during MRI studies.

Related:

If an allergic reaction occurs, constant medication will be needed to reduce the symptoms of the reaction. Ultimately, the tattoo might need to be removed — a process that can be both painful and expensive.

In the state of Utah, tattoo shops can be run by anyone, and the Body Art Facilities Regulation adopted by the Salt Lake County Health Department states that “walls, floors, tables, counters, chairs, and other surfaces in the body art procedure area shall be kept clean, disinfected, and in good repair."

Unfortunately, that list does not include the word “sterilized.”Bloodborne pathogens can only be killed by sterilization or cleaning with a Clorox-type solution.

To be clear, I am not saying you should not get a tattoo. What I am saying is you need to be informed and take accountability for the possible side-effects of doing so.

To keep yourself safe: Make sure you know the artist giving you the tattoo; make sure the artist wears gloves and uses proper equipment; if non-disposable equipment, make sure the equipment has been sterilized.

Ask Nurse Suzy
Do you have a question for Nurse Suzy, or maybe a topic you'd like her opinion on? Email her at nursesuzyksl@gmail.com.

Once you have the tattoo, you’ll need to allow up to two weeks for it to heal. During that time it’s important make sure the tattoo is properly cared for. You should:

  • Change the badge frequently and use over-the-counter antibiotic ointment on the skin.
  • Keep tattooed skin clean.
  • Use moisturizer.
  • Avoid sun exposure.
  • Avoid swimming.
  • Choose clothing carefully (so it doesn’t irritate the skin).
  • Consult a doctor with any sign of infection or fever.
Contributing: Jordan Ormond


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About the Author: Suzanne Carlile ---------------------------------

Suzanne Carlile, "Nurse Suzy," has been a nurse since 1982. Her main focus is critical care and nursing education. She holds a master's degree in nursing, is a Certified Emergency Nurse, and a member of NNSDO Intermountain West Chapter.

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