Tattoos are very popular today. Turning ones body into a canvas for expression, a memorial, or a work of art have become increasingly popular. Did you know, however that it is a trend linked to numerous health risks?

There is a risk assocated with any percutaneous exposure for incurring numerous blood-borne pathogens like HIV, hepatitis, tetanus and tuberculosis. The Center for Disease Control says that there is no data in the United States indicating that people with exposure to tattooing alone are at increased risk for Hepetitis C infection.

However, a 2006 CDC study discovered actions that are linked to hepatitis C including: receiving three or more tattoos, receiving tattoos in a unprofessional setting, and receiving tattoos from re-used needles which were not sterilized.

The Mayo Clinic says that given the popularity of tattoos, complications are realitively uncommon. However, there are additional risks associated with tattoos which include: Skin disorders like granulomas and keloids, bacterial skin infections and allergic reactions which can occur years after the tattoo application.

Another rare side effect of tattoos are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) complications. These include complaints of swelling or burning radiation from the tattoo’s site and image quality interference.

While the health risks are low for those receiving tattoos, there may be a problem with the ink. Some grades of ink used are industrial, generally used for printers or automobile paint.

So, if you are going to get tattooed, it is highly recommended that you go to a licensed shop where sterilization is a high priority, new packaged instruments are used and where the artists wear gloves over washed hands.

Be sure to ask questions about the establishment’s safety procedures. The personnel should be happy to answer your questions. If they are not willing to answer your questions, it would be best to leave and search for a more professional salon.

At Fantasia, we have an artist who does permanent pigment makeup and I can assure you she would be happy to answer all of your questions and she has all of the proper sterilization processes in place.

So, don’t be afraid, just do your due dillegence and enjoy your new “art”.