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*Rocky* · 05-29-2008, 05:55 AM

Five Reasons NOT to get a Tattoo.

1. A new study shows the risk of contracting hepatitis C increases significantly among people who
have tattoos.

2. Tattoo removal may be painful and take up to two years.

3. Complete removal of the tattoo ink may not be possible.

4. Removal can be expensive – from $3,000 to $7,000.

5. Have you ever liked ANYTHING FOREVER? For information about tattoo removal, call Swedish Medical Center at 303-788-6585.

Reasons people get tattoos

There are many reasons why people choose to have a tattoo on their body, including:

Cultural reasons – i.e. coming of age or rites of passage
To express individuality
To indicate membership of a particular group or way of life
To make a statement
To establish a permanent reminder of an event – such as the death of a loved one
To reclaim the body after an event – for example, a sexual assault
To make the body more pleasing to their eye
To annoy parents?

It seems that getting a tattoo can make someone look like an individual or a conformist, depending on your view. People have been known to get tattoos as an impulsive act, perhaps when they were intoxicated - and they may or may not regret it later when they are sober.

Health risks

Getting a tattoo at an accredited professional tattoo parlor is relatively risk-free, but getting a tattoo still puts you at risk of the following:

serious infectious diseases such as hepatitis C, hepatitis B or HIV (which are passed on via infected blood or other body fluids), or tetanus
skin infections such as impetigo (‘school sores’)
dermatitis
flare ups of existing eczema
allergic reactions
thick scars called keloids (you are more likely to get these if you have dark skin)
distress due to regret after the procedure - this has been identified as one of the main problems after getting a tattoo.

Things to consider

Tattooing is a painful process, and tattoos are expensive to remove. If you want to have a tattoo removed there will always be a scar.
You need to carefully consider the reasons behind your need to get a tattoo before going through with it. Trends come and go, but a badly chosen tattoo lasts forever, or costs a lot to remove. Just ask Johnny Depp or Angelina Jolie.
If you do decide to get a tattoo, you need to go to a qualified professional. Home-made tattoos, such as those made with Indian ink, should never be considered.
When choosing a tattoo artist you should make sure of the following:

that the tattoo parlor uses new sterile equipment for each client, or thoroughly cleans and sterilises equipment (eg. by using an autoclave)
that standard precautions are followed to reduce risks of infections, as used in many places, including hospitals. Can they show you how they keep clients safe?
that the tattoo artist has credentials, a license and references
that the tattoo parlor looks clean, safe and professional. You should use your judgment and keep away from a parlor that seems dodgy.

If the tattoo artist is a professional, then he or she will be happy to show you the ways in which their workplace adheres to standard safe practices. If they are uncooperative or give you a hard time because of your requests, simply leave – they do not deserve your trust or your business.

If you get a tattoo

A new tattoo requires some careful attention. A tattoo is an open wound until it heals. Here are some general rules, but make sure you follow the advice of the tattoo artist about how to best care for the area.

The artist will usually apply an ointment like those used for nappy rash or another product especially made for tattoos, and then cover it.
After an hour or two the tattoo should be washed with warm soapy water, then patted dry with a clean towel. Do not rub over the tattoo. The ointment is lightly applied and the tattoo covered again. This process will need to be repeated daily for about a week.
During this time you should not soak your tattoo. This means no pool, seawater or baths, so if you are planning to go swimming maybe you should schedule the tattoo for another time.
Do not expose your tattoo to direct sunlight for this period either. After it is healed you need to put sunscreen on it each time you expose it. the sun will drain the colour over time, and the tattooed area could be more susceptable to harmful rays.
The tattoo will leak some fluids, become itchy and peel. This is normal, but make sure that you don't scratch the tattoo or pick at the scabs; this could cause damage to the tattoo.
If the skin around the tattooed area becomes very red, swollen or tender, this can mean that the area is infected. Go to a doctor, as you might need antibiotic treatment.

http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetails.aspx?p=240&np=297&id=2066

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