Health risks for Tattooing and body piercing include infection and allergic reactions.
As tattoo and body piercing instruments come into regular contact with blood and bodily fluids, there is always a risk that diseases may be transmitted if the instruments are not properly sterilised after each operation. Transmittable diseases could include surface skin infections such as herpes, tetanus, fungal infections and even some forms of hepatitis and HIV.
Tetanus risks can be prevented by having up to date booster shots, prior to being pierced or tattooed. It is also recommend that no alcohol should be consumed immediately before or after an operation to ensure the body is in the strongest possible state to deal with the physical stress and any loss of blood, (which would be thinned by alcohol consumption).
Some people, with sensitive skins, or are allergic to certain metals, may suffer from an allergic reaction to tattoos or piercing, and if in doubt, should ask the artist to perform a “test patch’ to check their reaction. Allergic symptoms would include swelling, itching and oozing of clear fluid from the affected area.
There is also a risk of internal damage if an internally threaded piece of jewellery (a metal ball) which has been secured to the tongue by a nut and bolt, becomes loose and is swallowed.
As tattoo and body piercing instruments come into regular contact with blood and bodily fluids, there is always a risk that diseases may be transmitted if the instruments are not properly sterilised after each operation. Transmittable diseases could include surface skin infections such as herpes, tetanus, fungal infections and even some forms of hepatitis and HIV.
Tetanus risks can be prevented by having up to date booster shots, prior to being pierced or tattooed. It is also recommend that no alcohol should be consumed immediately before or after an operation to ensure the body is in the strongest possible state to deal with the physical stress and any loss of blood, (which would be thinned by alcohol consumption).
Some people, with sensitive skins, or are allergic to certain metals, may suffer from an allergic reaction to tattoos or piercing, and if in doubt, should ask the artist to perform a “test patch’ to check their reaction. Allergic symptoms would include swelling, itching and oozing of clear fluid from the affected area.
There is also a risk of internal damage if an internally threaded piece of jewellery (a metal ball) which has been secured to the tongue by a nut and bolt, becomes loose and is swallowed.