So You Want A Tattoo?

It seems tattoos are graduating from the stereotype of being only for carnival workers, sailors, and bikers. Tattoos are and have been moving into the mainstream of our society. According to a USA Today survey 24% of people 18 to 50 years old sport at least one tattoo. The art of tattooing dates back to 3300 B. C., and even has biblical mention. No matter your view on the art of tattooing—it is shared by Kings and commoners, prisoners, sailors, and sweethearts.

With the number of tattoo parlors popping up all around, you could be the proud owner of a new tattoo in just a matter of a few hours. I think it is wise to mention that tattoos are much easier to get—than to get rid of. So, some food for thought on choosing the right tattoo artist, the procedure, safety, and options for when your tattoo falls short of your expectations.

Tattoo artist typically use a machine that acts similar to a sewing machine by repeatedly puncturing the skin and injecting small droplets of ink. The process is done without anesthetics and can cause pain ranging from slight to significant discomfort. Anytime the skin is pierced it can result in a small amount of bleeding; and of course when our skin is breached there is a risk of infection.

So, have you decided to get a tattoo and do you know your risk? It is important to know the risk and the importance of reporting any signs of complications to your healthcare provider immediately should they occur. Tattoo dyes can cause allergic reactions in some people. The most common dye colors causing reactions such as an itchy rash are green, red, yellow, and blue; these symptoms may last a few days or in some cases have occurred years later. Skin infections: usually associated with redness, swelling, pain, and may have a pus-like, foul smelling discharge. Another skin problem called granuloma (bumps) can develop around the tattoo. More serious complications such as bloodborne disease including tetanus, hepatitis B and hepatitis C; can be minimized by choosing a reputable artist who insist on clean conditions and makes your health paramount.

As always I recommend consulting with your healthcare provider before making decisions that could affect your health. Then ask yourself if you are truly ready to invest in permanent body art. Before the ink starts flowing is the time to remove all doubt and think through your decision. I think we all would agree it usually is a bad idea to allow yourself to be pressured into any decision; much less the decision to get a tattoo. Make sure when deciding on the art of choice you are free of the influence of drugs or alcohol.

If after consultation and deep contemplation you have decided to get a tattoo then here are some tips on choosing the right artist. Check with the local health department on licensing and regulation requirements and has the artist of operator been cited for any infringements. Make sure the artist wash their hands and wear clean gloves. Ask them to remove any needles and tubes from their sealed packaging in your presence. Any trays, pigments, or containers should be unused. Demand the artist use only heat sterilized (autoclave) equipment including instruments and supplies and tables, drawer handles and sinks should be disinfected with bleach or a commercial disinfectant. If all of these meet your inspection ask to use the restroom and if it is not equally clean—run.
After your tattoo is complete make sure you leave with care instructions. Typically, I would recommend applying an antibiotic ointment to the tattooed skin until healing is complete. Apply mild moisturizer several times a day, avoid sun exposure for a few weeks, and stay out of swimming pools, hot tubs, rivers and lakes. Shower no baths if the tattoo would be submerged in bath water, and remember to report any signs and symptoms of infection to your healthcare provider.

Kings, commoners or sweethearts, I think the most beautiful biblical passage on the subject is found in Isaiah 49:15b-16a: "I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands."

Howard Baker, RN BSN

For questions, comments, or suggestions on topics you want to read about please email me at: howard@howardsbaker.com