Health Risks
Contracting blood-borne illnesses such as hepatitis B or
human immunodeficiency virus, which leads to AIDS, is a frequent
worry of those considering getting tattooed.
According to Kris Sperry, M.D., a forensic pathologist in
Atlanta, Ga., and co-founder of the Alliance of Professional
Tattooists, based in Glen Burnie, Md., "If a tattooist follows
appropriate cleanliness procedures, and the person who receives
a tattoo takes proper care of it, the risk of infection at
the site of the tattoo is minimal, and the risk of picking
up any type of blood-borne pathogen is virtually nil."
Temporary inflammation around the tattoo is common for the
first day or so. As part of the healing process, the skin
that is tattooed crusts slightly and peels within the first
week after application.
Some people occasionally have an adverse reaction to a particular
pigment used in the tattoo, which may result in swelling or
itching. This can usually be relieved by using a topical corticosteroid
cream and keeping the tattoo out of direct sunlight (which
may make the reaction worse).
Hepatitis B, a viral infection, can be transmitted from one
customer to another if tattoo needles are inadequately sterilized,
says Sperry.
Because HIV may be transmitted through the introduction of
contaminated blood or blood products into the body through
the skin, "it is theoretically possible that tattooing could
transmit this viral disease," Sperry wrote in the January
1992 issue of American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology.
"To date, there has not been an unequivocally proven case
where tattooing passed the human immunodeficiency virus from
one individual to another. However, the prolonged incubation
period of AIDS would make documentation of HIV transmission
by tattoo difficult. The sterilization techniques commonly
used by professional tattooists all adequately kill HIV, but
the amateur tattooist who does not sterilize equipment could
conceivably transfer HIV with dirty needles."
What Might I Need To Know Before Having Permanent Makeup?
Clients are advised to refrain from alcohol consumption,
products containing aspirin (including ibuprofen) and vasodilators
for at least 3 days prior to their procedure to prevent excessive
bruising or bleeding. This is extremely important in order
to avoid increased sensitivity. Clients who anticipate having
a lip procedure and are prone to cold sores are advised to
obtain a prescription to prevent flare-ups. The first application
of Permanent Makeup goes in somewhat like a "primer", and
will usually need 1 or 2 touch-ups within 2-4 weeks to make
the color truly permanent. For the long term, protection from
the sun by either sunscreen or sunglasses will help to maintain
the integrity of the color and prevent premature fading.
What About Infection?
In 1984 Coopervision Surgical, an excellent manufacturer
of a pigmentation machine, tested 500 recipients with no allergic
reactions or complications whatsoever.
Vision Concept, a similar company states that, “infection
is non-existent in our experience” and there is no recorded
allergy to their iron oxide dyes.
The body’s amazing ability to heal itself is another reason
infection is so rare.
Copyright © 1999-2009 Nancy LaTouche
All Rights Reserved.
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