Tattoos can be removed, but the process is costly and

painful. Removing a tattoo may take several sessions spread out over

a few months. You may also end up with a mark or scar. If you get

a tattoo, be prepared to live with it for the rest of your life.

Body piercing holes are permanent. Some can close up on

their own or you can have the surgery to fix the hole. Again, this is

expensive and it may still leave a mark or scar.

You can get an infection from tattooing and body piercing if

the equipment (needle, ink, jewelry, etc.) is not sterile or if the artist

or piercer does not follow proper health procedures such as

washing hands, using latex gloves and disinfecting surfaces. An

infection can also occur if you do not care for the tattoo or hole

properly.

Some of the infections that might result from getting a

tattoo or body piercing include: HIV infection, hepatitis B, hepatitis

C, blood poisoning, staph infection, skin diseases, or allergic

reactions to the jewelry or ink. Body piercing can cause skin and

tissue damage that could result in problems with speech, eating,

hearing and other body functions.

Many people believe alcohol or other drugs can help ease the

pain during the procedure. However, in fact, they may cause more

discomfort. Even worse, they may make the bleeding and

infection more likely. Not to mention, you may regret what you did

when you sober up. An honest business will not do a tattoo or

piercing unless you are sober.

If you decide to get a tattoo and/or body piercing, only use a

licensed or certified professional tattoo artist. Visit a few

places and compare is the place messy with equipment lying around or

is it clean and organized? Is there any pressure in getting it

done right away or will they give you time to think about what you want?

You might also want to get vaccinated for hepatitis B.

Immunization against hepatitis B includes a series of three injections

given over six months. The Fayette County Health Department

offers the hepatitis B vaccine by appointment. If you would like

to start the series, phone 770-461-1178, ext. 416 to schedule a visit.

If you already had a tattoo or body piercing and you are

worried about hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV, you can be tested at

your private physician or at the Health Department.

Tattooing and body piercing are lifetime decisions. Take

your time. Think it all the way through. Do not rush into anything.

Know the facts.

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