Tattoos and Infection

Tattooing has been one of the trendiest ways to give a face-lift to your personality. A form of body art that has its roots firmly laid into the prehistoric times, tattooing has evolved in terms of fashion, style, uses as well as process. With the multitude options that have thronged the markets, it seems virtually no one has escaped from this impressive and striking art. However, with the rise in the design, pattern and demand of tattooing, have augmented the risk factors and the safety concerns as well, one such being skin infections. Though it is not necessary that every person, who gets a tattoo impressed, has to suffer from infection, the risk factor cannot be completely ignored as well.

Causes & Symptoms
Though the dangers associated with tattooing persists, but infection from tattooing in clean and modern tattoo studios is rare. The contagion caused can range from being minor, as in case of surface infection, to extremely serious one, as in case of Staphylococcus aurous infections that can cause craniological damage. Some of the skin infections that can be caused, as a result of tattooing, are impetigo, cellulitis, herpes simplex, tetanus, staph, fungal infections, transmission of syphilis, leprosy and viral warts.

The contagion caused is generally transmitted through unsterilized tattoo equipment or contaminated ink. The most common symptoms of the skin infections caused, due to tattooing, are inflammation on and around the tattooed part of the body. Usually, the skin near the area becomes tender to touch. There may even be a swelling or discharge of blood from the spot. It is not common that after undergoing the process of tattooing, a person falls sick. Continuous pain even after 48 hours, can lead to skin infection.

Precautionary Measures
People, who are susceptible to infection, must be aware of the dangers that tattooing can have. The ideal step would be to consult a physician, before getting a tattoo done. The best way to reduce the risk of infection can be by following obvious precautions. The parlor should be cleaned, sinks with hot water and soap should be available in the washroom as well as in the studio, tattoo artists should wash their hands regularly and wear latex gloves, surfaces should be cleaned with disinfectant, floors should appear clean and proper procedures for sterilizing equipment should also be followed strictly.

The best bet would be to get tattooed with a new, disposable sterile needle. Also, make sure that the tattoo artist uses fresh ink for each session, placing small amounts in disposable containers, which are specifically used for one client only. Getting a tattoo done on the body is great. However, you should be well aware of the aftercare instructions and products that you need to use. This way, you can reduce the chances of your skin being infected, considerably.

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