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Jadyn Browne
HED 002
Prof. Pearson-Bloom
April 23, 2017
Risks and Dangers of Tattooing and Piercing
Although body modification is a form of self-expression, and has been around for many
decades it still has many risks. These risks come at varying levels of severity, some could be an
infection, an allergic reaction, or scarring, but could even go so far as to transmitting serious
pathogens like HIV or AIDS. While there are ways to avoid most dangers that come with
tattooing or piercings it can be hard to avoid them all.
Tattoos and Piercing are not particularly dangerous but has health hazards in if the proper
sanitation has taken place. According to Northwestern University researchers Drs. Anne
Laumann and Jaimee Holbrook, Infections are pretty common. Now, keep in mind, these
infections are minor and usually localized. In that case, maybe a little crusting around the
piercing site, some erythema or redness. However, there are reports of infections that have
spread to the whole body, distal infections, severe infections. Infections can be extremely hard
to avoid because if a person receives a piercing or tattoo from unsterilized equipment it can lead
to an infection. Although, even if a person has had clean equipment used on them they can still
develop an infection. Like an infection, one can develop an allergic reaction to a tattoo or
piercing.
Allergic reactions seem to be the easiest to avoid because once one finds out what exactly
they are allergic to they can avoid said allergen. According to Terrence Keaney, MD, FAAD,
Complications resulting from decorative tattoos are rare, but the incidence is increasing. The
introduction of foreign substances into the skin can result in a range of adverse effects, including
a toxic or immunologic reaction to the tattoo pigments, transmission of infectious disease, and
the localization of skin disease within the tattoo. Similar notions go for piercing except people
are usually allergic to the type or jewelry or the material it is made from. Out of the many the
worst thing a person can contract from a tattoo or piercing is a dangerous pathogen.
Pathogens spread easily, especially across unsanitary needles, jewelry, or tattoo guns.
According to the International Journal of Infectious Disease, Since tattoo instruments come into
contact with blood and bodily fluids, viral and microbial infections may be transmitted if the
instruments are used on more than one person without being sterilized or without proper hygiene
techniques. Also, because tattoo dyes are not kept in sterile containers they might play a carrier
role in transmitting infections. In light of the increase in the worldwide prevalence of tattoos, it
has been postulated that tattooing may play an important role in the transmission of blood-borne
diseases such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C. It is clear throughout the information that there are
risks associated with getting a tattoo or piercing, and that those risks increase if the environment
in unsanitary.
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