From the Fayette County

Health Department

Body art can be a form of self expression but before you decide it is for you, it is important that you know all the facts.

Deciding to get a tattoo or body piercing should not be a decision made too quickly without thinking about or knowing the consequences.

Before you decide ask yourself: Do I know all the health risks? Am I sure the equipment will be sterile? Can I afford to have it done by a licensed or certified professional? Have I talked to my parent or guardian about this? Do I have their permission, if required? Am I willing to follow all these instructions? Have I considered other options that are not permanent (temporary tattoos, magnetic jewelry, body paint, etc.)? Am I ready to face negative reactions from other people? Am I sure this is what I want? How will I feel about this a year from now? In five years? In 15 years?

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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