Tattoo Health Risks

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Because tattooing requires breaking the skin, it carries health risks, including infection and allergic reactions. Today, tattoo artists use precaution, working with single-use items, and sterilizing their equipment after each use. Many geographic areas require that tattoo artists have blood borne pathogen training.Young doctor giving thumbs up

Infection
Since the materials and tattoo instruments come in contact with bodily fluids, transmitted diseases are possible if the instruments are used on diseased individuals without sterilization precaution.  Licensed shops practice mandated sterilization so infection is rare.  In settings where strict sterilization is not practiced,  such as prison or a person’s residence, there is a higher risk of infection.  Be cautious when if you are getting a tattoo at a private residence. 

Possible infections types transmitted via unsterilized equipment include herpes, skin infections, tetanus, staph, fungal infections, hepatitis, and HIV.

It is advisable to avoid alcohol before getting a tattoo. It contributes to excessive bleeding due to thinning of the blood.

Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions to tattoo inks are uncommon. People who are sensitive or allergic to certain metals may have a reaction in particular to red and green. Look for symptoms like redness and swelling and/or itching and possible oozing of fluid. If you see any signs of infection, seek medical help as soon as possible.

If you know you are allergic to latex convey this to the artist. Many brands of tattoo sterile gloves are latex but most artists will have a supply of non latex for customers with this common allergy. If you are not aware of such allergy but end up with a rash on the tattoo and around it that may be a reaction to the gloves and will disappear soon.