Tattooing and Body Piercing

Tattoos1. How do you feel about tattoos? 2. When you see somebody with a lot of tattoos what do you think? 3. Do you have any tattoos? If so, tell us how/why you got them. Was it painful?

If not, would you ever consider getting a tattoo? Why/why not?

4. What do you think of tattooed hands? 5. What do you think of tattooed faces?

Global Connection The earliest recorded tattoos were found

in Egypt during the time of the construction of the great pyramids

When the Egyptians expanded their empire, the art of tattooing spread as well.

The civilizations of Crete, Greece, Persia, and Arabia picked up and expanded the art form.

Around 2000 BC tattooing spread to China.

How Tattoos Are Done

• A tattoo – a permanent mark or design made on your skin with pigments inserted through pricks into the skin's top layer.

• Typically, the tattoo artist uses a hand-held machine that acts much like a sewing machine, with one or more needles piercing the skin repeatedly.

• With every puncture, the needles insert tiny ink droplets.• The process causes a small amount of bleeding and slight to

potentially significant pain.

Plan Ahead—for tattoos & piercings Make sure you're up to date with your

immunizations Especially hepatitis and tetanus shots

Plan where you’ll get medical care if your tattoo becomes infected

Signs of infection Excessive redness Tenderness around the tattoo Prolonged bleeding Pus Changes in skin color around the tattoo

Want a tattoo? Think first!

• Infections or blood-borne diseases such as Hepatitis B or C, Tetanus, and HIV/AIDS from equipment and needles that were not sterile

• Allergic reactions to tattoo pigments (especially red dye)

• MRI complications – may cause swelling or burning

• Unwanted scar tissue may form when getting or removing a tattoo.

• Keloids - Red, raised scarring caused by excessive tissue repair

• Granulomas – These small knots or bumps may form around material that the body perceives as foreign, such as particles of tattoo pigment

• Dissatisfaction – Tattoo removal is difficult and painful

• People with certain kinds of tattoos are not eligible for enlistment in the military

Health Risks:

To make sure your tattoo heals properly

Keep a bandage on the area for up to 24 hours

Avoid touching the tattooed area Don't pick at any scabs that may form Wash the tattoo with an antibacterial soap

don't use alcohol or peroxide — they'll dry out the tattoo

Use a soft towel to dry the tattoo just pat it dry and be sure not to rub it

Take Good Care of your Tattoo If you don't have an allergy to antibiotic

ointment, rub some into the tattoo. Don't use petroleum jelly (Vaseline)

it may cause the tattoo to fade Put an ice pack on the tattooed area if

you see any redness or swelling Try not to get the tattoo wet until it fully

heals Stay away from pools, hot tubs, or long,

hot baths. Keep your tattoo away from the sun until

it's fully healed

Even after it’s fully healed:A tattoo is more susceptible to the sun's rays

Keep it protected from direct sunlight

Wear a sunscreen with a SPF of 30 on the tattoo

This not only protects your skin, but keeps the tattoo from fading

Getting a Job—Tattoos & Piercing Employers have a say about the

acceptability of tattoos and piercing if it is in their dress code

They can say no to visible tattoos as long as they are consistent

If you have tattoos that can be covered up, you do have a better chance of being hired in corporate America

Covering a tattoo for career reasons can be a commitment in its self.  This is one reason artists may discourage a

tattoo seeker from getting a neck, face, or even a lower arm tattoo. 

The armed services is also very strict on tattoos being viewable to the public while in the service. 

Possible Health Risks of Body Piercing

• Blood-borne diseases such as Hepatitis, Tetanus, and HIV/AIDS

• Allergic reactions to the metal in the jewelry

• Skin infections

• Scars and Keloids • Nerve damage – loss of feeling in area surrounding piercing

Oral Piercings Can . . .

• Interfere with speech, chewing or swallowing

• Cause excessive drooling • Result in infection, pain and

swelling • Cause chipped or cracked teeth• Result in injuries to the gums

• Cause damage to fillings• Increase saliva flow• Result in hypersensitivity to

metals• Cause scar tissue and nerve

damage

Depending on the body part, healing times can take anywhere from a few weeks to more than a year.

Don't pick or tug at it Keep the area clean with soap

not rubbing alcohol Don't touch it without washing your

hands first Never use hydrogen peroxide

because it can break down newly formed tissue

If you have a mouth piercing, use an alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash after eating