4 things to consider before getting a tattoo

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NEWS 2 USE: 4 things to consider before getting a tattoo

Worried about your kid getting a tattoo -- or considering one for yourself?

Here are some facts to know.

1. What are the risks?

Non-sterile tattooing equipment can transmit infections, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C and even HIV. The risk is so significant that the American Association of Blood Banks requires a 1-year wait between getting a tattoo and donating blood.

2. What signs of infection should someone who has been tattooed watch for?

Increased pain, tenderness, swelling, or heat around the tattoo site, red streaks, pus, swollen lymph nodes -- all of these are signs that you need to see a doctor for antibiotics.

3. How difficult is it to remove a tattoo?

About 75% of the inks on the market can be removed, but certain colors, such as a particular shade of green, are very difficult to remove. Sometimes, a new tattoo with skin-tone pigments has to be put over the original tattoo to camouflage it.

People should view a tattoo as permanent and consider how they'll feel about it in 25 years. If you tattoo your boyfriend's or girlfriend's name on yourself, hopefully you'll be with that person for life.

4. What else should I know before deciding?

Any tattooing involves multiple injections into the skin by a small machine with one or more needles connected to tubes that contain dyes. Tattooists guide the machine, and you're subject to their capability. Make sure they are well-trained and experienced, and that they adhere to the infection control guidelines developed by the Alliance of Professional Tattooists.

Connie Midey, Arizona Republic

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