Informative_Essay

Tattoo and Body Piercing Axia College of University of Phoenix Tattoos and body piercing are now more prevalent than ever and so are the many risks and concerns associated. Piercing and tattoos go as far back as the 19th century and yet the FDA has not approved the inks used to get a tattoo and recent reports show that lack of safety and sterilization result in bad reactions (Penn Museum, 2007). Do you know what to look for or what questions to ask before getting these types of body modification to avoid risks or even future regret' The National Center for Toxicological Research is steadily researching all questions about the safety of tattoos. Getting a tattoo or piecing may only take a few hours or less, but will remain for the rest of your life since it is meant to be permanent. The process of removal can result in more scarring, surgeries, time, money, and indentions and still not guaranteed to be completely removed. Tattoos and body piercing have many risk and concerns that can be avoided. Taking adequate time and research to make the decision whether or not to get a tattoo or piercing, type or design, picking a shop or artist that follows proper sterilization and has an excellent reputation, and following the proper aftercare are crucial. While considering personal preference, belief, school or work ethics and other aspects of life to make sure it fits their lifestyle. These entire steps can help reduce future regret, removal, infections, and allergic reactions that are linked to tattoos and body piercing. The first step to avoid the risks and concerns that are associated with getting a tattoo or piercing is making the decision. Per Harris Interactive the tattoo facts and statistics polls show that out of the people in American that have tattoos 17% have regret due to its appearance, visibility, or being a rash or stupid decision ( Herringson,2003, ¶8). One would need to make sure that it is his or her own decision and adequate amount of time is used to come to decision to avoid future regret and or removal. Even though getting a tattoo may only take diminutive of time to obtain it is meant to be permanent and last a lifetime. Taking the necessary time and research prior to getting a tattoo or body piercing instead rushing the decision can avoid any type of regret in the future as well as potential risks. In order to do this he or she can confirm that getting either type of body modification is their decision and not peer pressure, impulse, rebellion or to be in a certain crowd, able to tolerate pain associated, and to make sure they are physically, emotionally and mental stable. One can try a temporary tattoo or test tattoo to consider if this is something that they would like to be permanent and if the pain can be tolerated since the process is using a needle to puncture skin once or repetitively depending on whether getting a tattoo or piercing. Also clips and magnet earrings can be used as aid in deciding whether or not a body piercings is for you based on appearance and comfort. If later regret and want to remove can cause additional scarring, color variations for tattoos. Piercings can be less complicated once jewelry has been removed the hole could possibly close, but depends on how long the jewelry has been in. If one removes the jewelry the hole may still be visible as well as dimples and deformity of the skin. Since tattoos are meant to be permanent it is more difficult to remove and not always guaranteed to be completely removed. The FDA states, “Removal is time-consuming, costly and doesn’t always work” (Permanence 2009). A removal of a tattoo is done by multiple visits and tends to cost more than the original tattoo. Tattoo removal can be done by laser, dermabrasion and surgical removal. So thinking critically and knowing more about the process of getting a tattoo or piercing can defiantly avoid later regret and removal. After the decision is made the next step is the picking the design or type of tattoo or body piercing. Tattoos can be cosmetic or professional. The type can be determined by figuring out if the purpose is due to permanent makeup, symbolic or personal reasons. It is best to use self awareness and consider self beliefs and values. One can research by going to different museums, talk to others that have already had the experience, and even go through artist flash; a book of different tattoos and work. Then the placement needs to be ascertained depending on personal preference, work and school ethics. Will it be large, small, obvious or something that can be hidden' Once the design or type of piercing is elected than the concerns and risks associated with it can be uncovered. The Mayo clinic (2008) reported that “tattoo dyes, particularly red dye, can cause allergic skin reactions, resulting in an itchy rash at the tattoo site. This may occur even years after you get the tattoo” (Mayo Clinic, 2008, ¶ 6). Since none of the ink is FDA approved Nickel can cause allergic reactions with jewel containing nickel with piercing. Being aware possible side effects or skin reactions can save time, money, and avoid a bad experience and possible regret of a tattoo and piercing. Another way to avoid possible risks and concerns associated with getting a tattoo or body piercing is picking the right artist and shop. This step may take additional time to visit different shops for appearance, reputation, and experience. Mayo Clinic staff (2008) states “Regulation requirement and licensing standards vary from state to state. Check with your city, county or state health department for information on licensing and regulation in your area” (Mayo Clinic, 2008, ¶ 1). Make sure the place is clean, use sterilize needles, fresh equipment, gloves, and an autoclave. Do not be afraid to ask artist questions about anything that is unclear or concerned about which can eliminate or lower future concerns. If not carefully considered it may end up a bad experience or cause great risks. These risks includes blood-borne disease from equipment contaminated with an infected person’s blood, skin disorders such as granulmas and keloids from tattoo pigments, skin infections and MRI complications. Mayo Clinic staff stated, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has linked clusters of potentially serious antibiotic-resistant skin infections to unlicensed tattoo artists who don’t follow proper infections procedures. Some antibiotic-resistant skin infections can lead to pneumonia, blood injections and a painful, flesh-destroying condition called necrotizing fasciitis (Nissl, 2003, ¶ 5). The final step to avoid risk after getting a tattoo or body piercing is the after care. If the after instructions are followed properly it will cause the life of the tattoo to last longer and lower risks of infections. Hudson (2009) states, “A really beautiful tattoo can turn into a disaster if the proper aftercare is not taken.” It is best to follow the artist directions, keep area clean and lubricated, and avoid submerging in water for the first couple of weeks and sun protection. It is important not to use Neosporin but can use tattoo or over the counter products (Hudson, 2009). Certain lotions and ointment may leave bumps, spotting, scaping or cause oozing. There are many things one can look for if they think an infection has occurred. For piercing it is crucial the first 48 hours for swelling and throbbing pain. Other signs for infection include discharge, odor, tenderness, generalized chills, fever, rash, chest pain, or shortness of breath and required immediate medical attention. If not cared for immediately infections can spread throughout the body causing osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, and sepsis. These steps if considered and research may reduce the risks and concern of getting a tattoo or body piercing and possibly regret or removal. Taking the right amount of time to decide beforehand can save time and money later day the road. The place that the tattoo or body piercing is done is very important and needs to be clean and sterilized, if not it can pass infections such as HIV to other customers. The design and placement is also significant, one would need to consider all aspects of live and possible changes that could incur in the future. Deliberate on the different colors of pigment and jewelry that can cause reverse reaction or fade in a few years. Do not be an afraid to ask questions after all it is your body and something that will have to be faced up to everyday. After care will allow tattoo or piercing to live longer and lower the risks and infections that can appear right after taken place or years after. Why not take these steps so that you can be part of the 83% of American that does not regret their tattoo' After all it is your health and self esteem that can be affected if getting a tattoo or piercing that is a bad experience. References U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (February 23, 2009). Think before you ink: are tattoos safe' Retrieved May 29, 2009 from http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm Hudson, K. L. (2009). Tattoo aftercare-how to take care of your new tattoo. Retrieved May 31, 2009, from http://tattoo.about.com/cs/bneginners/a/blaftercare.htm Mayo Clinic Staff. (February 16, 2008). Tattoos: risks and precautions to know first. Retrieved June 10, 2009, from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tattoos-and-piercings/mc00020/METHOD=print U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. (June 03, 2009). Piercing and tattoos. Retrieved June 10, 2009, from http://nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/piercingandtattos.html A Discovery Company. (April 01, 2000). How tattoo removal works. Retrieved June 29, 2009, from http://health.howstuffworks.com/tattoo-removal.htm Penn Museum. (2007). A world tour of body modification. Retrieved June 28, 2009, from University of Pennsylvania, Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology Web site: http:// www.museum.upenn.edu/new/exhibits/online_exhibits/body_modification/bodmodtattoo.shtml Nissl, Jan RN, BS. (September 4, 2008). Signs of a skin infection after a tattoo or body piercing. Retrieved July 1, 2009 from http://health.msn.com/health-topics/articlepage.aspx'cp-documentid=100069366 Herningson, Vince. (2003). Tattoo facts & statistics. Retrieved June 29, 2009 from http://www.vanishingtattoo.com/tattoo_facts.htm