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Tattoos and Minors Making an Informed Decision Tattoos and Minors Making an Informed Decision Minors, to get a tattoo or not get a tattoo' That is the question. My daughter asked me during a recent conversation if I would give her permission to get a tattoo. I immediately replied no. My daughter asked why not' So, I asked my daughter what does she know about tattoos' My daughter explained that tattoos are away to express herself, that tattoos can be a little painful to get, they are permanent, and tattoos are artwork. I have seen some nice artwork in the form of tattoos. I have also seen a few that were not so nice. In this literature the following information will be given: 1. The definition of a tattoo. 2. The laws that govern tattooing. 3. What to look for when selecting a tattooing establishment. 4. The health and safety risk associated with tattoos. 5. Changes in the appearance in the tattoo that may occur. 6. An alternative to getting a permanent tattoo.. While minors view tattoos as a way to express themselves, tattoos are considered permanent and minors may not have all the needed information to make an informed decision regarding getting a tattoo. The Definition of a Tattoo. “A tattoo is defined as any indelible design, letter, scroll, figure, symbol or other mark place with the aid of needles or other instruments”. (Indiana State Department of Health [ISDH], 2007) “A tattoo also is defined as any design, letter, scroll, figure, and symbol done by scarring on or under the skin”. ([ISDH], 2007) To create a tattoo one would do so by using a needle connected to a gun like machine which has tubes filled with permanent ink that punctures the skin repeatedly. When the needle punctures the skin small drops of ink is inserted into the skin. For larger tattoos the process may take several hours to complete. Some tattoos may cause some bleeding and discomfort. Even with the discomfort of getting a tattoo the art work can be astonishing. With all the different types of tattoos with so many colors it is like seeing a living painting. Now that we know the definition of a tattoo, next I will give some information regarding laws governing tattoos. The Laws That Governs Tattoos. Each state has laws governing tattoos. “In 1997, Indiana Code 16-19-3-4.1 required the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) to adopt rules to regulate the sanitary operation of tattoo parlors”. ([ISDH], 2007) In Indiana a tattooist must complete continuing training on a yearly on how diseases are spread through contact with blood. Tattooist should only use sterile needles and the needles should be only used once. Most minors are not aware of the legal requirements for minors to get a tattoo. A person must be at least 18 years old to receive a tattoo or have written permission and accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Tattooing a minor under the age of 18 with out parental consent is illegal, and for someone whom does so will have committed a Class A misdemeanor in Indiana. For those parents considering allowing their minor to get a tattoo I will next describe things to look for when selecting a tattooing establishment. What to Look For When Selecting a Tattooing Establishment. A person should look for a tattooing establishment where the tattooist appears organized and clean. The client's rights must be displayed for the client's review. The establishment should also have hand washing stations for the tattooist to use. Gloves should always be worn by the tattooist. The tattooing equipment only should be used once. Before the tattooist starts applying the tattoo, the tattooist should use a needle and tube set that is individually packaged, dated, sealed, and sterilized. The tattooist should only open the packaged equipment immediately prior to the client being tattooed. The ink should be in a single use container or poured into a disposable container that would be disposed of after the ink is used on a client. The same for any other equipment used in the application process of tattooing, all equipment and material should be discarded after used and should be only used once. Additionally, watch to be sure the tattooists disinfects and cleans the work station after each tattoo application. If the tattooist is careless in safety practices the health and safety of the client is at risk. Next, I will list some health and safety risk associated with tattoos. The Health and Safety Risk Associated With Tattoos. Some minor's concerns are only around what type of tattoo to get, how big, or what colors to use for the tattoo, which are legitimate concerns. However, some additional issues the minors may not be concerned with but are important with getting tattoos are the health and safety risks. There are some diseases that a person could be exposed to while getting a tattoo. “Blood-bourne diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C could be contracted if equipment used for the tattoo is contaminated with the blood of an infected person”. ([ISDH], 2007) “Other problems that may occur are skin infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria by using unsterilized tattooing equipment and /or re-used ink are also a health risk”.(Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Office of Cosmetics and Colors, revised 2006) Allergic reactions are also another concern when obtaining a tattoo. Some of the signs of infection a person should look for after getting a tattoo: 1. Thick yellow or green drainage from the tattoo site 2. Nonstop oozing or bleeding 3. Red streak or a hot sensation surrounding and moving away from the tattooed area 4. Worsening pain 5. Any unusual swelling ([ISDH], 2007) If it is not clear rather are not the tattoo is infected it would be best to seek advice from a healthcare provider. Not only was the previous information important, taking care of the tattoo is important as well. A person will need to know rather he or she can use soap on the tattoo, should the tattoo stay bandage while healing, or should lotion be applied' Now, here are some tips on how to care for the new tattoo. 1. Clean the tattoo with soap and water 2. It is all right to apply moisturizer to the tattoo 3. Make sure the tattoo is not exposed to the sun 4. Do not pick at the scabs After the healing process from the application of the tattoo has completed an adverse reaction may still occur. Next, I will give contacting information on where to report any adverse reactions. The FDA urges consumers and healthcare providers to report adverse reactions to tattoos and permanent makeup, problems with removal, or adverse reactions to temporary tattoos.(CFSAN-Office of Cosmetics and Colors, revised 2006) Consumers and healthcare providers can register complaints by contacting their FDA district office or by contacting FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Adverse Events Reporting System by phone at (301) 436-2405 (CFSAN-Office of Cosmetics and Colors, revised 2006) Seeking medical advice is very important if someone experience reactions or if he or she has questions or concerns regarding the tattoo. In the following paragraph I will discuss additional points to consider before the making the final decision. Changes in the Appearance in the Tattoo That May Occur. Additional points a minor may consider when deciding to get a tattoo are that tattoos are considered to be permanent. Additionally, after having a tattoo for many years the tattoo appearance may change. The injected colors may move beyond the original location of the tattoo, resulting in a blurred appearance. Body changes and skin tone changes may alter the appearance of the tattoo as well. There is a way to have a tattoo removed but removing tattoos can be very difficult and expensive. A person may select to have a tattoo removed by laser therapy that is performed by a qualified provider. Changing a decision to get a tattoo may be easier than having a tattoo removed. Now, let's look at an alternative to a permanent tattoo. A minor may consider getting a temporary tattoo. With this type of tattoo a person would not have to worry about having the tattoo removed. Since this form of tattoo is not permanent it fads after several days. Some temporary tattoos are applied with moisten wads of cotton and non-permanent dye. The inks used in temporary tattoos contain color additives approved for cosmetic use on the skin.(CFSAN-Office of Cosmetics and Colors, revised 2006) A temporary tattoo is an alternative where the minor can explore if the chosen tattoo, colors, and body location is right for the minor before getting a permanent tattoo applied. A try it before buying it approach. In conclusion, rather it is a permanent tattoo are temporary tattoo, anyone considering getting either may want to educate themselves on the laws in their state, health and safety risk, and with the local tattooist or establishment. Tattoos when applied correctly can be a wonderful display of artwork. Tattoos are sometimes used for self expression, as a memorial for a loved one, or as permanent jewelry. The best decision regarding getting a tattoo is an informed decision. As a parent even tough I will not give my minor child permission to get a tattoo; I still would like for my child to have all the available information my child will need to make an informed decision regarding tattoos. References CFSAN/Office of Cosmetics and Colors. (November 29, 2000; Revised July 1, 2004, April 11, 2006, and July 14, 2006). Tattoos and Permanent Makeup. Retrieved 06/12/2009 from http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/CFSAN/%7Edms/cos-204.html Indiana State Department of Health. (April 18, 2007). About Tattoos. Retrieved 06/22/2009 from http://www.in.gov/isdh/files/tattoos.pdf Indiana General Assembly. (July 1, 1999). IC 35-42-2-7, Tattooing or body piercing a minor. Retrieved 06/22/2009 from http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title35/ar42/ch2.html