Tattoos have been around for a long, long time. Throughout history, tattoos were mostly worn as decoration. Tattoos have been found on mummified bodies dating back to 3300 B.C. and it is well known that many socialites wore (and still wear) tattoos as part of their culture.
If you're thinking about getting a tattoo, there is one very important thing you have to keep in mind. Get it done safely. Make sure your body art adventure doesn't turn into a medical adventure. Keep in mind a new tattoo is also a wound. Like any other slice, scrape, puncture, cut, or penetration to your skin, a tattoo is at risk for infections and disease.
First, make sure you're up to date with your immunizations (especially hepatitis and tetanus shots) and plan where you'll get medical care if your tattoo becomes infected (signs of infection include excessive redness or tenderness around the tattoo, prolonged bleeding, pus, or changes in your skin color around the tattoo).
If you have a medical problem such as heart disease, allergies, diabetes, skin disorders, a condition that affects your immune system or infections (or if you are pregnant) ask your doctor if there are any special concerns you should have or precautions you should take beforehand. Also, if you're prone to getting keloids (an overgrowth of scar tissue in the area of the wound), it's probably best to avoid getting a tattoo altogether.
Some states, cities, and communities set up standards for tattoo studios, but others don't. You can call your state, county, or local health department to find out about the laws in your community, ask for recommendations on licensed tattoo shops or check for any complaints about a particular studio.
While regulations vary from state to state, you need to ask certain questions before you go under the needle, no matter where you reside. Here are four key questions to ask:
What kind of needles do you use?
Correct answer: Disposable needles. You want to know where your needles has been which should be nowhere else but a sealed package.
What do you do with unused ink?
Correct answer: It is summarily disposed of and never reused for other tattoos.
Are you licensed?
Correct answer: Yes and here is the proof. Make sure licenses and other certificates are current and come from reputable sources. Check for a current health inspection too.
Do you disinfect chairs, tables and other common spaces between procedures?
Correct answer: Yes, we use antibacterial disinfectants.
The last step in getting a tattoo is very important. Take care of the tattoo until it fully heals. Follow all of the instructions the studio gives you for caring for your tattoo to make sure it heals properly. Also, keep in mind that it's very important to call your doctor right away if you see or feel any signs of infection such as pain, spreading redness, swelling, or drainage of pus. To make sure your tattoo heals properly follow these additional steps:
• Keep a bandage on the area for up to 24 hours.
• Avoid touching the tattooed area and 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.
• If you don't have an allergy to antibiotic ointment, rub some into the tattoo. Don't use petroleum jelly — 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, so it's a good idea to always keep it protected from direct sunlight. If you're outside often or hang out at the beach, it's recommended that you always wear a sunscreen with a minimum 30 SPF on the tattoo. This not only protects your skin but keeps the tattoo from fading.
Sources:
https://health.google.com/health
http://www.webmd.com/
http://kidshealth.org/
MC Ortega is the former publicist for the late Walter Payton, Coca-Cola and Dunkin’ Donuts. Ortega is a senior communications and messaging executive specializing in media relations, social media, program development and crisis communications. Also, Ortega is an avid traveler and international shopper. Ortega resides with her partner, Craig, dog, Fionne and extensive shoe collection. Ortega also enjoys jewelry design/production and flamenco dancing.