The Ramifications of Getting a Tattoo
Important Things to Know About Before Getting a Tattoo
Lori Porter
Axia College of University of Phoenix
Tattoos are a wonderful way of expressing ones individuality, but people need to think about all the ramifications of getting a tattoo before they get it. Serious problems can arise from making this decision without consciously thinking it through. “Tattoos are fast becoming a mark of the 21st century, with one quarter of those under the age of 30 adorning their skin with at least one.” (Healy, 2008, p.1) The Dangerous Art of the Tattoo. Retrieved February 12, 2009, from http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/living-well-usn/2008/07/25/the-dangerous-art-of-the-tattoo.html The American Academy of Dermatology reports that 89% of men and 48% of women who wear tattoos have conspicuous designs on their hands, necks, arms, legs, toes, and feet (Sayre, C. [2007]. Tattoo bans. Time Magazine. November 5, p. 56). Retrieved February 12, 2009, from http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1675620,00.html. Since tattoos are no longer considered taboo, the popularity of them proves that skin is always in. Tattoos consist of a permanent design that is drawn on to the top of the skin, then pigments are inserted under the skin by way of a tattoo gun. A tattoo gun works almost like a sewing machine. Every time the needle hits the skin, it deposits tiny droplets of ink deep under the epidermis. Tattoo ink is classified as a cosmetic and, they are not “regulated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).” (Healy, 2008, p.1) The Dangerous Art of the Tattoo. Retrieved February 12, 2009, from http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/living-well-usn/2008/07/25/the-dangerous-art-of-the-tattoo.html There are specific medical risks that people need to be aware of before they get a tattoo. These risks can include:
1. Blood-borne diseases: Tetanus, “Hepatitis B and C, Tuberculosis, and HIV- the virus that causes AIDS.” (Mayo Clinic Staff,
Lori Porter
Axia College of University of Phoenix
Tattoos are a wonderful way of expressing ones individuality, but people need to think about all the ramifications of getting a tattoo before they get it. Serious problems can arise from making this decision without consciously thinking it through. “Tattoos are fast becoming a mark of the 21st century, with one quarter of those under the age of 30 adorning their skin with at least one.” (Healy, 2008, p.1) The Dangerous Art of the Tattoo. Retrieved February 12, 2009, from http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/living-well-usn/2008/07/25/the-dangerous-art-of-the-tattoo.html The American Academy of Dermatology reports that 89% of men and 48% of women who wear tattoos have conspicuous designs on their hands, necks, arms, legs, toes, and feet (Sayre, C. [2007]. Tattoo bans. Time Magazine. November 5, p. 56). Retrieved February 12, 2009, from http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1675620,00.html. Since tattoos are no longer considered taboo, the popularity of them proves that skin is always in. Tattoos consist of a permanent design that is drawn on to the top of the skin, then pigments are inserted under the skin by way of a tattoo gun. A tattoo gun works almost like a sewing machine. Every time the needle hits the skin, it deposits tiny droplets of ink deep under the epidermis. Tattoo ink is classified as a cosmetic and, they are not “regulated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).” (Healy, 2008, p.1) The Dangerous Art of the Tattoo. Retrieved February 12, 2009, from http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/living-well-usn/2008/07/25/the-dangerous-art-of-the-tattoo.html There are specific medical risks that people need to be aware of before they get a tattoo. These risks can include:
1. Blood-borne diseases: Tetanus, “Hepatitis B and C, Tuberculosis, and HIV- the virus that causes AIDS.” (Mayo Clinic Staff,
References: Cleveland Clinic Foundation, (n.d.) para.7. Retrieved February 20, 2009, from http://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/Tattoo Removal/hic Laser Removal of Tattoos.aspx Forsyth County Department of Health (2005), p.1 February 15, 2009, from http://www.forsyth.cc/documents/TattoosandPiercingsApril2005.pdf Healy, B. (2008) p.1. The Dangerous Art of the Tattoo. Retrieved February 12, 2009, from http://health.usnews.com/articles/health/living-well-u sn/2008/07/25/the- http://www.dermadoctor.com/pages/newsletter113.asp?AID=1067 Mayo Clinic Staff (2008) p.1 Tattoos: Risks and precautions to know first February 13, 2009, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tattoos-and- piercings/MC00020 Sayre, C. [2007]. Tattoo bans. Time Magazine. November 5, p. 56). Retrieved February 12, 2009, from http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1675620,00.html Schwarz, S. (2002) para.17. Retrieved February 13, 2009 from http://www.org/faqs/bodyart/tattoo-faq/part2/