Getting Inked – What You Should Know?

Today, approx. 1 in 4 people of age 18-30 years is inked. And in the next few years, 40% of this age group will be.

Planning to get yourself inked? It’s going to hurt. Think about your first piercing or the first time you had a professional do your eyebrows or waxing. Tattoos are no different – they’re pretty permanent. This is why you really need to do your homework before getting inked. Here are some of the things that you should really know before getting yourself inked:

Types of Tattoos

• Amateur Tattoos – Anybody can jab ink under the skin with a pin. These home-made or amateur tattoos aren’t as creative as those done by professionals. The risk of infection is more as such tattoos are often done under unhygienic conditions.
• Cultural Tattoos – Every culture has different tattoo traditions. These tats may have a special meaning or purpose. Cultural tattoos are done as a part of any ritual or as a mark of beauty.
• Professional Tattoos – These tattoos are done by professionals or registered artists using a tattoo machine, known as tattoo gun.
• Cosmetic Tattoos – Tattoos aren’t always messages or creative designs. They’re sometimes used as “permanent” make-up. Many people get their eyes, eyebrows, blush, and lip liner etc. tattooed to enhance them. These tattoos fade with time.
• Medical Tattoos – Some people get inked for medical reasons. People with a chronic disease like diabetes may use a tattoo to alert health care professionals in case of an emergency.

Why You Want a Tattoo?

People get themselves inked for one of two reasons:

• To show they’re unique or to express themselves
• Or to show they belong to a group.

So what’s your reason for getting inked?

Safety Precautions To Be Taken Before Getting A Tattoo:

• Don’t get a tattoo if you’re not well.
• Don’t drink or take drugs 24 hours prior to getting a tattoo.
• Make sure the studio you choose abides necessary hygiene as well as safety standards.
• Needles, containers, tubes, containers, and pigments, etc. should be unpacked right in front of you. Unsealed packages mean chances of cross-contamination as well as blood-borne ailments are more.
• Make sure that the ink or dye which is going to be used for your tattoo is approved for tattooing. Don’t forget to get details of everything used in your tattoo, including color, sometimes called pigment, maker’s name, and lot number.
• Make sure the artist wear sterile gloves before getting started.
• The non-disposable equipment used in a tattoo studio must be sterilized in an autoclave (heat sterilization machine) properly.
• Make sure to check the expiration date of the ink before getting a tattoo. Expired ink can infect your blood severely.
• Understand tattoo post-care instructions carefully before getting inked and follow all instructions properly.

Health Risks of Tattoo

Tattoos breach the skin that may lead to skin infections and other allergic reactions.

Infection – Any type of tattoo involves a high risk of infection like hepatitis C or HIV. There are chances that you might get MRSA or impetigo – a deep skin infection. Tattoos might cause swelling or burning in the affected areas during MRI exams.

Allergic Reaction – Many people are allergic to tattoo inks. Tattoo dyes — especially green, red, yellow, and blue dyes — can cause allergic skin reactions, such as an itchy rash at the tattoo area.