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In Alberta, equal numbers of males and females are paying $100 to
$150 per hour for tattoo application. I ask myself, WHY do people
get them? Many cite a sense of control, self-expression, and
identification with some group which is seen as symbolic of
their individuality, spirituality, or philosophy.'
Another reason for tattooing is reportedly to 'make the body more
sexually interesting'.
Are Tattoos Safe?
As with any
invasive procedure, there are risks. Adverse reactions include
infection, erythema (redness), and some skin disorders such as scarring,
allergic dermatitis, photosensitivity reactions, or psoriasis. I was
surprised to learn that some tattoo inks contain metal fibers such as
iron oxide, which can cause intense skin burning and swelling during MRI
procedures. Some radiology departments are refusing to perform MRIs on
patients who have tattoos. Many persons contemplating getting a tattoo
are likely unaware that having one may limit their future diagnostic
options.
Reliable studies are not yet available on the long-term effects of dyes
and heavy metals dragged into the epidural and subarachiioid spaces.
Anesthesiologists are increasingly concerned about the safety of
inserting needles and epidural catheters through tattooed areas and in
some situations, anesthetists will refuse to perform epidurals if they
can't find tattoo-free skin to go through.
The Center for Disease Control (USA) and Communicable Disease Control in
Alberta clearly state that Hepatitis B and C transmission does occur
via. infected tattoo equipment, and there is a risk of HIV infection.
Tuberculosis, syphilis, tetanus and herpes transmission have been
associated with tattooing, usually from the tattooist mixing saliva with
ink or holding needles in their mouths. In the Calgary Health Region,
tattoo establishments are inspected roughly twice a year and are
regulated under the Health Standards and Guidelines for Tattooing under
the Public Health Act (Personal Services). However, tattoo ink
ingredients are not monitored in Alberta.
Tattoo You?
RNs are well
positioned to strongly encourage their clients to consider all pros and
cons before taking the tattoo plunge. Ask questions such as:
* "is a permanent: tattoo really worth the health risks and pain?"
* "Might the tattoo be evident in future wedding photos?"
* "Might being tattooed damage employment or promotional chances with
certain employers (certain jobs are not available to people who have
visible body art)?"
* "What if you don't like it? Do you have enough money to get it taken
off?"
* Did you know that some people with tattoos can't have MRI tests?
Emotional risks such as hindering relationships with prospective love
interests, or being perceived in a negative way by strangers or future
in-laws should be explored as potential post-tattoo situations.
If your patient insists on getting tattooed, instruct him to shop around
for a skilled and licensed technician who wears gloves, uses only
sterilized equipment, and who only uses high quality ink (i.e. NOT
containing metal fibres), and never smokes during the procedure.
(Believe it or not, not smoking during the procedure is a specifically
mentioned guideline!) The practitioner must always use sterile
technique, and provide full post-procedure instructions. Choosing a safe
practitioner is the responsibility of the patient.
What About Later?
Mature
individuals often regret a youthful choice of body art. According to
the American Society of Dermatological surgery, half of those who Aace a
tattoo want it removed.
Tattoo removal via laser surgery is among the fastest growing areas
of the dermatology industry. The average cost to remove a single
tattoo runs to approximately $10,000, generally requires 10 to 15
painful treatments over roughly two years and removal is not without its
own risks of infection or scarring. Up to 30 sessions may be needed
depending on the complexity and size of the tattoo.
After all of that, the tattoo may still be visible! Tattoos performed by
commercial tattoo parlours are much more difficult to remove because the
tattoo is deeper, the ink more complex and thicker. RNs can also tell
clients that Alberta Health Care or Alberta Blue Cross do not provide
coverage for tattoo removal. If a medical professional performs the
removal, the cost might be claimed as a deduction on personal income
(see website at the end of the article). The other option possible is
coverage by a health spending account set up by the employer if tattoo
removal meets the criteria outlined.
What I've Learned
Don't put
anything on your body chat you wouldn't hang in your living room!
References and for more information:
Brochures are available from Alberta Health and Wellness, Canadian Blood
Services, Calgary HIV/AIDS Strategies Coalition, or HIV Edmonton at
780.488.5742 or contact7@hivedmonton.com
For more information about the Public Health Act, www.gov.ab.ca (link to
Queen's Printer then to the Public Health Act, Personal Services.) Long,
Gayle E and Rickman, Leland. Infectious Complications of Tattoos.
Clinical Infectious Diseases 1994; 18:610-19
Canadian Customs and Revenue Agency's (CCRA) website page: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/tax/
individuals/topics/incometax/return/completing
Copyright Alberta Association of Registered Nurses
Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights
Reserved
Potential Risks Of Getting A Tattoo
The majority of tattoos are applied without any problem, but
there are some that result in a less than desirable outcome. For this
reason, the potential risks associated with getting a tattoo cannot be
overlooked. Unsanitary equipment is the main concern that most
individuals face when getting a tattoo.
The potential for contracting a disease is high with equipment that is
not properly cleaned after each use. In addition, tattoos can often
result in a skin infection if either the equipment used to create the
tattoo is dirty or if the individual does not properly care for the area
following a tattoo’s application.
If excessive redness, swelling or pain around the area of the tattoo
develops, a licensed physician will need to inspect the tattoo in order
to determine whether or not it is infected. Common treatments may
include medication, but an infection that has gotten extremely bad may
require that the patient be hospitalized. In addition to the obvious
concerns that may arise immediately, a physician may again be needed
later on if the patient ever decides to have that tattoo removed.
Surgery is the only way to completely remove a tattoo and, as with any
type of surgery, this carries additional risks.
If an individual decides to remove his/her tattoo, the procedure may be
either an out-patient process or one that requires a minimal hospital
stay. The ultimate determination will be made by a physician, who will
consider the patient’s overall health and the likelihood of developing
any type of infection. In addition, patients who experience
complications during surgery or a possible allergic reaction to
medication will likely be admitted to the hospital for further
observation.
The next risk associated with tattoos is not so much one of health,
but of appearance. If a tattoo is done by an amateur or simply not
done well, it’s appearance may be ruined. At the same time, if a tattoo
is every removed,
there is a great possibility that a visible scar will remain. While it
is true that most scars become less noticeable in time, they never
completely go away and will forever be a reminder of the tattoo that was
once there.
Just as with every decision in life, there are pluses and minuses to
every ordeal. If you are considering a tattoo, take a moment to
carefully think about why you want the tattoo, how you will feel about
it 10 years from now and whether or not the tattoo is for you or for
someone else. When making a permanent marking on your body, you should
do so only because you want to and not because anyone else wants or
expects you to.
This article is to be used for informational purposes only. The
information contained herein is not intended to be used in place of, or
in conjunction with, professional medical advice. Before deciding on
getting a tattoo or having one removed, the patient must consult a
licensed medical doctor for medical advice and/or to determine the best
course of action for his/her individual healthcare needs.
Author Aurel Radulescu
Visit our tattoo gallery to find more tattoo designs or ask questions on
our tattoo forum at
http://www.tattootype.com
Type Of
Tattoo
Tattoos are
at their heart a sign of individuality, and as more and more human
beings seek a path to locate themselves apart from the crowd, the
popularity of tattoos as a form of self expression is only likely to
grow.
In act, the strict code of practices takes every safety measure so
the risk of transmitting HIV or other diseases is virtually
nonexistent however before spread outside, bids from approximately the
society drove the reward over the century mark. If you bear these things
in head and keep you eyes peeled, asking any and all questions that come
to head, you should be fully capable of deciding whether or not your
decision to get tattooed will be a acceptable one.
One beneficial body about henna tattooing, unlike the tattoos the
western culture is used to, the henna tattoo is not permanent, for it
fades away in age or it comes outside after a hardly any washings.
This path, others that are researching where to get a tattoo, will have
that much more helpful info to ease them outside! A great place to do
this is Body Mod.
Others events are far more profound, like the large number of policemen
and fire fighters who tattooed the names of fallen colleagues on their
arms for all to see. If you contemplate on the internet there is a
controversy about getting Kanji and Japanese Tattoos also. They will
necessitate to contemplate into the dynamics of their relationships with
customers and the nature of their interaction.
Getting a tattoo involves piercing the skin, and so there is
going to be some pain involved, no complication how small the tattoo and
no complication where it is on your
body. The more tattoos you have, the
more ink spots you will end up with all over your body as age goes by.
This is easy! I know, you are thinking that you can't much scan
Japanese, so how on earth will you be able to recognize these different
styles? Well, try this: A temporary tattoo can latest for anywhere from
a couple of days to various months and may be an alternative for you who
are not certain that a permanent tattoo is the fair body for you.
Granted it is a small snaggy and faded at once however he still has one
on his forearm nonetheless. A legitimate, well-trained tattooist follows
strict health guidelines and is willing to answer any of your questions
about tattooing procedures and concerns. However many tattoo artists are
spotting the trend and jumping on it already. The best defense in the
battle of the fading tattoo is to stay outside of the sun, cover the
tattoo with clothing and wear a really acceptable sunscreen.
Hepatitis, a disease that attacks the liver, is of a parcel more
concern, being a much heartier pathogen that requires a much smaller
amount of body fluid transfer, though it should be mentioned that ,
according to the Centers for Disease Control, there has NEVER been a
documented action of Hepatitis OR AIDS caused by a tattoo.
Therefore, soon after their tour of the Honda plant, the Harley Davidson
Motor Society decided to lay into practice this originally rejected
approach. Try to utilize some kind unscented, undedicated body lotion,
as some scents may irritate the still-tender skin of your tattoo. Some
human beings decorate a small area of skin, while in others it may be
difficult to find a square inch of un-tattooed flesh.
Studies showed that about 75 % of Harley customers made repeat
purchases, and executives quickly recognized a pattern that refocused
the convention's overall strategy. anyway, after getting a tattoo done
you should know some aftercare tips that cannot be ignored.
Fortunately there are other avenues you can capture instead of getting a
permanent tattoo lay on. They are also a great path to express your
individuality and unique sense of style.
About the Authorby Jasmine Yap, Visit Tattoo Crosse for free articles and tips of
tattoo.
Tattoo Pigments: Popular
Fashion Accessories or Health Hazards? Photochemistry and Photobiology
Tattoos-ancient forms of body art/body modification (and
self-expression-for some) have recently become popular fashion
accessories worldwide (1). However, despite their ornamental and
psychological attributes tattoos may carry considerable health hazards
(e.g., risk of infection) (2). It is with interest that I read the two
articles (3, 4) published in this issue providing some (in vitro)
evidence that the tattoos colorants - industrial pigments, which have
never been intended (and produced) by the chemical industry to be used
in humans for ornamental purposes (but rather to stain consumer goods)
may indeed contain hazardous (e.g., toxic and/or carcinogenic)
compounds.
Most tattoos are applied for the sake of fashion (1). Almost 50
percent of all tattoos are being done on women (5). In recent years body
tattooing in unconventional (more subtle) sites (e.g. lumbar area, lower
abdomen, breast, buttocks) has gained increasing popularity among young
women including in pregnancy worldwide (6, 7). Indeed, in his practice
of obstetric anesthesia the author of this correspondence encountered a
parturient with multicolor tattoos covering her mid-lumbar area in whom
an uneventful administration of epidural labor analgesia (one attempt at
L2-3 interspace with an 18 GA Tuohy needle) was complicated by
postpartum tenderness and burning in the lumbar area where the epidural
catheter had been sited (7). A pigment-containing tissue core from a
tattoo seemed a possible cause of deeper lumbar tissues irritation
(possibly the first reported case of an in vivo evidence of tattoo
pigment toxicity?).
The current literature is silent on neurological complications of a
hollow needle insertion through a tattoo for labor analgesia. Since
hollow needles entrap tissue fragments (along with the tattoo's pigment)
in their bore as they pass to deeper structures (8), the possibility of
lumbar tissue irritation/infection, and/or neurological long-term sequela exists.
Author Kuczkowski, Krzysztof M
REFERENCES
1. Vik L. J., H. J. Breidablik, T. J. Ekeland and E. Meland (2004) Body
art, health and identity development. Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen 124,
960-962.
2. Charnock, C. (2004) Tattooing dyes and pigments contaminated with
bacteria. Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen 124, 933-935.
3. Vasold R., N. Naarmann, H. Ulrich, D. Fischer, B. Konig, M.
Landthaler, and W. Baumler (2004) Tattoo pigments are cleaved by laser
light-the chemical analysis in vitro provide evidence for hazardous
compounds. Photochem. Photobiol. 80, 185-190.
4. Cui
Y., A. Spann, L. Couch, N. Gopee, F.
Evans, M. Churchwell, L. Williams,
D. Doerge and P. Howard (2004)
Photodecomposition of pigment yellow
74, a pigment used in tattoo inks.
Photochem. Photobiol 80, 175-184.
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5. Armstrong, M. L. (1991)
Career-oriented women with tattoos.
Image J. Nurs. Sch. 23, 215-220.
6. Kuczkowski, K. M. (2003)
Diagnostic tattoo in a parturient
with "ecstasy" use. Anaesthesia 58,
1251-1252.
7. Kuczkowski, K. M. (2004) Labour
analgesia in a parturient with
lumbar tattoo: A routine management?
Or not? Can. J. Anaesth. 51, 93.
8. Douglas, M. J. and J. E.
Swenerton (2002) Epidural anesthesia
in three parturients with lumbar
tattoos: a review of possible
implications. Can. J. Anaesth. 49,
1057-1060
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