Reducing Exposure
Risks Associated with Tattooing
Tattooing carries risks of infection and bloodborne disease transmission as well as allergic reactions, prolonged bleeding, swelling, scarring and general discomfort. Existing medical conditions such as allergies, heart disease, diabetes, skin disorders or conditions that affect the immune system may increase the risk of complications from tattooing and body piercing.
If an artist is exposed to another person's blood, the artist should notify the shop owner and immediately seek medical attention. If treatment is needed, it is more likely to be effective if it begins soon after the exposure happens.
Other precautions specific to tattooing include:
- checking gloves for pinhole tears during tattooing, since petroleum-based ointment erodes latex
- pouring ink in advance, using clean tissue to open ink bottles during tattooing and preventing nozzles from touching contaminated surfaces
- patting tubes dry after rinsing during color changes -- never blowing excess water from them
- spraying liquid soap into a tissue, not directly onto bleeding area, since blood can become airborne when the spray hits it
- giving pens used for drawing on the skin, which should be medical grade and sterile, to the client
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-1. Which precaution is specific to tattooing?
You forgot to answer the question!