Body Art Health and Safety Issues
From Karen L. Hudson, former About.com Guide
- Universal Precautions
- Common Unsafe Practices
- Body Art and Disease Risks
- Allergic Reactions and Healing Difficulties
Universal Precautions
Universal Precautions is the term used to describe the method required to keep people safe from blood borne pathogens and hazardous waste. Not all body art practitioners abide by Universal Precautions, so it becomes your responsibility to know what to look for and how to know if someone is following the safety standards or not.
- Glossary Definition - Cross Contamination
- Glossary Definition - Blood-Borne Pathogens
- Studio Safety Requirements
- The Importance of Spore Strip Testing
- Blood & Plasma Donation Eligibility
- Why You Should Be Concerned About Cross Contamination
- Do Disposable (One Time Use) Needles and Tubes Make a Tattoo or Piercing Safe?
- Why Artists Must Wear Protective Gloves
- Biohazardous Materials - Proper Disposal of Medical Waste
- What is an Autoclave Bag and Why is it Important?
- What is an Autoclave Sterilizer?
Common Unsafe Practices
Certain practices may be common, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are safe. This section will explore controversial issues that deserve a second thought.
Body Art and Disease Risks
Even though getting a professional tattoo or piercing is generally safe, nothing is completely without risk. And getting a non-professional tattoo or piercing is rife with safety hazards. Learn what dangers you could potentially be exposed to and how to protect yourself.
- MRSA and Body Modification - What are the Risks?
- Pre-Existing Diseases & Getting Modified
- Why Your Tattoo Artist Should be Vaccinated Against Hepatitis B
Allergic Reactions and Healing Difficulties
Even if a tattoo or piercing is performed with the utmost precautions, sometimes things can go wrong. You may experience a reaction to the ink, the jewelry, or a product used during aftercare. This section will help you troubleshoot those issues and found out how to handle them.