Is Tattooing Safe?
Tattooing is safe if proper sterilization and infection control standards are practiced. Basically, this means anything that comes in contact with blood / body fluids must either be disposed of (single - use) or sterilized. However, there are some serious health concerns. Needles and other equipment used for tattoos or body piercing that are not sterilized or disinfected, or are used inappropriately among clients, increase the risk for transmitting infectious
diseases. Researchers say the infection can be passed through the reuse of needles or dye and poor sterilization practices and techniques, such as when a tattoo artist pricks the back of his hand with a needle to determine if it's sharp enough. Scarring, swelling, infections, discharges, skin thickening, allergic reactions, and other complications may occur if procedures are done incorrectly or the skin is not cared for properly.
Precautions to be taken
Check if the tattoo parlour uses disposable needles.
Check if the tattoo parlour is clean.
Check if the tattoo parlour uses disposable inks.
Never tattoo yourself or allow your friends to do it. Deal only with experienced parlours.
Ask what procedures are used to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Tattoo artists should wear surgical gloves to help maintain a germ-free environment near your skin.
Ask how needles and inks are used. Needles and ink used on one person must never be used on another. Reputed and experienced tattoo parlours will always use new needles. But still it is safe to verify.
Make sure that the artist unwraps the needle in front of you.
Every ink used in your tattoo should be poured into a small cup specifically for your tattoo. Any leftover ink should be thrown away after your tattoo is finished.