Overview

Tattoos have become a form of self-identity, expression, culture and beliefs all around the world. The trend of getting inked among young people is evident globally. They are more common now than ever; however, the risks that come with it are also becoming common. Feeling minor inflammation, rash, or pain is common and usually gets better within a few days.¹ However, if the signs still persist, it can be because of infection, and medical advice should be considered. It is utmost important to get inked by a renowned artist in a professional setting that has experience in order to reduce the chances of getting an infection. Various symptoms of infection include swelling, redness, pain and rash around the tattoo area. The most common infection includes bacterial infection, i.e., pyogenic bacteria, such as Staphylococcus and can lead to life-threatening diseases, such as HIV, hepatitis, and warts if not treated in time.² Although some infections are easily treated with antibiotics and with precautions such as keeping the tattoo out of reach of sunlight, using appropriate creams and gels around the tattoo and avoiding contact with water for the next few days.

Role of hygiene

• Most importantly, while and after getting inked, is to maintain good hygiene and care. While tattooing ink and needles can lead to serious infections. There are multiple risks that come with getting a tattoo. Some of these risks are³-Inflammation around the tattoo area, which is usually termed as granuloma, and this inflammation can also lead to bumps or raised areas around the tattoo, which are called Keloids
• A contaminated ink or needle, which is not sterilised and is still used for tattooing, can cause major skin infection. This usually happens when the tattoo studio and the artist do not follow the correct safety and hygiene steps
• Some diseases, such as hepatitis B and C, are also significant risks if the needle used is not cleaned or changed, and the same ink is used on other parts of the body. This spreads the disease through the blood. Some people get the hepatitis B vaccine before getting a tattoo to lower the risk of getting hepatitis B¹
• For individuals with extremely sensitive skin, getting a tattoo can trigger allergic reactions, including rashes and redness. It also depends on whether you are getting a colour tattoo, as coloured inks are more prominent in causing allergic reactions.

However, these risks only occur when hygiene is not maintained, and hence, safety and precautionary steps should be followed not just during the making of a tattoo, but taking care of it later is just as important as the time getting inked. Some of these safety steps are:³

• It is imperative to get a tattoo from experienced and renowned artists who are properly trained and licensed. The hygiene and safety are most important for these artists and not just the tattoo
• Ensure that the artist uses a new needle and ink for every new person, and that the needle is clean, free from blood contamination, or if it is a reused needle. Sterilised equipment is used, including sterilisation of the chair, trays or any other containers used 
• It is crucial as a tattoo artist to autoclave the used equipment in order to kill all the bacteria before that equipment is used on someone else’s body 
• Wearing disposable gloves before making a tattoo is also a very important point in safety³
• Always make sure that your skin is cleaned, especially the area around the tattoo. However, direct hot water should be avoided on the tattoo, but cleaning it at least twice is important
• Exposure to the sun must be avoided in the initial days after getting a tattoo. Allow it to heal for next couple of days in order to prevent any skin disease or damage to skin
• Keep tattoos moisturised and wear clothes that do not stick to the tattoo or are in too much contact with it. Rubbing of the tattoo should be avoided until it is completely healed

Apart from these general health, safety, and hygiene steps, it also depends on where you are getting a tattoo, the size of the tattoo and sometimes even weather plays a crucial role in tattoo reactions on skin. It is always a better option to talk to the artist about your tattoo and what measures are to be taken. 

Summary

Love, as the craze for getting inked increases day by day, so does the rate of infections and skin diseases. Getting just tattooed does not finish the work, but with it comes lots of care and precautions. Hygiene plays the most crucial role in getting a successful tattoo, and not just that, but also taking care of it after that. It is essential for people to understand that it is not only artist's role to take safety, cleanliness precautions of sterilising, using new needles, etc, but your care also plays a very crucial step in avoiding any kind of skin disease or skin infection. Hence, it is essential to first read about things related to tattoos, the process, after effects, and precautions before getting inked. It is crucial to understand your own body if it is ready to get inked, and only then proceed. Carelessness can sometimes lead to life-threatening diseases such as HIV and even skin cancer. So if any side effect continues for longer period of time than usual, or the rashes or redness is getting worse, medical help should be sought immediately. With every case, new information and guidelines are added to healthcare and safety. With the coming years, more treatments and precautions will be discovered, helping the youth to understand tattoos and then get inked freely.