Negative Impact of Tattoos

Tattoos have decorated bodies for centuries. From religious beliefs, to punishment, to adornment, tattoos have reflected personal stories for each of the bodies it marks. In the modern era, tattoos have become a form of art in which people use to express their individualities. Although one may consider marking their bodies as a positive form of self expression, tattoos can have lasting negative effects on one’s physical, social, and professional lives.

Physically, getting a tattoo involves many risks. Even with the technology available in the 21st century and advances made to improve safety, there are still many medical complications that can result after one gets a tattoo. Some risks are minor, while some are more serious than others. Infectious diseases can be life threatening, while non-infectious diseases can become mundane and bothersome. No matter how trivial the medical risk may be, one must take into consideration all medical side effects that can result from getting a tattoo.

There is verifiable evidence that viral infectious diseases can potentially be transmitted by tattooing, via the needle used to insert the dye. Hepatitis B and C, as well has HIV, are blood-borne diseases that have been linked to tattoos. These diseases can be transmitted through the needle used in the tattooing process, if it is not properly sterilized (The Mayo Clinic, 2008). Other diseases are bacterial and can have severe consequences on one’s health. Tetanus, Toxic Shock Syndrome, and Tuberculosis can be deadly if contracted. These diseases can also be spread through the tattoo needle, by bacteria on unsterilized needles (European Commission, Joint Research Center, 2003).

Aside from life threatening risks, there are also medical ailments that can result from getting a tattoo. Allergic reactions are often reported from the sensitivity to the ink used in the tattoo procedure. In addition, the European Commission (2003) states that skin

References: Armstrong, Myrna L., et al. (2008, July 21). Women More Likely Than Men to Remove Tattoos August 17, 2008 from http://independent.gmnews.com Business & Legal Reports Retrieved July 12, 2008, from http://hr.blr.com Business & Legal Reports Retrieved July 23, 2008, from http://hr.blr.com Cronin Jr., T Skin and Aging, 11(4), 48-52. Retrieved July 12, 2008, from http://www.skinandaging.com European Commission, Joint Research Center (2003) Tattoos, Body Piercing and Related Practices. Ispra, Italy. Retrieved July 23, 2008, from http://www.hawaii.edu Hawaii AIDS Education and Training Center and AIDS Education Project. (2008). Medical Complications of Tattoos. Retrieved July 12, 2008, from http://www.hawaii.edu Hawaii AIDS Education and Training Center and AIDS Education Project 2007 Vault Employee Tattoo and Body Piercing Survey. Retrieved July 23, 2008, from http://www.hawaii.edu The Mayo Clinic (2008, February 16). Tattoos: Risks and precautions to know first. Retrieved August 17, 2008, from http://www.mayoclinic.com