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Tattoo Trends: It's Not Just Sailors |
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Thursday, 31 January 2008 |
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The Dos and Don'ts of Tattoos continued... Don't: - Administer self-tattoos: Attempting to give yourself a tattoo is extremely dangerous and can lead to infections, serious health complications such as hepatitis C, and even death.
- Have a procedure in unsanitary conditions: Sterile equipment and supplies should always be used for tattoos. Look out for unacceptable conditions, such as the use of needles on more than one person and technicians who don't wear gloves.
- Let an infection go: If you suspect any problems, or experience considerable redness or soreness, see your doctor immediately -- it may signal an infection.
To care for a new tattoo, Armstrong offers this advice: - Keep the area clean with soap and water.
- Apply lotion to keep the area moist to prevent drying and scabbing.
- Avoid swimming for three to four weeks to keep the pigments from being "leached out."
- Avoid intense and repeated exposure to sunlight.
SOURCES: Myrna Armstrong, EdD, professor, School of Nursing, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Ariel Ostad, MD, assistant clinical professor, NYU School of Medicine. Jeffrey Dover, MD, board member, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Chestnut Hill, Mass. Heather Phelps, account executive, Boyd Tamney Cross Public Relations, Wayne, Pa. Emily Carlton, account executive, Hilary Kaye Associates, Tustin, Calif. American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Armstrong, M. Journal of School Nursing, February 2001; vol 17: No. 1. Darren Brass, Tattoo Artist, Miami Ink.
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