Thinking of having a tattoo? - Wrexham

Thinking of
having a tattoo?
The aim of this leaflet is to assist you to make
an informed and safe choice when planning
your tattoo.
What is a tattoo?
A tattoo is a marking that is made using a needle to inject ink into
the dermis beneath the skin. A tattoo is permanent; it is designed
to remain with you for the rest of your life.
It’s a big decision, are you 100% sure it’s what you want? Tattoo
removal is costly, can be painful, takes a long time and can leave
scarring.
DO NOT MAKE THE DECISION TO HAVE A TATTOO IF
UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS.
What does having a tattoo involve?
Ink is inserted into the second layer of the skin using an electric
tattoo machine. This machine drives needles into the skin at a rate
of up to 150 times per second. It’s a bit like how a sewing machine
operates.
Are there any risks?
Piercing skin with needles carries all sorts of risks of infection.
Infection can be introduced into the body if hygiene practices or
effectiveness of infection control measures followed by tattooists are
inadequate. Poor hygiene standards may mean that equipment is
not sterilised properly thereby posing a risk of transferring bacterial
or viral infections.
Does having a tattoo hurt?
Having a tattoo can be a painful experience as no anaesthetic
is used. However, most people can cope with the pain and an
experienced tattooist will know how deep to insert the needle.
Problems may occur with inexperienced tattooists who can push
the needle in too deep causing excessive pain and bleeding.
Where should I go to get one done?
Don’t rush into the first studio that you see or the one advertised
on a friend’s Social Media page. Look around a few studios
before you decide where to go and ask to see examples of their
work. Ask your friends who have already had a tattoo done. Are
they happy with it? Did they have any problems afterwards?
There have been growing concerns locally about illegal tattooists
(or ‘scratchers’) who set up unregistered businesses, quite often
from their home. Using illegal tattooists because it’s cheaper
may be tempting and their premises may look perfectly clean.
However, remember even if equipment looks clean it may not be
sterile. Illegal tattoos are often of a poor quality, more painful and
by having one done you are putting yourself at far greater risk of
infection and of contracting serious blood borne viruses including
Hepatitis (B or C) and HIV.
A premises that offers tattooing and individuals who provide
this service must be registered and inspected by their local
Council. They must display their registration certificate where their
customers can see it. If you are unsure if a tattooist is registered
then ask to see their certificate.
IF YOU USE AN UNREGISTERED TATTOOIST YOU MAY
BE RISKING YOUR HEALTH!
What should I expect at the tattoo studio?
A registered tattooist will:
• Explain the procedure and keep a record of your name,
address, type of tattoo and its location
• Go through a pre consultation questionnaire to establish that
you are fit enough for a tattoo. If you have a history of relevant
medical conditions such as epilepsy, psoriasis, allergic reaction
to previous tattoos, diabetes or you are pregnant, you are
advised to seek the advice of your GP.
• Wash their hands and put on a new pair of disposable gloves
before starting work
• Always ensure they use a new, prepacked needle. The needle
should be opened up in front of you. Never let a needle be
used on you that has been taken out of a liquid. Use of a dirty
needle carries a high risk of infection.
• Shave the tattoo site (if necessary) with a single use razor and
dispose of it in the yellow sharps box.
• Give clear instructions on how to look after your new tattoo.
TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS, IF YOU HAVE ANY
DOUBTS WALK AWAY.
Under 18?
In the UK it is a criminal offence to tattoo any person under the
age of 18. The tattooist would still be committing a criminal
offence if they were to tattoo someone under the age of 18,
even with parental consent. The Tattooist should always ask for
appropriate photo ID such as a driving licence or passport if there
is any doubt about age.
Aftercare
Once a tattoo or piercing has been carried out you should be told how
to look after it and be given an aftercare advice sheet. Remember:
• When looking after your new tattoo, ensure that your hands are
clean. Dirty hands can cause infection.
• A tattoo may sometimes form a small scab as part of the healing
process. Picking at the scab can introduce bacteria to the site
and also may reduce the colour intensity of the tattoo.
• Exposure to sunlight will cause the colour to fade faster. Do NOT
use a sunbed prior to having a tattoo or while the tattoo is healing.
Some people can have a mild allergic reaction to the ink used in
tattoos; it may feel itchy at times, especially when exposed to sunlight.
IMPORTANT - Be aware of the signs of infection
If your tattoo site becomes very red, swollen or painful, it may
indicate an allergic reaction (to latex gloves, ointment/cream or
the ink pigments) - But it could be an infection!
Infections can make you feel unwell and can cause blood
poisoning. If after having a tattoo you:
• have a high temperature
• feel unwell, or
• are at all worried about the tattoo being swollen or painful
You are advised to contact your GP or their out of hours service
immediately.
If you have been tattooed by anyone other than a
registered tattooist, please also contact your GP
for medical advice.
FURTHER ADVICE AND HELP
For further advice, to check whether a tattooist
is registered or if you have any doubts about a
tattooist contact:
Flintshire County Council Health and Safety Team:
Telephone (01352) 703381
or email healthandsafety@flintshire.gov.uk
or search ‘tattooing’ at www.flintshire.gov.uk
Wrexham County Borough Council Health and
Safety Team:
Telephone (01978) 298989
or email public_protection_service@wrexham.gov.uk
or search ‘tattooing’ at www.wrexham.gov.uk
Watch the video!
To view a video about the tattoo process, what to
look for and the risks visit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFLkmB5514M
WARNING! THIS VIDEO BY THE CHARTERED
INSTITUTE OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH IS NOT
FOR THE FAINT HEARTED.
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