AIDS Bow Valley

Prevention · Education · Support · Referrals

Serving the mountain communities of Banff, Canmore, Kananaskis
Lake Louise, Exshaw and Morley

Home

Free
condoms
are
available
at the
following
locations:

AIDS Bow
Valley

The
Living
Room

The
Banff
YWCA

The Banff
Centre

Lube and
dental dams
are also
available at the
AIDS Bow Valley
office
302 Buffalo St.

TATTOOING AND PIERCING

Are you thinking about getting a tattoo or body piercing?
THINK SAFER BODY ART.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?
Many have been pierced or tattooed without the thought of the possible health risks involved. There are many myths surrounding body art, such as "there are absolutely no health risks," "everybody in the industry uses universal precautions" and "it won't happen to me."

The fact is that there are health risks, but there are ways in which you can protect yourself. If tattooing and body piercing is done by professionals who use procedures that protect their customers from infections, it can be perfectly safe. Not all shops use proper precautions, however, which puts their clients at risk for infections like Hepatitis and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).

Blood diseases are a real possibility. The Hepatitis virus can survive a long time in open air. HIV is not as strong, but it is possible to be infected through unsafe body art practices.

The main risks lie in re-used needles, re-used ink, used jewelry, piercing guns and a dirty shop. It is always good to get a referral from someone you trust when choosing a body artist. It’s important to go and visit several shops, asking the right questions. Ask what precautions the artist takes to protect customers from infections.

ARE YOU READY?
Things to think about:

Are you sure you want body art? Tattoos are permanent - think about your choice in 20 years, will you like it then.
What will the body art look like and where will it go on the body? It should say something about YOU (not someone else.
Tattooing doesn't tickle. Make sure you can handle the discomfort until it is finished (often 45 minutes or longer).
Choose your artist and shop carefully. See the lists below.
Make sure you know of nay severe skin allergies you may have, and be sure your skin is clear of cuts and rashes.

CHOOSE AN ARTIST
When you're ready to pick an artist, think about the following:

It's tempting to save money and let a relative or a friend at a party give you a tattoo or piercing. However, amateurs, also called "Scratchers," rarely take full precautions, have complete sterilized area, or have the proper equipment. Go to a professional.
Try to get a referral from a trusted friend.
Next, try the "Yellow Pages" or listings from local magazines. Make a list of the artists you want to check out.
Visit several shops. Check out the shop inspection list below.
Your first concern should be safety/precautions/cleanliness; your second concern should be creative talents of the artist. With attention to detail, you could have spectacular results.
Talk to the artist. Tattooing and body piercing is very personal work, so you should feel comfortable with them.

SHOP INSPECTION
When you're checking out shops, check out the following:

Sterilizing Machine (called an Autoclave). Soaking equipment in chemicals isn't good enough. Equipment includes stud guns or punches, jewelry, wires, even guitar strings.
Packaged, sterilized new needles and tubes
Disposable razors and blades for shaving tattoo area.
Puncture-resistant "Sharps" container.
Fresh ink dispensers and disposable "ink caps".
Appropriate hand-washing and clean up sinks.
Evidence of health board approval and a business license.
Clean rooms (no animals, drugs, alcohol).
Artist's portfolio (these are pictures of work that they have done on others). All good artists will have a portfolio.
Disposable rubber gloves for the artist.
Labeled disinfecting spray bottles for sanitizing surfaces.

BODY ART CARE
It's extremely important that you take good care of your tattoo or piercing once you leave the shop. Here are a few suggestions:

keep the tattoo/piercing area clean. (don't use peroxide or alcohol).
avoid swimming pools and hot tubs for at least one week.
do not pick scabs which many form.
avoid prolonged exposure to the sun for at least a month
in case of an infection or allergic reaction to the ink or jewelry, visit your doctor, return to the artist, and if necessary, report to your local health authority.

A good body artist will provide you with a printed list of things you must do to prevent infections. Make sure you ask for that list and they they explain it to you before you leave.

UNSAFE ARTISTS
Amateur (unsafe) body artists may take some of the following risks:

re-using needles. That's like sharing IV drug syringes with strangers. Ask to watch your artist open your brand new, packaged, sterilized needle.
re-using ink - a virus can survive for some time in ink. Fresh ink should be used for your tattoo. Ask to see you ink poured into new, disposable "caps".
used jewelry - it is recommended that brand new sterile surgical steel jewelry be used for your piercings.
piercing guns - these should be used only for your ear. Needles should be used for all other piercings.
dirty shop - if the shop surfaces look dirty, there is the chance of acquiring a variety of bacterial infections. It could also be sign of more serious unsafe practices.

LAST WORDS:

- Don't be afraid to ask about these safety issues. Good artists will know the reasons for asking and will respect that. One artist in Toronto ("Big Al") asked me to open the sealed needle and pass it to him. He also made me aware of all the other safety features of his shop.

- Don't be afraid to find a another shop. Choose your shop and artist carefully. If you have any concerns, walk away.

- If you feel you've been exposed to HIV or Hepatitis through unsafe body art, you should get tested!!