Tattoos and Body Piercing: Safety Should be Your #1 Concern

Protect yourself from Hepatitis and HIV

So you're thinking of getting a tattoo or possibly some body piercings. Maybe some questions are running through your mind, such as:

The most important things to consider are the health risks and your safety. Consider the risk:

Getting a tattoo or body piercing with an unsterilized needle can
lead to serious infections -- including hepatitis B or C and HIV
(the virus that causes AIDS).

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by a hepatitis virus. There are several types of hepatitis infections. The three most common in the United States are Hepatitis A, B, and C.

Easy chart: ABCs of Hepatitis

Hepatitis B is a serious viral disease that attacks the liver. Approximately 2-10% of adults and 25-80% of children under the age of 5 will not be able to clear the virus in six months and are considered to be chronically infected.

Hepatitis B Vaccine Information  

 Hepatitis B Fact Sheet

 Hepatitis B cost

Hepatitis C also causes inflammation of the liver, with an estimated 80% of those infected developing chronic hepatitis. Many can develop cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), and some may also develop liver cancer. There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C.

Hepatitis C Fact Sheet

How to Protect Yourself from Infection

Only use a professional tattooist or piercer.

Make sure the tattooist or piercer sterilizes all equipment.

• If a tattooist or piercer is not willing to talk about sterilization and safety, do not let that person work on your body.
• Ask if the professional has an autoclave, a machine that sterilizes the equipment.
• Ask if the equipment is sterilized after each customer.

The tattooist or piercer should use a new, disposable needle for each customer.

• Ask the professional to open a new package in front of you.
• The professional should also wash hands and put on a new pair of latex gloves - in front of you.

Tattoo inks should not be shared or re-used

• Because blood can get into the ink and spread infections, a tattooist should use new ink in a disposable container for each customer.
• The leftover ink and container should be thrown out after each customer. A new disposable razor blade should be used to shave the area being tattooed.

Do not get pierced with a piercing gun

• Piercing guns should not be used for any type of body piercing.
• Body piercing should only be done with a new, sterilized needle. Only use new, sterilized, non-allergenic jewelry.
• Piercing some parts of the body is riskier than other parts. Make sure you know how to keep the area clean and free from infection.

Alcohol or other drugs can make it hard to stay safe

• Do not get a tattoo or piercing if you have been drinking alcohol or using drugs. It will be more difficult to make good decisions about your health and safety.
• Do not get a tattoo or piercing if the artist has been drinking or using drugs, either.

Free Hepatitis C testing
The Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health offers FREE Hepatitis C testing for

Free Hepatitis A & B vaccine
The Cerro Gordo County Department of Public Health offers FREE hepatitis A & B vaccine for:

Be aware of other risks

• Besides hepatitis and HIV, other risks include infection, scarring, allergic reactions to metals or inks. All of these risks are low if the tattooist or piercer sterilizes all equipment and you care for the wound while it heals.
• Ask your health care provider if you should receive a hepatitis B or tetanus vaccine before getting a tattoo or piercing.
• If you have a history of skin disease, skin cancer, hemophilia or diabetes, talk to a health care provider before getting a tattoo or body piercing.

Immunizations | TB Screening | STDs | HIV / AIDS | Flu / Pneumonia
Head Lice | Bloodborne Pathogen Education | Hepatitis | Lead Poisoning Prevention Tests
Tattoo and Body Piercing Safety | Immunization Clinic Hours

Communicable Diseases Summary: A Guide for Schools

If we can assist you in any way, please contact our Disease Prevention staff at (641) 421-9321.