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Tattooing is safe if proper sterilization and infection control
standards are practiced. Basically, this means anything that
comes in contact with blood / body fluids must either be
disposed of (single - use) or sterilized. However,
there are some serious health concerns. Needles and
other equipment used for tattoos or body piercing
that are not sterilized or disinfected, or are used
inappropriately among clients, increase the risk for
transmitting infectious diseases such as hepatitis,
tetanus, and even HIV (the virus that causes AIDS).
Researchers say the infection can be passed through
the reuse of needles or dye and poor sterilization
practices and techniques, such as when a tattoo
artist pricks the back of his hand with a needle
to determine if it's sharp enough. Scarring, swelling,
infections, discharges, skin thickening, allergic reactions,
and other complications may occur if procedures are done
incorrectly or the skin is not cared for properly.
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