Medical Tattoos

If you are considering getting a tattoo on you face, feet, or hands you are likely going to have a lot of difficulty finding a reputable artist to do the tattoo. Many tattoo studios have policies against doing tattoos on faces, feet, or hands and will many times turn down business like this due to possible complications.

The Moral Dilema that many tattoo artist face is that many naive and impetuous tattoo customers want tattoos in these areas, though the artist have knowledge that this could potentially cause much difficulty down the road for these individuals.  Most artist know that overly visible tattoos like facial and hand tattoos can cause the wearer to be made fun of and teased, and many times make it hard for them to keep and find employment. It is likely that not everyone will actually have the consumers best interest at heart, but a reputable artist who loves his craft and work is likely to inform and look out for his clients best interest. You should always remember that tattoos are permanent and not to be taken lightly, especially on highly visible areas like your face, feet, and hands. If you are emotionally secure enough and ok with the possible rejection of employers and others then proceed with a tattoos of this kind. It is understandable that people love art and creativity and thus they love awesome tattoos but we live in a world where many things are acceptable but not by everyone. Make an informed decision and ask yourself if you will be happy with the tattoo 5 years, 10 years, or 20 years from now, if not then don’t get the tattoo in a highly visible place.

Foot and Hand Tattoos are very hard to maintain as you are constantly using your hands and feet in daily activities and many times due to abrasion from socks and gloves can wear away even a healed tattoo. If you want a foot tattoo to truly heal properly then you have to be willing to go bearfoot for 3-4 months, which most can not do. However even if you are able to go bearfoot you need to keep in mind that your feet and hands being exposed to the sun can also destroy your tattoo. If you really want a foot or hand tattoo and are willing to baby your skin like you never have then feel free to get the tattoo. But if you do a job where you use your hands or feet a lot like a construction worker, dishwasher, or mechanic then it is not recommended to get this type tattoo as it will likely not heal well and you will be stuck with a highly visible mess that you will regret for a long time.

I would like you to keep in mind that Tattoos are permanent, and even if you like the design and area that you are looking to tattoo today. Remember that tattoos are forever, and most of us can not even stay with the person we love forever, so do you really want permanent art on your body?  If so enjoy and treasure your tattoo, if not then get a temporary tattoo they wash off but still look very cool.

Bookmark It

In the US the amount of Mercury used in tattoos is regulated to some extent, however overseas this is not the case.  Some of the most frequently encountered problems relating to tattoos are: infection, hypersensitivity, chronic viral infections, and some have contracted AIDs from dirty needles.

When you have an infection many times you will have redness, swelling, and pain. Sometimes the infection spreads and you can have redness and swelling even put in areas other than the tattooed  area in question. If the area effected continues to get worse and redness, puss, or warmth continue then infection is likely. For infections many times antibiotics like Keflex or Dicloxacillin are helpful in treating the infection if problem is not severe. If the infection is more severe then medical attention is advised.

Hypersensitivity is another problem and is more common with red dye, however some have allergic reactions to black and other dyes as well. Typically the reaction or problem is locally to the tattoo and you need to seek medical attention and they will give you Steroids  or another medication to overcome reaction. The Hypersensitivity or allergic reaction can take from two days to a year to be visible.  For mild rashes topical steroids or creams can be used, and for more severe rashes of difficult areas (lips, genital areas) oral steroids or perscription pills should be taken. Typically people with this problem should see a dermatologist, who commonly perscribe Prednisone or a simular medication.

Chronic viral infections including HIV/AIDs and Hepatitus are two of the biggest concerns of many who get tattoos. If you contract HIV/AIDS from a tattoo it is likely you will not know right away, however if you contract Acute HIV/AIDS it may seem as though you have a viral infection or flu. If you contract viral Hepatitus from a tattoo it may look as though you have Jaundice.  Although these conditions are likely to not appear immediately you should be ectremely careful and concerned about the likelyhood of contracting these conditions in places where Hepatitus and HIV/AIDS are common and needles are often not properly cleaned.

Tattoos are beautiful if done properly, and if they are done by a reputable establishment with the proper cleanliness and care to their equipment and needles. So you need not fear having a tatttoo, just make a wise choice and have your tattoo done by a reputable shop who is likely not only to do awesome tattoos but is also likely not to cause you unwanted medical problems.

Bookmark It