If you are thinking of getting piercings or tattoos, that’s great! These are wonderful ways to express yourself uniquely and own your personal style.
However, it’s important to note there are risks associated with both, so you’ll want to keep a close watch for any symptoms you may experience after coming back from the piercing or tattoo parlor. 
The Risks Involved with Getting a Tattoo
When you get a tattoo, ink is inserted into the dermis. Tattoos do actually damage the skin. You’ll want to watch out for the following complications:
- Allergic reactions
- A skin infection
- Burning or swelling at the tattoo site
- Granulomas: Nodules of inflamed tissue
- Keloids: Overgrowth of scar tissue
- Bloodborne diseases: hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, and tetanus (Each one of these can be contracted from unsanitary needles)
It’s worth it to invest a solid amount of cash in a highly experienced tattoo artist if you’re going to go this route to avoid the risk of contracting these diseases and make sure you love the results: The images are permanent, after all.
The Risks Involved with Getting a Piercing
Piercings are another common way of adorning the body, but they too carry risks. Bacterial infection is a notable one.
Some people develop abscesses around the piercing. These are nasty puss-filled masses and are actually one of the most serious side effects one can get.
Sepsis (blood poisoning) can occur if these are left untreated. This is a life-threatening illness.
Other side effects include the following:
- High fever
- Chills
- Rapid heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Swelling around the piercing site
- Formation of a keloid around the piercing
- Bleeding caused by a damaged blood vessel
It’s worth mentioning that infections are more common when you get your tongue, lips, or nose pierced because these areas contain more bacteria than others.
Additionally, there are location-specific risks when it comes to piercing certain areas of your body:
- Tongue piercings can lead to damaged teeth and trouble speaking
- Your tongue may swell after you get it pierced, which could block your airway and lead to difficulty breathing
- Genital piercings can cause pain during urination and sex
If you have any of the following conditions, the risk of complications when getting a genital piercing increases:
- Diabetes
- Allergies (especially if you’ve had an anaphylactic reaction
- Skin disorders such as eczema or psoriasis
- A weak immune system
You’ll want to speak with your doctor before making a decision.
How to Minimize the Risks Involved with Tattoos and Piercings
We don’t mean to scare you by sharing all of the above information. It’s your body, and it’s important to express yourself however you please. That being said, we want you to be prepared and prioritize safety when you schedule an appointment.
Tips for Safe Tattooing
So, you’ve finally decided on the perfect image. Now it’s time to invest in an experienced tattoo artist and a highly-rated establishment. You’ll want to do the following:
- Spend the extra money on a well-rated tattoo parlor. Make sure the artist is a licensed expert in the industry, and the needles are clean!
- Make sure the tattoo artist uses a fresh pair of gloves
- Make sure your skin is swabbed with rubbing alcohol before it gets tattooed
- Fresh tattoos should always be covered with a sterile gauze or bandage, and you’ll want to adhere to the artist’s instructions pertaining to aftercare strictly
Taking these precautions will significantly minimize the risks that are associated with getting a tattoo.
Tips for Safe Piercings
If you have decided upon the perfect location for an ear piercing, or you’ve gone the more adventurous route and opted for a tongue piercing, you’ll want to take the following precautions:
- Make sure the piercing gun is only being used for earlobes
- Ensure that your piercer is washing their hands and putting on fresh a pair of disposable gloves
- Body piercings should be performed with a single-use needle, and each one should be disposed of after the procedure has taken place
- Every piece of jewelry should be sterilized before being inserted into the body
- The piercing equipment and surfaces should be wiped down after each customer
If you take the above precautions, you can significantly minimize the risk involved.
What Symptoms Should I watch Out For?
You’ll want to keep an eye out for the following symptoms:
- Swelling
- Fever chills
- Rapid breathing
- A rapid heart rate
- Keloids
- Bleeding
All of the above are signs that you should visit your primary healthcare provider immediately.
We hope you love your piercings and tattoos and don’t have to endure any symptoms, but we wanted to give you a fair warning just in case!
Talk to your doctor immediately if you have any concerns about your piercings or tattoos. Give us a call or visit us online to schedule an appointment.