Tattoos and piercings are a common form of self-expression for many Americans, especially college students. A study conducted by Pew Research Center in 2023 reported that 38% of women in the US have at least one tattoo, and 27% of men have at least one as well; 10% of individuals between the ages of 18-29 have at least one tattoo, but 31% have more than one tattoo.
While piercings are typically used as a form of self-expression, tattoos can have multiple meanings. The Pew Research study also reported that 32% of people got at least one tattoo to improve their appearance, just under half said they got a tattoo as a statement of their personal beliefs, and the majority, 69%, got a tattoo to remember/honor someone or something. Whether you already have a tattoo or piercing or are considering getting one, there are important steps you need to take before and after you book the appointment.
Firstly, avoid doing your own tattoos and piercings. While stick and poke kits, tattoo guns, and piercing needles are cheaper on Amazon, that does not mean they will turn out good. Stick and poke tattoos are traditionally done by using a needle and any kind of ink: pen, craft store India ink, or low-quality tattoo ink from Amazon. With stick and pokes, there are numerous risks. According to a 2017 Vice interview with Dr. Cameron Rokhsar, a dermatology professor at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, the first risk is an unclean needle, which can lead to a staph infection. Staph infections can appear surface level with cellulitis- a red, swollen area of skin that feels tender and hot, but staph infections can get serious and potentially spread through your bloodstream. Share that needle, and you’re running the risk of being exposed to a myriad of communicable diseases: Hepatitis B and C, tetanus (if the needle is rusty), and even HIV. Yikes.
And bacterial infections aren’t just a side effect of shoddy dorm room stick and pokes– an unsanitary tattoo parlor can lead to you contracting an infection. Remember that tattoos and piercings are open wounds in your skin. If you’re not in a sanitary environment with sanitary equipment, infections are fair game.
When it comes to piercings, it’s important to go to a piercer who uses a needle, not a piercing gun. Piercing guns cause blunt force trauma to the ear and can lead to keloids, or scar tissue overgrowth. Piercing with a needle is also more sanitary and heals faster.
The takeaway here? When it comes to body modification, go to a professional to avoid infections or improper healing. When it comes to choosing a professional, make sure they’re hygienic as well as a licensed professional. Express yourself, but do it safely.
