Consumer Reports: Safer Tattoos

September 26, 2012 -- More than one in five adults in the U.S. has a tattoo. Celebrities like Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp have lots of them, but recent outbreaks of tattoo-related infections are cause for concern.

Consumer Reports' medical experts have important safety advice.

<p David Beckham boldly flaunts his tattoos in an H&M commercial, and fan websites for celebrities like Justin Bieber and Rihanna are totally devoted to the singers' tattoos and what they mean.

<p Big or small, tattoos are now mainstream.

<p "These days everybody comes in to get tattooed. I tattooed a hedge fund manager a while ago," said Daredevil Tattoos' Michelle Myles.

<p But getting a tattoo does pose health risks. The Centers for Disease Control recently issued a report on tattoo-related skin infections in several states caused by contaminated ink.

<p Consumer Reports' Medical Adviser Dr. Orly Avitzur says concerns go beyond skin infections.

<p "In many areas tattoo shops are completely unregulated so infection prevention practices can vary, that creates a risk for HIV and hepatitis," Dr. Avitzur said.

<p But there are ways you can reduce your risks.

<p "I'm surprised by how many patients tell me they were intoxicated when they got their tattoos. So it's important to keep a clear head. Never drink before you ink," said Dr. Avitzur.

<p And Katy Perry's "The One That Got Away" video showcases another don't: homemade tattoos. Instead, find an experienced tattoo artist. And check that the artist uses individually packaged single-use kits with disposable needles and tubes and wears sterile, disposable gloves.

<p And remember, tattoos aren't easily removed.

<p "You don't want to be stuck with something that's really ugly or that down the line you're going to regret," said Myles.

<p Consumer Reports says be aware there are no standard regulations for training or licensing tattoo artists. And it advises if you see any sign of a rash or infection, consult a doctor.

All Consumer Reports Material Copyright 2008. Consumers Union of U.S. Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Consumer Reports is a not for profit organization which accepts no advertising. It has no commercial relationship with any advertiser or sponsor on this site. For more information visit consumerreports.org.

Get more Consumer »

consumer

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•