Sally Amor, Public Health Consultant, explained: “Tattoos have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly so for young people.
“However, there are risks associated with getting a tattoo. These increase when the person undertaking the tattoo has not been trained and is not licensed.”
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Decorative tattoos involve the use of pigments or dyes being injected into the skin. This can result in allergic reactions, causing redness, itching and swelling. It can also increase the risk of developing a skin infection. This can be local to the site of the tattoo, but can also extend to cause swollen glands and physical ill health.
The use of unclean or shared needles also increases the risk of developing a blood borne virus.
Sally Amor added: “We know that some people – particularly young people – might not be fully aware of the risk of infection before getting a tattoo.
“So, if you are considering a tattoo, know the risks and do your homework. Make sure you go to a trained and licensed tattoo artist to ensure a safe and positive experience of getting a tattoo.”