NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Public Health team is reminding people across Ayrshire to know the risks when it comes to tattoos and body art.
The team is working with Environmental Health in East, North and South Ayrshire to highlight the risks associated with tattoos undertaken by people not trained and not licensed in the art.
Sally Amor, Public Health Consultant, explains: “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.”
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. These can be life changing infections.
A licensed tattoo artist will have had the appropriate training and have the necessary skills to reduce trauma to the skin that can increase the risk of infection. They will have clear hygiene policies to inform their work, including after care advice.
The legal age for getting a tattoo is 18 years. Those undertaking tattoos on a young person under the age of 18 are at risk of involvement with the police, as well as Environmental Health Teams.
Sally Amor adds: “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.”