Once you get over the initial nervousness about getting a tattoo, the process is typically smooth sailing.
The report also notes that in 2012, contaminated tattoo inks caused a multi-state outbreak of skin infections.
Naturally, this is not great for the tattoos themselves.
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Thats where tattoo artist diligence comes into playthough there are limitations, even for the most careful of pros.
Ben Shaw, public relations officer for theAlliance of Professional Tattooistsand an artist atArchetype Tattooin Albuquerque, echoes this.
On those tattoo ink bottles, we want to ensure that there’s a lot number.
There should always be an ingredient list with an accompanying safety data sheet, he adds.
We avoid buying any tattoo inks from third-party vendors like Amazon.
Shaw adds that you should feel free to ask your artist if they follow these protocols.
(Organizations like the American Red Crossoffer this.)
Infections can be cultured and need to be treated with prescription antibiotics and topical treatments, Dr. Camp explains.
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