Is your child asking for a tattoo? (Tattoo) Be sure to be aware of these health risks!

Nowadays, young children love to imitate their favorite actors, actresses, singers, or athletes. So, it has become very common for them to ask their parents for permission to get a tattoo or to get body piercings like their ears, nose, or tongue. Some call this 'self-expression', others say it's a fashion statement. However, we all need to be aware of the serious health risks behind this beautiful trend.

Is there something more dangerous than beauty hidden in a tattoo?

Yes. The short answer is, it's a serious disease called Hepatitis C. A recent medical study found that people with tattoos are nine times more likely to contract Hepatitis C than the general population.

Now, what is Hepatitis C? Simply put, it is a very dangerous virus that directly attacks the liver in our body. This virus is mainly transmitted through infected blood. If the needles used for tattooing are not properly sterilized, there is a high chance that a drop of infected blood from a previous tattooer will get on the needles and pass it on to the next person.

There is another serious side to this disease. About 75% of people infected with hepatitis C develop chronic liver disease over time. This can lead to cirrhosis , a condition in which the liver gradually hardens and shrinks , liver failure , and liver cancer at a young age. The most dangerous thing is that there are no symptoms in the early stages. You may not even know you have the disease for 10-15 years. By then, it may be too late.

Why is getting a tattoo so risky?

Getting a tattoo means piercing the skin hundreds of thousands of times with a single needle. Each of those punctures is like a portal for germs to enter the body. This can be a way to transmit not only hepatitis C, but also other serious diseases like HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) .

These are the reasons why getting a tattoo is especially risky .

Is ear and nose piercing the same?

In fact, the risk of hepatitis C is higher with tattoos than with other body piercings. The risk is slightly lower with tongue piercings, especially because the saliva in our mouths has natural germ-killing properties. However, that doesn't mean it's 100% safe. It's essential to use clean, sterilized equipment when piercing any part of the body.

Okay, so how do you choose a safe place?

If you say "no", children may be tempted to do it secretly. Therefore, it is best to educate the child and teach him to choose between good and bad. If for some reason he decides to get a tattoo, explain to the child that he must pay attention to these points to choose a safe place.

• Don't be afraid to ask questions: Ask the tattoo artist about their cleanliness and safety practices. Ask questions like, "How do you clean your equipment?" If they're hesitant to answer, it's probably not the right place.
• Check for an autoclave: This is the most important thing. An autoclave is a machine that uses high pressure and temperature to kill all bacteria and viruses, similar to how surgical instruments are sterilized in hospitals. Ask every customer if they clean the equipment afterwards.
• Ask about 'Spore Test' reports: This is a monthly test to make sure the autoclave is working properly. Ask to see those reports. If it's a good place, don't hesitate to show them.
• Check to see if new pens and ink are used: Make sure each person uses a new, sealed packet of pens. Also, make sure the ink is in small, single-use cups.
• Cleanliness: Pay attention to the personal cleanliness of the area and the tattoo artist. See if they wear gloves and keep their work area clean.

How do you talk to your child about this?

As parents , it is more important to talk openly with your child than to impose restrictions.

1. Speak up first: Instead of waiting for your child to ask, bring this up in the conversation, just like you would when talking about drugs and smoking. Start by saying, "Tattoos are really popular these days, aren't they? But do you know the risks?"

2. Explain about permanence: Explain that decisions made at a young age are not always right. Explain that since the body is still growing, a tattoo you get now could stretch and become unsightly in a few years.

3. Explain the reality of tattoo removal: Even though you may think, "It's okay, you can get it removed later," it's not easy. Laser surgery to remove tattoos is very painful , expensive , and always leaves scars . Explain that the scar may be even uglier than the tattoo.

4. Suggest alternatives: Talk about temporary options. There are rub-on tattoos that are applied to the skin. You can also use henna . However, be especially careful about "black henna." It is a hair dye that is really bad for the skin and can cause severe allergic reactions.

Shall we get some help from the doctor?

If your child does not accept any of these, the best solution is to take him or her to your family doctor or a dermatologist .

Because when parents say, "This is not good," children think it's their opinion, or that they "don't understand our fashion." But when an outsider, an expert like a doctor, explains the medical risks, the damage to the liver, and the reality of the scars left after tattoo removal, it hits home for the child. They're much more likely to accept that advice.

Tattoo, Tattooing, Hepatitis C, Teen Health, Skin Diseases, Infections, Parenting Advice