Since a long time, people have loved getting piercings and tattoos on their bodies. Both these forms of body modification can be seen on roughly 30-40 percent of the country’s population. There are certain risks associated with tattooing and piercing. It is critical for a person to fully understand the procedure, the after-care, and the issues involved before opting for any type of piercing or tattoo. Read on to know more about piercings & tattooing.

Piercing is a popular kind of body modification. It involves making a hole in the body. The piercing professional then inserts jewellery inside the hole. To create a tattoo, a tattoo artist injects ink with the help of a needle into the dermis, a layer of the skin. This changes the color of the skin and may be used to create any image as per your preference.

The side effects of piercings and tattoos
Tattoos and piercings are a common way for people to express themselves through their bodies. But these types of modifications can have side effects like:

• An infection of the skin, such as cutaneous TB or staph
• Granulomas annulare, or inflammatory tissue nodules, near the tattoo
• Keloids
• Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and tetanus are examples of bloodborne illnesses (they can be contracted via contaminated, unsanitary equipment).

Types of tattoos and piercings
One can get numerous tattoos and piercings done. Some common types of tattoo designs include minimalist tattoos, hand-poked tattoos, floral tattoos, line art tattoos, among many others. When it comes to piercings, one can get these body parts pierced — ear, nose, eyebrows, lips, tongue, and others.

Tips for a safe piercing and tattooing experience
Here are some tips to follow to ensure you have a safe experience:

• Visit trustworthy and licensed piercing and tattooing services to get inked or pierced. Your local health department should provide information about the most recent safety legislation regarding tattoos. This criteria can differ in each state.
• If the tattoo studio shows signs of inadequate hygiene, pick another location. Professional artists must ensure that the work areas, chairs, and non-disposable equipment remain clean and sterilized.
• Ensure your artist washes their hands and wears clean gloves before beginning the job.
• It is important to watch your artist take needles out of a brand-new, sealed container. Keep in mind that razors and needles shouldn’t be used again.
• Before getting a tattoo, the skin region should be cleaned with a disinfectant.
• It is advisable to cover brand-new tattoos with sterile gauze or a bandage. Ask the artist for advice on taking care of freshly tattooed skin.
• When it comes to piercing, only the earlobes should be pierced with a piercing gun. Your artist should use a hollow needle on other body parts to prevent damaging delicate tissues.
• Artists should cleanse their hands thoroughly before wearing new disposable medical gloves.
• Body piercings should be done with single-use needles.
• Before being placed via the body, all pieces of jewelry should be disinfected.
• After each client, piercing tools and surfaces should be cleaned and sanitized.

Aftercare for piercings and tattoos
Following the right aftercare procedures will reduce the risk of infection and any problems:

Tattoos

• The top layer of your skin may take up to two weeks to recover. By handling the tattoo sparingly as it heals, you can lower the risk of infection.
• Keep it bandaged only during the initial 1 to 2 hours after getting a fresh tattoo. After removing the bandage, spread antibiotic cream across the tattoo.
• Clean the area gently with water and a mild soap, then pat it dry.
• On freshly tattooed skin, reapply a gentle, unscented moisturizer throughout the day.
• For the first couple of weeks, it’s advisable to stay out of the sun.

Body piercing

• Carefully use a saltwater solution to clean fresh piercings. Apply clean gauze to the fresh piercing after soaking it in the solution.
• Cleaning of piercings should be done twice daily. The healing process might be slowed down by overcleaning the skin.
• Before touching or cleaning piercings, wash your hands with warm water and antibacterial soap.

If you’re unhappy with the way your tattoo has turned out, you can get it removed. Tattoo or piercing removal can be done through laser technology or by professionals. This will differ depending on the size of the tattoo and the piercing area. In some instances, multiple sessions of laser removal might be required.