Getting A Tattoo? Here Are the Things to Know Before Getting Inked

Posted on: May 17, 2023 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

Getting A Tattoo? Here Are the Things to Know Before Getting Inked

Tattoos have been a form of self-expression, cultural identification, and personal adornment for several centuries. People get tattoos for various reasons, including to mark important milestones, honour loved ones, express their identity or beliefs, or simply for aesthetic reasons. But they also come with certain risks that you need to be aware of before getting inked. From allergic reactions to skin infections, it’s important to understand what you’re getting into and how to protect yourself. Let’s discuss the potential health risks of tattoos, the dangers of tattoos, what you need to do before getting one, and how your health insurance plan can come to your aid if anything goes wrong.

1. What are the risks involved in getting a tattoo?

Tattooing is done without anaesthesia, causing some pain and bleeding, which is normal. However, there are some health risks of tattoos, which one should be aware of:

• Allergies:

Tattooing can cause allergic reactions in some people due to the chemicals or metals in tattoo ink, especially in coloured dyes. Some symptoms are hives, itchiness, rash, and swelling, which can occur even years after getting tattooed.

• Risk of skin cancer:

Although rare, getting a tattoo may cause skin cancer as some of the colours or pigments may be carcinogenic or contain components like azo used in car paints.

• Risk of HIV/AIDS:

Before getting inked, it’s extremely important to ensure the needles are sterilised. Using non-sterilised or contaminated needles increases the risk of contracting blood-borne diseases like HIV and Hepatitis B & C.

• Skin infections:

There is a risk of skin infection immediately or within the first two weeks of getting inked when the skin is healing. Symptoms include swelling, pain, redness, itching, or rash. In extreme cases, it can lead to fever, sores, or pus around the tattoo site. Skin infection can also occur if non-sterile water is mixed with the ink before injecting into the body.

• Complications during MRI:

In rare cases, patients undergoing MRI procedures may experience a burning sensation, itchiness, or swelling at the tattoo site. This could be due to low-quality pigments or chemicals like iron oxide in tattoo pigments. The pigments may also interfere with the image quality.

2. Here’s all you need to know before getting a tattoo

After deciding to get a tattoo, here are certain things that you should know about body art before getting inked:

• Tattoos hurt and bleed:

There is moderate to significant pain and some bleeding during the procedure. You might think it is just a pinprick, but it could be more than that. And also, the pain is more in some areas of the body.

• Tattoos are expensive:

The cost of tattooing depends on the artist, the type of ink used, the size of the tattoo, the area to be inked, etc. Don’t compromise with the cost; a good and reputable artist will be expensive.

• Tattoos need touch-ups:

The colour tends to fade after a few months of getting the tattoo. So, you may need some touch-ups to stabilise the colour density.

• Aftercare is important:

Post-tattoo care is crucial to avoid skin infections or other complications. Follow the advice of the artist till the area is completely healed.

• Spell correctly:

Make sure the spellings tattooed are correct, as you cannot correct it later after it’s done.

3. Things to do before getting a tattoo

Once you decide to get inked despite the health risks, remember these tips before getting a tattoo to avoid any complications:

• If you are prone to skin allergies or have any pre-existing diseases, discuss them with your doctor before getting a tattoo. If your diabetes is not under control, the healing process can take longer.

• Choose a reputable, licensed studio that follows hygiene and equipment safety precautions like using sterilised needles, good quality pigments, proper disposal of needles, etc. Ensure the tattoo artist washes his/her hands and uses a new pair of gloves before the procedure.

• Avoid caffeine or alcohol 24 hours prior to the procedure. Since these substances are said to be blood thinners, there can be excessive bleeding during the process.

• On the day of getting the tattoo, drink plenty of water and have a proper meal to avoid hunger pangs, dizziness, or fainting during the procedure.

• Have a proper sleep the night before you get the tattoo.

• Wear loose and comfortable clothes as you may have to sit in the same position for a long time.

• Avoid taking blood thinners at least 24 to 48 hours prior to getting inked, as it can lead to excessive bleeding.

4. General aftercare advice to prevent skin infections

Now that you have got the tattoo of your choice inked on your body, remember aftercare is equally important. So, let’s take a look at some aftercare tips to prevent skin infections and other dangers of tattoos:

• A fresh tattoo is an open wound. So, before you reach home, keep the tattoo covered with bandages to avoid infection. After removing the bandage, wash the area with water and anti-bacterial soap and pat dry with a clean cloth. Do not rub.

• Moisturise the area with the prescribed cream, lotion, petroleum jelly or oil as directed by the tattoo artist.

• Keep the tattoo area clean with soap and water. Do not soak it in water. Also, avoid swimming pools, bathtubs, and jacuzzi for a few weeks while it is healing.

• Avoid exposure to the sun for at least a few weeks.

• Avoid tight clothes for a few weeks, and make sure the clothes are not rubbing against the area.

5. Buy Your Health Insurance Policy Today

It’s crucial to have a health insurance plan before getting a tattoo. The best health insurance in India can cover the costs of any medical treatment or hospitalisation if you experience complications related to your tattoo. Without insurance, you might end up paying out-of-pocket medical expenses, which can be very costly. However, check the terms and conditions before buying health insurance to ensure that any tattooing-related ailment is covered. Aside from protecting against tattoo-related health risks, health insurance can also cover the costs of medical treatments for a wide range of other health conditions and emergencies.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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