Health Body Modifications

History Body Modification has been around for centuries Tattoos have been found on mummies in Egypt Pierced lobes, noses or lips in African cultures Aboriginal painting for religious dancing Henna inking in India Shaping in example of Chinese foot binding or wearing of corsets Teflon implants in today’s society

Religious affiliations Why is it done? Social status Cultural belongings Needing to explore Show individualism To fit in Seek recognition Religious affiliations

Anatomy Terms Epidermis Melanocyte Basal Cells Dermis Subcutanious Layer

Tanning UV lights stimulate melanin production Over exposure to light causes skin cancer You may not show signs of it for many years Sunburns – damaged melanin cells need for blood flow to repair = red coloring Darker skin tones will be slower to affect because of greater melanin production

Tattoos A permanent mark made when ink is inserted into the dermis layer of the skin.

How they are applied? Electric tattoo machines work similar to sewing machines by rapidly puncture skin with an up - down motion

Removal Dermabrasion -- ‘sanded’ out Excision -- piece is cut out Laser -- breaks up tattoo pigment

Removal facts Anesthetic will be applied either topical or injection prior to removal Black is easiest to remove Multiple sessions are required Will cost more than the actual tattoo 1-10 sessions at $200 - $900 per session Hyperpigmentation & Hypopigmentation may occur

Possible risks Viral infections -- Hepatitis Local infections Allergic reactions Scarring

Henna Temporary version of a tattoo Usually applied on the hands & feet Paste is applied with a paint brush Risks: allergic reactions (especially black henna)

Piercing Acceptable form of body decoration Applied with a hollow point gun or needle Risks include Viral infections Local infections Abscess Allergic reactions Bleeding Rejection Dental damage

Care & Prevention Make sure all items have been cleaned prior to piercing Continue to clean wounds until the area is healed Some areas will heal faster than others if the stud is removed

Cutting & Burning Most commonly due to unhealthy coping mechanisms Peer pressure can also influence More common in females than males Risks include: infections, mutilation or death Scarification is a permanent body modification that uses scar tissue produced by the body to form designs, pictures, or words in the skin. Scars are formed by cutting or branding the skin.

Keloid Scar

Positive Modifications Tattooing for certain skin disorders vitiligo Laser Treatments scars Today Show – Berns triplets Teflon implants for facial injuries

Teflon Implants