1. Tattoos & Piercing
November 2015

2. Health Info prepared by Public Health November 2015

3. Are you thinking about getting a tattoo or piercing?

4. Before you take the plunge, be aware of the risks!
Piercing and tattooing break your skin and make you vulnerable to skin infections, HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and more.
Piercing can lead to nerve damage, causing numbness or loss of feeling.
The ink and jewelry used can cause allergic reactions in some people.

5. What to look for in a good studio:
The studio is clean;
You’ve heard good things about the place;
The studio uses only new, sterilized needles;
The tattooist/piercer wears new gloves for each person;
The ink and ink containers have never been used;    
The razors are new and thrown away after use.

6. What to look in a good studio:
Piercing guns are not used for body piercing;
A sharps container is available;
The studio has a spore test certificate.

7. Advice
Piercing and tattooing should never be done at home. See a professional.
If you’re not really sure, take some time to think about it, as tattoos are permanent and piercings may leave permanent scars.

8. It’s time to get moving !!

9. One last thing…
Many young people use piercing and tattooing to express their personal style…Make sure that you’re well informed before making this decision.