can getting a tattoo transmit any disease or infection from the needle?

Question

sorry, i never had tattoos but am thinking about it

Answer 1

This question opens up a lot. First of all, the needle seems to be the only focus of concern for the consumer as well as many artists. They feel if a new sterile needle is used and then discarded in a sharps container, they are out of the woods. Wrong. Much can and does get contaminated during a tattoo process so what I would be looking for is proof that the artist takes regular classes in bloodborne pathogens/infection control.

Hepatitis B and C are the biggies to be concerned with and there is immunization available against HBV but not C, contrary to some answers here. HIV is a very weak virus, and while there is potential for transmission, it is not generally seen with tattooing. MRSA is becoming a serious issue - these staph infections can be very problematic (look it up).

Tips for safety - ONLY go to a licensed tattoo studio with experienced artists that take regular classes. ONLY go to a studio that appears clean - if it looks dirty, it surely is. NEVER have a tattoo done in someone's home or go to a tattoo home party. Follow after care instructions completely - never let people touch your unhealed tattoo and don't listen to friends - only a PROFESSIONAL artist.

Answer 2

Professional tattoo artists use brand new sterile needles every time, so that there is no risk of the needles transmitting anything. They also use an auto clave to sterilize the tattoo gun and use plastic to protect the motor from comming in contact with blood.

If the needles are re-used then there is a risk of transmitting diseases like Hep C. (AIDS and HIV don't live for very long outside the body, so are less likely to be transmitted this way). If the needles are used on someone who has Hep C, then used on another person, it can be transmitted.

If the artist doesn't sterilize and disinfect the tools and area, bacterial infections can occur. Any time you break your skin, you run the risk of infection.

Ink is another way that disease can be spread. Professionals use little disposable ink caps, fill them with ink then throw out what's left over along with the cap. If someone were to use the same ink for multiple customers, disease could be spread as there would be some blood in the ink.

These are the reasons it's important to go to a professional. (that and you'll get better art!)

Answer 3

Oh, absolutely. It works the same way as sharing drug needles does.

That is why you should ALWAYS go to a clean, reputable shop that sterilizes all their equipment and opens a new needle for every client. NEVER let someone tattoo you out of their basement or something like that (unless of course they happen to have a licensed shop in their basement...).

But don't be scared to get one if you really want one. I have 8, and haven't had a problem with any of them. In fact, no one I know has ever gotten an infection from a dirty needle. My mom works at a dr's office, and she did have one patient who had an allergic reaction to the ink, and had to have her tattoo removed, but that is rare and has nothing to do with the cleanliness of the shop.

Answer 4

Yes. Tattooing can transmit any blood-borne disease, including hepatitis and HIV. That's why it's very important to get tattooed in a clean, licensed tattoo parlor with a good reputation. And, even so, watch the artist open new needles or sterilize yours in an autoclave.

If you haven't be vaccinated for Hepatitis B, do that first.

Answer 5

The tattoo artist should get a sterilized needle out of a new pack for every tattoo. If he doesn't, then get the hell out of there.

Answer 6

Yes it can. Hepatitis is one of the most common diseases that is transmitted due to dirty needles. Make sure you research and ask around to see who carries a good reputation.

Answer 7

Make sure you go to a well known tatoo shop, even if it is more expensive. Always make sure they open the packet containing the needle in front of you. If its a new, clean needle, then you shouldn't have any problems. The tatoo parlour should also have a sterilization machine where they clean their instruments.

Answer 8

Yes. Thats fact , infections, hiv +ve can transfer through needles. I am doing my MBBS final year . One of my senior in her house surgeon , she gave injection to one aids infected patient, accidentally, the needle got into her hand , she got aids. Now she is unfit to be a doctor. So only in all hospitals doctors use a fresh syringe and dispose it using once for us . So be carefull with needles. Get a new one for your purpose.

Answer 9

It very much can.... if the needle was used on someone else, under unhygienic conditions, you could contract any disease they had. and even if there's no disease on the needle, you'll bescrewing up your skin if the needle is not sterilized.

Answer 10

Yes if the needle is dirty or has been used before always make sure they use a new clean needle.