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TEENS AND TATTOOS
More than anything, Lisa wants a tattoo. "It would look so cool,"
she tells her friend Yvette. "Besides, everyone else has one."
Yvette knows this isn't true. She also knows that tattoos can
carry serious health risks. Do you know what Yvette does? If not,
read on.
Skin Danger
Tattoos have increased in popularity
among teens and adults. Many go in for
these adornments because they see their
favorites
celebrities
wearing
them.
More and more tattoo shops are opening
up. Many advertise on the Internet.
What
tell
inks
Food
into
the tattoo industry often doesn't
you are the dangers. Some tattoo
contain color additives that are not approved by the U.S.
and Drug Administration (FDA) for contact with or injecting
the skin.
Playing the Odds?
If you want to get tattooed or pierced, you'd better face up to
the fact that your gambling with your health. Here are some of the
more serious risks:
INFECTION. A contaminated needle can transmit a number of serious
diseases. These include hepatitis B and C, syphilis, and even HIV,
the virus that causes AIDS. Note that infection can also occur if
the tattooed or pierced area is not cared for properly, especially
during the first week or so.
PROBLEMS WITH REMOVAL. If you
ever want to have the tattoo
removed-and you are likely toit's expensive. Insurance does
not cover it. It is also
painful and usually requires
several visits to the tattoo
shop. Scarring is common.
ALLERGIC REACTIONS. You won't
know you're allergic to the
inks in a tattoo until you
actually get one. You can even
develop a reaction to a tattoo
you've had for years. You can
also have an allergic reaction
to
the
metal
in
a
stud
piercing.
If none of these reasons are
enough to make you at least question the decision to get a tattoo
or piercing, then at least find out what the law is in your state.
In many states, it's illegal for teens to get a tattoo without a
parent or adult guardian's permission.