Daring to Be Different: Teens, Tattoos and Body Piercings
In a quest to reach outside of the norm, many young men and women are finding their own originality by getting tattooed or pierced.
Whether they want to believe it or not, there are risks involved that young people should consider.
“The main health risk with both piercing and tattooing is an infection caused by dirty equipment,” says Laurie Hornberger, MD, Adolescent Medicine at Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the UMKC School of Medicine. “Localized skin infections do occur and are often the result of poor wound care after the procedure.”
Hepatitis and AIDS can be contracted through tattooing and, although rare, they are still a risk. An allergic reaction to the inks is another risk.
With piercing, an allergic reaction to jewelry is possible, but piercings are easier to remove than tattoos. Another concern associated with both processes is potential scarring. This may not be physically painful, but it can be disfiguring. Surprisingly, most piercings do not cause damage to the tissue being pierced (ears, noses, eyebrows, tongues), Dr. Hornberger says.
“Piercing and tattoos express one’s individuality,” says Dr. Hornberger. “There are many movie stars and music icons with tattoos or belly button rings. It is not always the kids who are on the outer limits who do these things.”
The following is a list of tips for parents:
- Find out why this is so important for your child or teenager. What is he hoping to achieve?
- Encourage a waiting period. Make him wait a while before jumping into the decision. This can help him decide whether or not he really wants to continue with the tattoo or piercing.
- Make sure the parlor requires parental consent for all children younger than 18.
- If your child decides to get a tattoo or piercing, make sure the parlor uses new, sterile needles.
In some cases with adolescents, the best you can do is try to help them make an informed decision and reduce the risks involved.
