Tattoos and piercings

Kathrin Rothfischer studied microbiology and genetics in Regensburg after an excursion into German studies. Presenting complex issues in an easily understandable way was her passion even then. That is why she turned this passion into a profession after graduating: After various positions in the medical specialist publishing house and in the public press, she finally found her journalistic home at

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Unlike a few years ago, tattoos and piercings rarely trigger horrified faces today. Decorating your body with it is almost normal. People want to emphasize their personality with the rings, plugs and skin patterns.

Before you get a piercing or a tattoo, you should inform yourself very carefully about the consequences and possible risks. If you get a tattoo on your face, neck or forearm, it can limit your career choices. This is often not welcome in a hotel or in a bank. Maybe in this case you will try a tattoo that is glued on and is easy to remove? Then you are satisfied and so is your boss.

Piercings - for example on the face (eyebrow, lip, nose) - are rather taboo in some professions, even if many bosses are very tolerant.

Risks

There are also some health risks. The sting initially creates open wounds through which pathogens can penetrate your body. A bacterial infection can occur. In the worst case, HI viruses or diseases such as hepatitis are transmitted. The studio and the instruments with which you are pricked must therefore be absolutely sterile. A piercing or a tattoo is even considered an operation from a legal point of view. If you are younger than 18, you will therefore need the consent of your parents.

Since piercing often involves pricking parts of the body that contain many nerves, the piercer must be really well trained. If certain nerve tracts are destroyed, this can lead to numbness or even paralysis. The material from which the plugs and rings are made can also be harmful. Cheap goods in particular often contain nickel or cobalt. These substances are poisonous and can cause allergic reactions. When tattooing, certain dyes or additives contained in the ink can cause severe allergies.

Wipe and away?

Removing a plug or ring is easy. Usually only a small scar remains afterwards. The removal of tattoos, on the other hand, is very time-consuming and expensive. Often it is also not possible to let the color disappear completely from the skin, so that the result is not very satisfactory despite all the efforts.

Who does not?

In the case of congenital heart defects or operated heart valves, piercing or tattooing can lead to inflammation. People with immune deficiencies or susceptibility to inflammation should also be careful. These include, for example, diabetics or people who regularly use cortisone. Even if you are taking certain medications, pricking is not recommended. If in doubt, it is best to ask a doctor whether a tattoo or piercing is an option for you.

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