Tattoos and Body Piercing: Self-Expression or Self-Mutilation?
Tattooing, or tatting as it’s commonly known, and its close cousin body piercing are some of the newest – and dangerous — forms of self-expression. They are hardly really new, however. These forms
of body art and embellishment have existed for thousands of years. The word tattoo comes from the Tahitian term “tattau,” which means “to strike.” Marks made on the body had significance for current life and the afterlife — marking pregnancy to protect women during the birth process, marking concubines or prostitutes, marking royalty found on women in elite burial sites, or marking ownership on slaves. Inks were made from soot or vegetable pigments and were usually in dark colors, though in some cultures iridescent yellows and blues were also used.
For modern day enthusiasts, tattoos often symbolize uniqueness, bonds with others, and artistic individuality. Tattoos once hidden from the public eye are creeping out of the confines of clothing to the neck and face, even becoming permanent make-up on the eyes and lips.
Tattooing Risks and Costs
The risks that go along with tattooing, however, are many, and primarily come from the introduction of unknown chemicals, or inks, into the skin with a needle. First off, the risk of infection with hepatitis C and tetanus from tattooing is very high. Also, many inks include metallic and iron pigments that can lead to burns during x-ray and MRI procedures. Most often people are unaware of this risk. Other tattoo pigments used in permanent makeup on the face can contain plastics, latex, plant extracts, or even azo pigments meant for car paints. All can lead to allergic reactions.
One of my acquaintances, a self-described “tattoo addict,” said she was amazed at how costly and painful it has been to have them removed. “Five times as expensive as having them put on,” she said. She was also surprised at how restrictive the removal is; she must stay out of the sun and limit her exercise.
Only 38 states have enacted laws to regulate the tattoo industry and only 28 states prohibit tattooing on minors without parental consent.
Body Piercing Risks and Complications
Body piercing has been an art form for centuries, often noting nobility, virility, and strength. Like tattoos, body piercings have been found in mummified bodies dating over 3,000 years.
Recently, the face has also become the focal point for piercings that were once reserved for the earlobes.
Studs, screws, captive rings, barbells, and nostril screws — some simple and some complicated to put on and off — can be risky from a health perspective, not only causing infection, but also leading to tracks and near impossible plastic surgery reconstruction. Common complications relating to piercings include pain, persistent bleeding, delayed healing, infection, keloid (raised, angry-looking scarring) formation, nipple and nose tumors, rejection or migration of jewelry into inaccessible parts of the body, structural defects (see middle photo above), superficial nerve involvement, allergic reactions, skin rashes, tooth damage, ear cartilage damage, infections of the heart, kidney infections, and even pelvic inflammatory disease.
Like tattooing, infection also can be spread through the process of putting in the piercing jewelry. HIV, hepatitis, and many other common infections can be contracted unless universal precautions and equipment sterilization are followed.
Lack of Awareness of How Body Modification Challenges Healthcare
From a physician’s perspective, piercings can cause considerable difficulty in treating patients in emergency situations. Jewelry can cause “artifact” or poor readings on radiologic studies and can interfere with electrocautery during surgery, leading to burns on the skin.
Patients with infections should be upfront with their physician if they think the tattoo or piercing needle or jewelry is causing the problem. For women undergoing epidural anesthesia during childbirth, the anesthesiologist may not want to insert the medicine catheter through a tattooed area because of the danger of inadvertently “pushing” some of the ink into the spinal canal.
The most troubling issue from a physician’s perspective is that of repair and reconstruction. Years of research, trials, and money are poured into the science of repair after accidents, distortion from cancer, or other medically necessary procedures. When we as physicians are challenged to repair and treat self-inflicted embellishment, we must ask the question, “Do people really understand what they are doing to their bodies?”
It behooves us all to take some time and not make impulsive decisions about permanent self-adornment. Consent should be obtained when the person having the tattoo or piercing is completely coherent, not when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Taking the time to understand the possible risks and side effects, both long term and short term, should be the norm, not the exception.
source:http://www.everydayhealth.com/columns/elizabeth-thompson-womens-wellness/tattoos-body-piercing-self-expression-self-mutilation/
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