Skip to content

Patient Education

Heart Health Library

Our Health Library does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their heart health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Tattoo and Piercing Safety

Overview

If you are thinking about having a tattoo or body piercing, go to a reputable studio. Look for or ask about the following:

  • Is it clean?
    • The entire studio, including the bathroom, should be clean.
  • Do the tattoo or piercing artists follow these steps to prevent infection?
    • Wash their hands before putting on new, disposable gloves.
    • Clean the client's skin properly with iodine or alcohol before the procedure.
    • For tattoos, they use sterile equipment, new needles, and disposable single-use ink cups for each tattoo. And they use sterile water to dilute ink or rinse needles during tattooing.
    • For body piercing, they use sterile needles that are only used once.
  • What type of training does the person doing the tattooing or piercing have?
  • Is a piercing gun used to do the procedure?
    • Do not have any kind of piercing done with a piercing gun. These instruments increase your risk of infection because they cannot be sterilized between procedures.

  • What kind of jewelry is used for the piercing?
    • For a new piercing, use nonallergenic jewelry made of material such as surgical steel, gold, or titanium.
    • Do not use nickel or brass-plated jewelry.
    • Choose jewelry that has not been used or worn or that has been sterilized.

Credits

Current as of: November 16, 2023

Author: Healthwise Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Heart Topics

Browse our library of medical conditions and treatments

Heart Topics | Heart and Circulation | Heart Conditions

Symptom Checker

A body map to help you find and learn more about your symptoms.

Symptom Checker

Medical Tests

Learn more about your diagnostic exam.

Medical Tests

Medications

Get important information regarding your medications

Medications

Healthy Lifestyles

Tips on how to stay healthy

Healthy Eating | Weight

Interactive Tools

Tips on how to stay healthy

Take your first step to better health.

Request an appointment today to take your assessment and get on the path to better health!