I’m a tattoo artist – the body parts I would never get inked and 3 signs it’s gone wrong
WHEN it comes to getting a tattoo there are lots of things to consider.
And while the design and body part you choose to tattoo might feel like the most important decision, one artist has urged caution.
Claudio Traina, an artist at in London told Sun Health, there are lots of risks involved in getting inked, from nasty infections to allergic reactions.
It comes as Wales is set to be the first nation in the UK to introduce mandatory licensing for tattoo artists, body piercers and cosmetic clinics.
The tougher rules aim to reduce infections by creating a public register of licence holders.
Around 3,500 practitioners will need to be licensed under the new plans.
Here, Claudio shares his advice to anyone considering getting a new tattoo…
Avoid these body parts
Claudio told Sun Health there are two parts of the body he would never get inked, due to the heightened risks.
“In general, the most infection prone places and longer to heal areas are tattoos on the inner lips and genitals,” he said.
“Also tattoos on the palms of your hands and bottoms of your feet will take a long time to heal.
“A new thing we have seen are tattoos on tongues and gums which will take a really long time to heal and could cause several complications.”
These include allergic reactions and scarring, he added.
Has it gone wrong?
When it comes to getting your favourite design etched on your body, Claudio warned there are things that can go wrong.
1. Overdoing it
If you’ve never had a tattoo, you might not know what to expect.
While the process might differ for each design, Claudio said that your inking might go wrong if the artist has ‘overworked’ the area.
This can happen if the artist goes in too deep and destroys the skin, he said.
It’s important during your session that you ask as many questions as possible and if something doesn’t feel right, ask.
2. Poor equipment
Before you book in for a tattoo, go and have a look at the salon and have a look at reviews online.
Claudio said that this is key as another way tattoos can often go wrong is due to an unsafe and unhygienic tattoo area, space and tools.
3. It’s infected
One of the most common complications after having a tattoo is infection.
Claudio said there are four signs your tattoo is infected:
- redness around the tattoo
- if the area is hot to touch and feels like it’s pulsing
- pain at the site of the tattoo
- pus oozing out.
He said: “The best thing is to go straight to the doctor and start an antibiotics course which will then lead to the pus becoming hard.”
He said that this will then create a whitish, yellow crust which can be problematic.
“It will fall off taking with it the colour of the tattoo and you could be left with a ruined tattoo.
“If the infection is left then that could also scar too,” he said.
What to look for when it comes to a tattoo artist
If you’re looking to get inked up then Claudio said it’s important to look for a clean and safe space.
Alongside this, it’s also important to look at each artist’s technique and skill set, as this can affect how fast your tattoo heals, he said.
“A good indicator here is to inspect the tattoo area,” he added.
“It’s important to see if you can spot some old ink drops on the floor or around the station, as you want to avoid any cross contamination.
“Once the station is set up – which is normally the case already when you are being led to the tattooing area – ensure that the beds, machine, stations, etc. are fully covered or wrapped with cling film or cellophane.
“Sadly, but definitely important, make sure your artist opens a new needle. It might seem like common sense, but you’d be surprised,” he said.