Hepatitis C Update: Is it Safe to Get a Tattoo?
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No longer associated with the unsavory reputation of its past, tattoos have gained a steadily increasing level of popularity and acceptance in modern day America. Becoming more common across all age groups, there are a variety of reasons people get tattoos. Unfortunately, the industry’s lack of regulation means that getting a tattoo may carry health risks. As a blood-borne pathogen easily transmitted via a contaminated needle, the Hepatitis C virus has long been considered one of those health risks. Despite this longstanding assumption, new data released from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) demonstrates that tattoos received in a professional setting are not associated with any increase in Hepatitis C transmission.
There is plenty of evidence documenting the rise in tattooed Americans. The following statistics paint a clear picture:
- In 1936, Life magazine estimated that 2 percent of Americans had tattoos.
- In April 2000, The National Geographic News stated that 15 percent of Americans had tattoos.
- According to a Fall 2006 Pew Research Center survey, 36 percent of Americans ages 18 to 25, and 40 percent of those ages 26 to 40, have at least one tattoo.
There are several reasons people choose to have a permanent marking on their body. Three of the most prevalent motivations for getting tattooed, include:
- Expressing one’s individuality
- Marking an important event
- Beautifying the body
Whatever the motivation for receiving a tattoo, the threat of acquiring Hepatitis C may have caused some to think twice about getting inked. Experts believe that an estimated 4 to 5 million Americans are living with chronic Hepatitis C, a virus that is transmitted easily via direct blood-to-blood contact. Although shared intravenous drug equipment is known to be a leading cause of Hepatitis C, approximately 20 percent of those infected do not know how they acquired their infection. Thus, any unregulated practice involving piercing of the skin has become a suspected risk factor for Hepatitis C transmission.
To address the suspicion of tattoos as a risk factor for Hepatitis C, Rania Tohme and Scott Holmberg from the CDC performed a critical review of previous studies in an effort to sort out conflicting findings in the medical literature. Upon scouring medically published papers on the topic between 1994 and July 2011, 62 were eligible for inclusion in their analysis. As published in the April 15, 2012 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases, investigators found the following:
- There was no evidence for an increased risk of Hepatitis C infection when tattoos were received in professional parlors.
- The risk of Hepatitis C infection was significant when tattoos were done in prison or by friends.
This new information is a virtual boon to the professional tattooing industry, as professional tattoo artists are no longer viewed as potential facilitators of Hepatitis C infection. If someone has chosen to get a tattoo, Tohme advises making sure the artist uses sterile equipment, including single-use needles and ink that has not been used on anyone else. In addition, experts suggest asking how the artist keeps his or her clients safe and observing the shop’s cleanliness/hygiene practices.
The tattoo industry is steadily going towards the mainstream, with a multitude of dedicated fans. Even though this involves a needle being repeatedly inserted into the skin, getting a tattoo doesn’t necessarily raise the risk of contracting a blood-borne infection – like Hepatitis C. As long as the ink is applied in a professional tattoo parlor by an artist who is aware of and follows infection control practices, those wanting a tattoo should not let fear of getting Hepatitis C thwart their plans.
References:
http://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/54/8/1167.abstract, Transmission of Hepatitis C Virus Infection Through Tattooing and Piercing: A Critical Review, Rania A. Tohme, et al, Retrieved May 19, 2012, Clinical Infectious Diseases, January 2012.
http://hepatitis.about.com/od/lifestyle/a/tattoos.htm, Color Me Yellow, Charles Daniel, Retrieved May 19, 2012, about.com, 2012.
http://pewresearch.org/databank/dailynumber/?NumberID=237, 36% – Tattooed Gen Nexters, Retrieved May 20, 2012, Pew Research Center, 2012.
http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/hepatitis-c/hepatitis-c-topics/hcv-prevention/3453-professional-tattooing-and-piercing-not-linked-to-hepatitis-c-risk, Professional Tattooing and Piercing Not Linked to Hepatitis C Risk, Liz Highleyman, Retrieved May 19, 2012, hivandhepatitis.com, 2012.
http://www.temporarytattoofactory.com/temporary-tattoo/temporary-tattoos/Absolutely%20Amazing%20Tattoo%20facts%20and%20Statistics.html, Absolutely Amazing Tattoo Facts and Statistics, Retrieved May 20, 2012, temporarytattoofactory.com, 2012.
9 Comments
This is the article that the media should be running. This is
well done.
I have a full body tat done by hand in Japan. We began it around 1977 and finished in 1983
About 20 years ago I was in for a checkup here in Tokyo. The Dr. took one look at my tat, asked if it was done in Japan, I replied yes, Then he asked by hand? (not machine) I answered “yes” he replied “hep C”.
I didn’t believe it but he checked past records and they showed positive although no one ever bothered to tell me. Still unbelieving, I had them test again a sure enough I had hep C. I realize this doesnt concern a lot of people here but if you were inked before they knew about aids and other blood born transmissions, pre rubber gloves, and autoclaves, you might want to get a blood test.
I received a tattoo in early 1987 while living in Hawaii. My husband at that time was informed during that time-frame that he had Non A-B Hepatitis. In 1997 I was diagnosed with HCV. At that time I was clean and drug free for over 10 years. Due to my past life style, I contacted anyone I knew from that period of my life to let them know so they too could get tested and become aware of this disease that we may have contracted from each other. After their own denials, eventually all the close friends I had contacted informed me they finally got tested and they too had the virus.
Whether or not I became infected with HCV by the tattoo or from my past life style of drug usage is of no concern for me me today. I am honest about my past and have no desire to blame it on the tattoo, even though I could “save face” with some of the community if I did so!
My current husband of 23 years and all 3 of my children have never tested positive for the virus since I found out in 1997. Therefore, 10 years went by without any knowledge what soever of having a pathogen that could have been easily transmitted to them.
I have been wanting to get a small tattoo that symbolizes my new life for some time now; but have been reluctant to do so because of the potential of me spreading it to others. (Same reason why I do not frequent nail salons.)
Even if the tattoo artist claims they are taking all precautions, I don’t want to take the risk of my blood tainting anyone! There is no way I would wish this disease on anyone.
I know someone who actually has Hep C with stage 4-5 liver disesse. They got a tribal tattoo on one arm, had gotten very sick and was in hospital for about a week. I do know that the person did have some barcaddi and when they got home some asprin. The hospital believes that is what caused the illness. The place where the tattoo was done was clean and the needles were all in a sterial wrapping. Well now the person wants to do the other arm so they match. Is it advisable for this to be done? Would like a response back if possible via e-mail: crownvic60@aol.com. Thanks.
PS great news for others that want tattoos and have been affraid to get one due to the fear of getting Hep C. I my self have 3! All have a special meanings!
If you want to express your individuality, buy some cool clothes. Mark an important event, put it on the calendar, or donate to a charity in the name of the person you share this event with. Beautify the body, SMILE! It’s not worth the risk to get the disease. I just finished TX and I am now considered cured. If you want to go through months of laying on the couch because of the strength sapping anemia, hair loss, nausea, diarrhea (I did lose 30 lbs, the only good thing about it) skin rash, rage, depression, not being able to enjoy the sun, than go ahead and get your tattoo. The study director said I was doing better than all the rest of the people that were involved in the study. If they were having more SX’s then me I feel for the poor people. Your tattoos will be as cool as a 60 year old with breast implants as you age. I am cured of the disease, but I am still getting psychiatric help for a diagnosis of extreme rage and a major depression episode, secondary to the use of Interferon. Every person responds to treatment differently, and I would go through this again to get rid of Hep C. Just be yourself. Stay away from any risk.Besides,anymore with the young people, if you want to be different, don’t get a tattoo. Everyone else has one. I’m not judging, just trying to help.
Hi, Thank you for telling me this. I have waited 30 years to get a tattoo because of this reason. Now I can go to the show this Summer and pick out an artist for my first tattoo!
The absolute besides sterile needles, clean hands, no blood laying around,etc. is: do not share an ink well with anyone else. If you do, your Hepatitis C is being shot into the bloodstream of next person, oh, and you are getting blood from someone else that may contain HIV-AIDS or another strain of Hepatitis C that will need to be treated also. Every tatoo place does not have separate individual ink wells. And some artists do have individual kits where one person uses an ink well and a needle that are then thrown away. And, as some comments have eloquently stated the side effects, why would any of us want to risk it? Good luck to all you sufferers.
I have Hep-C pin pointed to tattoos I got in 68-70
I currently have hep c will begin Harvoni in January would it be ok to get a tat now?