Piercing and Tattoos Also called: Body art, Body piercing Summary Piercings and tattoos are body decorations that go back to ancient times. Body piercing involves making a hole in the skin so that you can insert jewelry. This is often in the earlobe, but can be in other parts of the body. Tattoos are designs on the skin made with needles and colored ink. A permanent tattoo is meant to last forever. Permanent makeup is a type of tattoo. The health risks of piercings and tattoos include Allergic reactions Keloids, a type of scar that forms during healing Infections, such as hepatitis To reduce the risks, make sure that the facility is clean, safe and has a good reputation. Proper sterilization of the equipment is important. Be sure to follow the instructions on caring for your skin. Holes from piercing usually close up if you no longer wear the jewelry. It is possible to remove tattoos, but it’s painful and can cause scarring. Specifics A Fatal Fad? Tongue Studs Cause More Problems Than Chipped Teeth Academy of General Dentistry Temporary Tattoos and Henna/Mehndi Food and Drug Administration What Is an Oral Piercing? Academy of General Dentistry Prevention and Risk Factors A Tattoo for You? Seven Key Questions to Consider Food and Drug Administration Caring for Pierced Ears American Academy of Dermatology Find an Expert American Academy of Dermatology American Academy of Dermatology American Society for Dermatologic Surgery American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Find a Dermatologic Surgeon American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Children Avoiding Infection After Ear Piercing American Academy of Pediatrics How Piercings and Tattooing Work American Academy of Dermatology Pierced Ears Nemours Foundation Tattoos and Piercing Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health Start Here Body Piercing American Academy of Family Physicians Tattoos and Permanent Make-Up Food and Drug Administration Think Before You Ink: Are Tattoos Safe? Food and Drug Administration Teenagers Body Piercing Children’s Hospital Boston Tattoos Nemours Foundation Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Tattooing National Institutes of Health Women FAQ on Tattoos and Breastfeeding La Leche League International Related Issues Inked and Regretful: Removing Tattoos Food and Drug Administration Laser Tattoo Removal Logical Images Unwanted Tattoos American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Workplace Safety and Health: Body Art National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Journal Articles Piercing Tattoos Patient Handouts Think Before You Ink: Are Tattoos Safe? Food and Drug Administration
