Thinking about getting a piercing, tattoo or some form of scarification (like branding or cutting)? Have you considered the health and safety aspects behind getting your body art?

The pamphlet (or web page) you are reading was written by people who are very well versed in the techniques behind these forms of body art, and who are willing to share their knowledge with you, that you can know what to look for when choosing an artist.

Piercing, tattooing and scarification have been practiced for thousands of years, with little change in the basic techniques. These days though, with the risks of AIDS, HIV, and other infections greater care and precautions must be taken during the execution of all body art.

by doing the work yourself, or having a friend do it for you? All we can say is one thing: DON'T. Unless you have spent the years a professional body artist has taken to learn how to practice their art safely, it just isn't worth the risk. Take the time to shop around, ask different artists about their work. It may cost a little more, but we are talking about your only body here.

If you must do your own work, at least be safe about it. Don't use sewing needles or safety pins for piercing. Proper needles are not expensive and can be bought through most piercing studios. Do NOT share needles. Use proper jewelry. Safety pins left in the skin will cause infections and extensive scarring. Home tattooing cannot be recommended in any way, nor can scarification. Both should only be done by trained professionals.

The points and questions below relate to all forms of body art. Don't be afraid to ask an artist about any of these things. If they can not or will not give clear, concise, understandable answers to these or any other questions you might have, leave and find someone else. It is your money and your body: you have a right to know about their practices.

• Check around. Don't just take the first artist you find. Are you comfortable with this person? Do you know anyone who has had work done by this person? Ask to see their portfolio. If you have Internet access, check out the Usenet Newsgroup REC.ARTS.BODYART. Ask questions there about artists in your area.
• Ask if they use new needles for each person. Piercing and tattoo needles and should only be use once for health reasons: HIV and Hepatitis can be passed from person to person through re-used needles. Beside which, these needles dull quickly, and can develop barbs and hooks which not only mangle the skin but carry microrust, which can cause infection.
• Remember - The consent form you sign is only valid if they explain the procedure and ALL of the possible risks.
• Does the artist always wear latex gloves while working? Do they wash their hands before putting the gloves?
• How do they clean and sterilize their equipment, needles and jewelry? The only acceptable methods are autoclave (pressure steam) and chemclave (chemical pressure steam). Cold sterilizing is NOT acceptable in any form, nor is dry heat sterilizing. Do they use barrier controls (covering all surfaces and items to be used that possibly may be contaminated during the breaking of the skin)?
• Do they provide an aftercare sheet on your procedures healing time and care? If they don't have one, they don't care what happens to you after they have your money...
• Make sure the artist clearly explains the procedures, aftercare and all possible risks before signing any consent form. READ the consent form: Don't sign it unless you agree with everything it says.
• Both you and the artist should be of clear mind while any work is done. You should eat well at least 1 hour before the procedure and should be well rested. Both you and the artist should not be on any drugs or have been drinking alcohol. These could cause you to bleed excessively.
• If you have any medical condition at all (i.e. allergies, HIV, hemophilia, high blood pressure, diabetes, prescription medications, etc.) let the artist know. Even if you think it may be unimportant, tell them. Better they have too much information than too little.
• Be aware of the signs of infection: Heat - Redness - Swelling - Pain. If these symptoms appear, contact your body artist immediately.

• Ask the piercer if they have done your procedure before. Ask to see a portfolio of their work.
• Proper jewelry is a must for body piercings. For fresh piercings, the most commonly acceptable metals are surgical stainless steel, niobium, and gold. Some jewelry will not allow the body to heal, and may become or stay infected. If you bring jewelry with you, ask if it is appropriate for your type of piercing.

• Non-professional tattooing is just not worth the risks. The risk of infection is too great, and the quality of the work is far too low. Also, home tattooing often involves the use of inks that are toxic (pen ink, photocopy ink, etc.) to the body.
• Does the artist use disposable ink caps/razors/swabs/etc.? All items should be used only once, and should be properly disposed off afterwards.
• The area to be tattooed should be wiped down thoroughly with Betadine. Cleaning solutions should be applied with spray bottles.
• The finished tattoo should not be touched with bare hands for at least 12 to 24 hours.
• Skin infection can wreck your tattoo. If you don't understand the aftercare sheet, ask for clarification.

This can be the most dangerous of all the body arts. We cannot recommend anyone trying these things at home.

• The same precautions as for piercing or tattooing should be followed: Latex gloves, and clean the area with Betadine first.
• For cuttings, only sterile, disposable scalpels should be used.
• Branding causes a 3rd degree burn which is highly susceptible to infection. Medical supervision during the healing process is highly recommended.
• Be aware that scarification is NOT a precise art, and is still subject to a great deal of improvement in the techniques. The artist cannot create the scar; the body does. As each body is different, each scar will be different.

Urban Primitive Design Studio, 473 Church Street, Second Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M4Y 2C3, 416-966-9155, 416-967-5373 (fax), EMail or WWW

Stainless Studios Body Art, 394A Queen St. W., Second Floor, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2A6, 416-504-1433, EMail or WWW

BME: Body Modification EZine, EMail or WWW

Dr. John Goodhew (body art friendly doctor) 416-461-2200 (voice)