by Susan Z. Miller

Created on: August 26, 2009

Societal expectations surrounding tattoos have certainly evolved over the last few decades. Although the tattoo machine has remained relatively unchanged since its invention in the late 1800s, the people who receive skin art are now just as diverse as the inked designs themselves. Once thought to be reserved for motorcyclists, gang members, and sailors, tattoos are now common in all demographics and walks of life.

Pre-Ink:

When preparing to receive a tattoo, one of the most important things you can do is a little bit of research before you even select an artist and facility. After all, the tattoo is completed with a needle and involves blood, so you will want the environment in which it is done to be as sterile as possible. Check out the tattoo parlors in your area to see which ones impress you as being the most sanitary. Do not hesitate to ask for a tour. You should see an autoclave, which is a machine that is used to sterilize non-disposable equipment. Some additional things to look for include: brand new needles being used for each customer, new bottles or packets of ink being used for each customer, water and/or liquid soap being sprayed onto a tissue rather than directly onto the tattoo so that blood does not become airborne, and gloves being worn at all times by the artist (as well as being changed when they become soiled.) Tattoo artists use rules known as "universal precautions"to help prevent the spread of disease. These rules are part of the Bloodborne Pathogens Rule, which is regulated by the EPA. The same rules apply for hospitals, so the tattoo parlor you choose should live up to the same expectations that you would have for a doctor's office or a hospital.

Make sure to ask your tattoo professional how you will need to care for your tattoo after it is completed. If he or she responds that you will need to use Bacitracin, Neosporin, or other antibiotic, you may wish to choose another tattoo studio. This is an indication that the facility is not completely sterile, otherwise there would be no need to kill bacteria after the tattoo has been finished. Additionally, these products are petroleum based. Petroleum does not promote healing, and after several days of use, would cause your tattoo to form a large, heavy scab. A good deal of the pigment in your tattoo would then be shed along with this scab.

Post-Ink:

The proper way to care for a fresh, healthy tattoo does not involve applying antibiotic ointment. It does, however, rely on keeping the skin

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