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Tattoos are no longer associated with rebellion. The political, religious, and love interest statements adorn people across all economic and generational demographic lines, including business executives, college professors, and politicians. You may even notice a small caricature on the inner arm of a Priest while he administers communion.

The widespread acceptance of tattoos belies the inherent risks that are present when a needle plunges into skin. Disease risk is the most common reason for not getting a tattoo. Hepatitis A and C are the prevalent diseases that result from a tainted needle. However, other less life threatening afflictions may occur when you decide to have "MOM" etched onto the left side of your buttocks.

One of the more common risks is developing an allergic reaction to the ink. The allergic reaction is a direct result of a tattoo ink's chemical composition. Some red and green dye based tattoo inks contain nickel. People who are sensitive to nickel will experience swollen or itchy skin in and around the ink area. In serious allergic cases, the skin oozes a clear substance called sebum.

Red ink causes more allergic reactions than any other dye. The allergies to red ink can cause hives. Over the counter medication usually alleviates the hives. You should seek medical attention if they continue to form and the skin becomes beet red.

Latex gloves pose another potential allergy problem. Many people are allergic to latex, yet they forget about the risk because of ancillary concerns. Reputable tattoo artists wear latex gloves to prevent transmission of germs to the vulnerable areas of the skin. You have an allergic reaction to latex if you experience swelling and acute skin irritation after lightly brushing a glove over an exposed area of your arm. Even if the discomfort is minor, an allergy to latex may prevent the newly tattooed part of your body from healing in a timely manner.

A&D ointment is sometimes employed as a salve in order to protect the completed tattoo. The primary ingredient of A&D ointment is cod liver oil. Anyone who has an allergy to fish oil will contract an allergic reaction to A&D. The reaction can be so severe that the area around the tattoo may swell; a hospital visit is a distinct possibility. Consult with your tattoo artist about what substance he or she uses to gloss over the tattoo once they complete their artistic rendition.

Even people who choose to dye stain the skin for a few weeks are subject to potential

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