“Wen di ink load up and the needle a juck Tattoo sell off everybody affi look Gal a say mi pretty like a coloring book
She say mi skin pretty like a coloring book”- “Coloring Book / Tattoo Time Come” by Vybz Kartel
Who doesn’t remember that song? You may not know the lyrics but you can’t deny how much it has impacted many youths and adults alike. Take a walk in the streets and you’ll realize everybody is getting a tattoo!
A tattoo is simply a mark or stain on the skin. This can be temporary or permanent. There are various types of tattoos. Some are from natural causes such as injuries; some are for traditional purposes, including religion or ethnicity; others for cosmetic reasons or permanent makeup; yet, others are placed for medical reasons, as in the coverage of vitiligo. This article focuses on the practice of placing decorative markings on the body. Such practice goes back many centuries and has become a trend in western society, even in the Caribbean. So will you get one?
I will let you in on a secret. Shhhhh….. come closer let me whisper!
When I was 19, I wanted a cute tattoo of a butterfly. My best friend admitted she wanted a tattoo as well. The decision was made and we were ready. No one had to know (especially our parents who would kill us!) It would be our little secret……. Until an article on tattoos strangely appeared before my eyes and oh, how things changed! Would it really remain a secret? What if I got sick and had to get medical attention; wouldn’t it probably get exposed? What if I changed my mind later and wanted it removed? Are there health risks; maybe infections, allergies, or worse things I didn’t consider? Needless to say, I am tattoo-free up to this day!
Modern tattoos are done using an electric tattoo machine. Ink enters the skin through a needle or set of needles. The procedure is usually sanitary, with tattoo artists regularly washing their hands and the area on the skin that will be tattooed. Needles should be used once and the machine sterilized before and after every use.
I have many relatives and friends who decided to get inked. I spoke to a few about their
decision and it’s interesting to hear their expressions. Jamaican ‘Inkmaster’ Phillip Shaw*and Medical Doctor, Waynet Walker, also sat down with Buzzz Magazine so you, my friend, can make an informed decision whether you will become a ‘coloring book’ or remain a tattoo virgin. Here are some highlights from those findings. Happy reading!
Can ink enter the bloodstream? – There can be a slight mix but it is not a contaminant.
Do certain types of illnesses present a risk? – Persons with skin diseases and chronic illnesses (especially autoimmune diseases like Lupus) should seek their doctor’s approval, especially regarding the timing of the procedure. Others who are immune-compromised, such as diabetics are also at risk for poor healing and other problems. Persons with viral illnesses such as the common cold or even the flu should not get a tattoo until recovery is complete. Tattoos are not recommended during pregnancy.
Will one bleed from getting tattooed? – There is some bleeding, as with any wound. Persons with bleeding disorders are at extremely high risk for excessive bleeding during the procedure. This may also apply to persons on medications used to thin the blood such as Warfarin.
Can the site become infected? – There are things to avoid after getting a tattoo… sun, sea and cool. Do not pick the area. The healing process usually lasts 2 weeks but may be longer from person to person. Infections are usually caused by improper care or practices during the healing stage resulting in scars or keloids.
The risk of infection explains the one-year wait between getting a tattoo and donating blood.
Can someone be allergic to tattoos? – Everyone’s skin is different. One can be allergic to any product used during a tattoo sitting – from the ink, to the latex in the gloves used. One in every 100 is said to have some allergic reaction to getting a tattoo but that is yet to be proven.
To continue reading, purchase Vol.8 #4, 2016 Issue.