Many people turn to body art as a way to express themselves. It’s important to know the risks of getting body art while having a bleeding disorder before making your decision.
This section on body art covers the following:
Medical Alert Tattoos May Not Be as Helpful as You Think
Take the Necessary Precautions
Tattoos: Know the Facts
- Before making any decisions, talk with your health care provider.
- Depending on the size of the tattoo, the tattooing process may take several hours. The larger the tattoo and longer the process, the more likely swelling and bleeding will occur. This can be a concern for someone with a bleeding disorder.
- Getting a tattoo can increase your risk of getting diseases and infections. If the tattoo studio or artist does not follow the proper disinfection or sterilization steps, you may be exposed to viral infections, bacterial infections and skin infections. Examples include HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, as well as severe skin irritation called dermatitis.
- Some people have allergic reactions to tattoo ink. If you have a skin condition such as eczema, be aware that getting tattooed may cause a flare-up.
- Serious complications can result if you attempt to get tattooed from someone who is not a professional.
Medical Alert Tattoos May Not Be as Helpful as You Think
Paramedics often need to quickly find a person’s medical information that’s not on paper. Medical alert tattoos may not always work for several reasons.
- Paramedics are trained to look for medical information on jewelry or on cards in wallets. Having to search everyone for a medical alert tattoo would waste time in an emergency.
- Tattoos are so common and often a person may have so many that having to find the medical alert tattoo may be difficult and waste time. Paramedics don’t normally take clothes off the body unless the patient is in critical condition. If covered by clothing, a tattoo wouldn’t be seen.
- It would be hard for emergency personnel to trust the tattoo’s accuracy. While a person most likely would not tattoo a medical condition, such as hemophilia, on their body if they didn’t have the condition, it is possible.
- For some medical orders, paramedics would not legally be able to honor that tattoo without supporting documentation, such as a health care provider’s signature.
Piercings: Know the Facts
- Before making any decisions, talk with your health care provider.
- Some piercing spots may have a higher risk of excessive bleeding and complications. Here are things to think about if you’re considering piercing certain body parts:
- Ear piercings: Piercings in the cartilage of the ear can increase the risk of infection.
- Mouth and nose piercings:
- They are more likely than other body piercings to become infected. Each of these places have millions of bacteria. Tongue piercings may cause bleeding and swelling and can lead to suffocation.
- Metal jewelry in the tongue, cheek, and lip may damage your gums, chip your teeth, and cause dental problems.
- Belly button piercings: Piercing around the belly button can lead to internal bleeding. It is also more likely to become infected if it becomes irritated from tight clothing.
- Piercings around the eye: They can cause bleeding. Pooled, clotted blood (called hematoma) can cause long-term vision problems.
- It is important to make sure you are going to a professional. To avoid getting infections, make sure the piercer follows disinfection or sterilization steps. You can look at reviews and talk with the piercers about their process. If the piercer does not follow disinfection or sterilization steps, you may be exposed to HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tetanus, and bacterial infections. Do not pierce yourself or let anyone pierce you who is not a professional.
- Your bleeding disorder may interfere with the healing process. There is an increased risk of heavy bleeding involved with piercing of the tongue, uvula (the little dangly thing that’s in the back of your mouth), belly button, nipples, or genitals. Bleeding delays healing, which puts you at risk for infection or other problems.
Take the Necessary Precautions
Before you decide to get any form of body art, you should be aware of the following:
Consider Other Options
There are many types of temporary tattoos that look like real ones. They can be drawn, painted, or airbrushed on the skin. There is far less risk than permanent tattoos and the removal process is much easier. There are non-piercing body art options too. Check out magnetic and clip-on art that look like body piercings.