Tattoos or piercings with unsterile equipment
Overview
Tattoos or piercings performed with unsterile equipment can lead to serious infections and bloodborne diseases due to contaminated needles and tools. This unsafe practice increases the risk of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV transmission, and bacterial skin infections at the tattoo or piercing site.
Common Causes
Using unsterile equipment for tattoos or piercings can introduce harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens directly into your bloodstream and tissues. This happens because the equipment may carry infectious agents from previous clients or contaminated surfaces. Your immune system responds to these foreign invaders by triggering inflammation and infection at the site, which can sometimes spread to other parts of your body if left untreated.
Severity Levels
Mild: You may notice redness, slight swelling, or tenderness around the tattoo or piercing site that develops within a few days. The area might feel warm to touch or have minor discharge.
Moderate: The infected area becomes increasingly painful with significant swelling, pus formation, or red streaking extending from the site. You may develop fever, chills, or feel generally unwell.
Severe: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience high fever, severe pain, large areas of red streaking, excessive pus, or if you feel seriously ill. These signs may indicate a spreading infection or bloodborne disease that requires urgent treatment.
Medical Attention
Seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs of infection such as increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or red streaking from the tattoo or piercing site. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience fever, chills, or feel unwell after getting a tattoo or piercing from an unlicensed facility. Consider getting tested for bloodborne infections like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV if you suspect unsterile equipment was used, especially if multiple people used the same needles or tools.

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