Tuesday, May 21, 2013

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When Getting Tattooed, Health Officials Say Stick with Licensed Professionals
Fly-by-night amateurs could spread disease, cause infection
By Alexis Fernandez


ANCHORAGE - Tattoos have become a lot more popular over the years, but the popularity comes with a dark side: people with no experience tattooing wanting to make an extra buck at any cost.

Tattoos are an expression of art. For many it's a lengthy and sometimes painful process that can also be pricey.

But for others who cut corners just to save a few bucks, the end result could be more than just a bad piece of artwork.

“The risks associated with going to a tattooist who is not certified, those people do not undergo the training for sterilization of equipments and sometimes needles are reused, and these are the things that increase your risk of an infection or an adverse consequence,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Joe McLaughlin.

Some of those risks include hepatitis, skin infections, allergies, and potential HIV transmission.

“There's an order to it, there's a reason for everything we do,” said Blake Thompson, manager of The Hole Look. “We look like germaphobes, going through boxes of gloves everyday; it’s keeping us safe as well as our clientele.”

State health officials say people are turning to places like Craigslist for a cheaper deal, with amateurs offering to do them from their home or even go to your house.

“I've seen stuff pop up in trade, following criteria for a clean safe experience for you, but they’re probably not capable artists,” Thompson said.

In order for it to be legal, the artist must be licensed by the state.

“If you're coming into this business wanting to cut corners, then you have no business in the business,” Thompson said.

Health officials say stick to the professionals, because after all, it is permanent.

State officials say if you are caught doing tattoos and have a claim filed against you, you could be charged with a misdemeanor.