May 2005

Up for discussion: Tattoos and piercings

Connie Wiley is a nurse practitioner at the Cowell Student Health Center. (Debbie Aldridge/UC Davis)

It's a prickly situation. When a child plans to express himself or herself through body art, parents' reactions can range from joy over their child's individuality to absolute repulsion.

Once the domain of sailors and circus performers, tattoos and piercings have gone mainstream. An estimated 20 million Americans now have tattoos, and piercings are even more commonplace. Changing a young person's mind about body art may not be possible, but there are ways to protect your child's health and safety.

Connie Wylie, a nurse practitioner with the Cowell Student Health Center, works with peer counselors to help them educate fellow students on what to consider before getting a tattoo or piercing.

Health problems and regrets

Tattoos bring the small chance of an infection or an allergic response to the dye. And in rare occurrences, tattoos can lead to death for those with certain medical conditions. In August 2003, a UC Davis student died after getting a tattoo at a local parlor. He reportedly did not disclose to the artist that he had a heart murmur.

Far more common, Wylie says, is the emotional risk of permanent body art. The options for tattoo removal are expensive, difficult and not always effective, she says. "Tattoo regret is a big possibility, especially when people get a big tattoo," Wylie says.

Complications with piercings are far more common. Wylie says 10 to 30 percent of piercings become infected. Navel piercings are the most infection prone. And ear cartilage piercings can form excessive scarring known as keloids or large bumps called granulomas.

Minimizing the risks

There are ways to minimize risks. These steps are outlined in brochures available at the health center. They include:

• carefully weighing your decision and considering the ramifications of body art;
• searching for a reputable studio;
• interviewing the artist, asking about sterilization techniques and experience;
• and checking to see if the artist is a member of the Association of Professional Piercers or the Alliance of Professional Tattooists.

Wylie suggests that parents can offer perspectives on their child's decision in terms of how body art may be perceived, for example, by future employers or even by the child in 10 or 15 years.

She also points out that many students are proud of their body art and with the results of their act of self-expression. "With the right precautions and aftercare, some of this body art is very meaningful to young people," she says.

For more information, read about tattoos and piercings on the health center's Web site.

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