As a body artist, there are several diseases carried in the blood of infected persons to which you may be exposed.  Blood-borne diseases, like hepatitis B and C, and HIV, may be spread by accidental needles sticks and if infected blood contacts the eyes, mucous membranes (such as in your mouth or nose), or broken areas of skin.

Don't be fooled by a false sense of security because your exposure to blood is small. YOU ARE EXPOSED, and that is all that matters. Any diseases which are capable of being transmitted by transfusion should be regarded by body artists as having the POTENTIAL for transmission in the body art setting. Please always keep that point in mind.

Presented here are some of the most common infections which may be encountered in the body art setting.

Hepatitis B and C- There are various types of hepatitis, which literally means an infection of the liver.  Two types of hepatitis are especially important for the body artist to know about. These are hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV).  Both of these diseases are spread through contact with body fluids like blood.  Infection with these viruses is at this time incurable, and they may eventually lead to long term illness, liver damage, and death.   In fact, hepatitis infections are the number one reason for liver failure, and the number one indication for liver transplant.  A safe and effective vaccine is available for Hepatitis B.  The vaccine is administered in three doses and should be obtained by all body artists.  It bears repeating that there is no cure for Hepatitis B or C, and these two viruses should be the biggest concerns for body art professionals.

 HIV - This well known virus is the culprit which causes AIDS, and it is spread through contact with infected body fluids.  The virus attacks the body's immune system, eventually leaving the infected person defenseless against infection. Though people with AIDS are leading longer lives thanks to improved drug therapies, the outcome of this disease is certainly death. There is neither a cure nor a vaccine available for this virus.  

No case of HIV infection has ever been positively found to have resulted from tattooing or body piercing, but many well documented cases have occurred through accidental needle sticks in the health care setting.  For this reason, it is extremely important that body artists protect themselves from accidental sticks with needles used in tattooing or piercing procedures.

How can you protect yourself and your clients from HIV, HBV and HCV in your industry?  There are some very simple ways to protect yourself and your clients. Read the pages on "Universal Precautions" and "Needle Safety" to find out more.

Lots of bacteria and fungi are present in the environment around us. Bacteria are much more virulent than most viruses are, and are able to live outside the body for longer periods of time. When bacteria are present in the blood stream, they are able to travel to multiple places in the body, damaging body systems wherever they go.

Bacterial infections are most likely to occur in a client when strict aseptic procedures are abandoned.  I'm sure I don't have to tell you that tattoos and piercings are addictive. Therefor protecting your customers against infection is in your best interest for repeat business!  For more information about bacteria which have been positively linked to body art procedures, visit the "Risks Associated with Body Art" page.

*Disclaimer: This site is intended for educational purposes only & should not be regarded as expert medical advice though every attempt has been made to provide current & accurate scientific information. The author & owner accepts no liability for misuse of the content of this site.