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Piercing and Tattoos
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Skin Hair Nails

Piercing and Tattoos

While piercings and tattoos are popular forms of body decoration, they carry specific health risks that require careful facility selection and aftercare.

Overview

Piercings and tattoos are body decorations that go back to ancient times. Body piercing involves making a hole in the skin so that you can insert jewelry. This is often in the earlobe, but can be in other parts of the body. Tattoos are designs on the skin made with needles and colored ink. A permanent tattoo is meant to last forever. Permanent makeup is a type of tattoo.

Health Risks

The health risks of piercings and tattoos include:

  • Allergic reactions
  • Keloids, a type of scar that forms during healing
  • Infections, such as hepatitis

Safety and Precautions

To reduce the risks, make sure that the facility is clean, safe and has a good reputation. Proper sterilization of the equipment is important. Be sure to follow the instructions on caring for your skin.

Holes from piercing usually close up if you no longer wear the jewelry. It is possible to remove tattoos, but it's painful and can cause scarring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bacterial infections such as Staphylococcus aureus can cause redness, swelling, pain, and pus at the site. Viral infections like hepatitis B or C can occur if equipment is not properly sterilized. Look for increasing redness, warmth, discharge, fever, or a rash that spreads beyond the pierced area. If any of these signs appear, seek medical evaluation promptly.
Keep the area clean by rinsing with sterile saline twice daily. Avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands, and do not change jewelry until the recommended healing period (usually 6–8 weeks for earlobes). Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer if the skin feels dry, and avoid excessive pressure or friction on the site.
sk to see the facility’s sterilization records and verify that instruments are autoclaved or single-use. Check that the studio uses disposable needles and that all surfaces are cleaned with EPA‑approved disinfectants. Look for certifications from reputable bodies (e.g., the American Association of Blood Banks) and read recent customer reviews about hygiene standards.
Yes. Individuals with diabetes may have slower wound healing and higher infection risk. Those with immune disorders or on immunosuppressive therapy are more susceptible to infections and may experience prolonged healing. It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before getting a tattoo or piercing and to ensure the studio follows strict sterilization practices.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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