How To Properly Care For Your New Tattoo
Caring for your new tattoo is actually very straight-forward, and critical when it comes to preventing infection, and for ensuring it looks beautiful when its finally healed! Your tattoo artist should give you clear instructions on a piece of paper, but here are the basics from:
- Gently wash your tattoo every morning and night with lukewarm water and antibacterial soap. Pat it dry with a clean towel or paper towel.
- Rinse it with water any time it comes in contact with dirt or excessive sweat, or other dirty environments.
- Apply a recommended lotion at least twice a day. Vaseline or cocoa butter are usually recommended. Avoid anything with added scents or colorsthese could contribute to an infection.
Every tattoo Ive had they tell me something different about how to care for it, Leanne said. But the point, no matter what, is about keeping it clean.
Being a regular gym-goer, Leanne was concerned about her own sweat drenching her new tattoos and germs from everyone else all over the gym equipment. Her solution for this was simple: wash it immediately after every workout.
With my largest tattoo on my thigh, adds Leanne, I definitely paid extra attention to keeping it clean and taking care of it, because its a bigger area that could potentially get infected.
Getting A Tattoo With Diabetes: It Is Possible And Completely Safe
If you are living with diabetes, you might be wondering if tattooing is an option for you. The answer is yes. You can get a tattoo with diabetes. Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, there are a few things to consider before getting one.
You are seriously considering the idea of having a tattoo, but are worried about taking the plunge? Don’t worry. It’s normal to be anxious. There are lots of things to consider when getting one and you might have some questions, especially if you have diabetes. Will it be painful? How will I feel during and after getting it done? Where should I get the tattoo on my body?
Erythema Nodosum And Pyoderma Gangrenosum
These two skin conditions are exceedingly rare with tattoos. When they do occur, they cause lesions and are often associated with inflammatory bowel disease or other chronic conditions.
Pyoderma gangrenosum, in particular, can cause deep ulcers that are difficult to treat. Erythema nodosum tends to come and go, and gets worse when the underlying autoimmune condition is flaring up.
Because both of these conditions sometimes result after there has been trauma, like a needle prick, to the skin, it may be recommended by healthcare professionals that people who are prone to them not get tattoos.
Read Also: What Is The Best Healing Ointment For Tattoos
About The Tattoo Artist
If you found the best tattoo parlor, they only hire the best tattoo artists in town. Dont take their word for it, observe how their tattoo artists do their masterpieces.
If you are convinced that you are in safe hands, its time to set an appointment.
Tell your tattooist that you have diabetes and you need breaks to manage your blood sugar level during the process.
Make sure that the artist washes their hands before the process starts. They should wear a fresh pair of disposable gloves to avoid contamination.
Non-disposable equipment should be sterilized between customers.
The chair, countertops, drawers, handles, and sinks should be sanitized with a bleach-disinfectant and not alcohol.
They should remove needles and tubes from sealed packages as well as new trays.
The tattoo time depends on a lot of things such as the skill of the tattooist, style of tattoo, detail of the design, and multiple colors among others. A tattoo session lasts from one hour upwards so be prepared.
World Diabetes Logo Tattoo
Jordan Scara, who has been diagnosed with diabetes since age 6, chose this bold design to signify that diabetes will always be apart of my life and will always have significance in what I pursue.
Scara included the date of diabetes diagnosis, the World Diabetes logo and a red star symbol to represent the medical condition. Scara started drawing tattoo designs at age 13 and now, after 11 years with diabetes, is proud to have it inked permanently.
Also Check: Can You Join The Marines If You Have Tattoos
Can A Diabetic Person Get A Tattoo
Can a diabetic get a tattoo? This is a common question for those who have the disease, since the procedure involves a lesion on the skin, and diabetes makes healing difficult and increases the risk of skin infections.
To get a tattoo, a needle is used to inject ink under the skin. Although this damages the skin and initiates the healing process, a diabetic can get a tattoo as long as they take some precautions.
First, its critical that you make sure your diabetes is under control before getting a tattoo, as high blood sugar can impair healing and lead to complications.
When getting a tattoo, the second layer of skin called the dermis is punctured several times and a wound is created.
Thus, a tattoo or piercing or any other skin lesion breaks the skins protective barrier, which can be the gateway for microorganisms that cause infections.
As people with diabetes already have a greater difficulty in healing, it is essential to take all precautions before getting a tattoo so that the skin barrier is not exposed for a long time.
Remember that in addition to glucose, blood pressure can also rise during the procedure and both interfere negatively with healing and the risk of infection as they weaken the immune system.
This risk is even greater when the diabetes is type 1 as this is an autoimmune disease.
IN THIS ARTICLE
Is It Safe For Diabetics To Get Tattooed
The main point is that can diabetics get tattoos safely? Going through all these, we can assume that its not all dull and gloomy for diabetic patients when it comes to getting a tattoo. You can get our body inked with your liking of the tattoo if youve got proper control over your body. Just make sure, your blood sugar levels and all are at the optimum and you can be good to go.
There are cases arising where the tattoo wounds heal late when the blood sugar levels are quite high. So keep them in check, and there would not be much to fear off.
Also Check: How To Care For Laser Tattoo Removal
How To Safely Get A Tattoo If You Have Diabetes
Plenty of people argue that you shouldnt get a tattoo if you have diabetes because youre more prone to infections and have more trouble healing than people without the disease.
But here at The Diabetes Site, we dont believe in letting diabetes control our lives. Tattoos arent for everyone, and there are certainly some precautions you should take before getting one, but if you have diabetes and you want a tattoo, we say go for it!
If youre going to go under the needle, make sure you check that the tattoo parlor has the proper license and is regularly inspected and cleaned, just like you would if you didnt have diabetes. They should use a new needle just for you and use an autoclave machine to sterilize their equipment between clients. But those are things you should check anyway:
The only added precaution you need to take is making sure your diabetes is well controlled before getting your tattoo. Whacky HBA1C levels may cause healing to take longer, putting you at risk of an infection. If youre not sure whether youre healthy enough to get a tattoo, consult your doctor. But if youve got a handle on your health, getting a tattoo doesnt need to be any more risky than it is for anyone else.
How To Care For Your Tattoo
Every tattoo parlor has a different protocol on how to care for your tattoo. Follow their instructions. They are the experts. There are a few common practices that you should follow, however.
- Gently wash your tattoo every morning and nightwith lukewarm water and antibacterial soap. Pat it dry with a clean towel orpaper towel.
- Rinse it with water any time it comesin contact with dirt or excessive sweat, or other dirty environments.
- Apply a recommended lotion at least twice aday. Vaseline or cocoa butter are usually recommended. Avoid anything withadded scents or colorsthese could contribute to an infection.
Read Also: Learn To Draw American Traditional Tattoos
Specific Body Areas To Get Tattooed On
Well, lets put it this way. You have your blood sugar levels at the optimum and have control over your disease management. And you also have the urge to get tattooed. So is there anything more that you should know about. Apparently, there is. A careful positioning of the tattoo is a must for you.
Just to stay away from any complications down the line, its better to select the location beforehand. Always consult your tattoo artist and the physician before getting inked. A better advice would be to avoid getting tattoos on the poor circulation areas like ankles, feet, buttocks, shin and more. Also, its better to avoid the area where injections are commonly thrust upon like arms, thighs, and abdomen.
Get the location or the tattoo placement right and your tattoo wound would heal quickly with time.
Can People With Diabetes Get Tattoos 5 Safety Tips And Risks
HOME | DIABETES EDUCATION | CAN PEOPLE WITH DIABETES GET TATTOOS?
Can people with diabetes get tattoos? The particular short answer to this question is usually yes, together with some caveats. Such as anyone else, folks with type one or type 2 diabetes should take safety precautions when getting physique art.
The needling procedure utilizes a new machine that pierces the skin around 3, 000 periods per minute together with a sterilized hook. The needle builds up pigment within the 2nd layer of epidermis, called the pores and skin. The skin is usually the largest body organ of the physique and its objective is always to protect the particular body from exterior contaminants. Anytime this specific protective barrier is usually damaged, there is usually a likelihood of getting an infection.
Anyone, diabetic or no, thinking of acquiring a new skin icon should look specifically regarding a reputable, accredited tattoo artist together with the best quality sterilization practices. Nonsterile tiny needles can transmit microbial skin infections, hepatitis, and other contagious diseases.
Contaminated skin icon inks have likewise caused infections inside some cases, based to the FDA. A person can do their own homework on just what type of ink may be utilized by your neighborhood tattoo parlor, in addition to check the FDA website for information regarding any ink which may have been mentioned or should normally be avoided.
Read Also: How To Remove Tattoo From Hand
Precautions Needed While Getting Tattoo
Here are a few things that you need to take care of beforehand while opting for tattoos. That way, you would be on the safe side of things.
- Before getting yourself inked, do convey your health status to the tattoo artist and let him be aware of your diabetic condition. The artist shall offer proper advice to you whether you should go for the ink or not.
- If the tattoo youve wanted is large and big, then do check the pulsation and sensation of that specific area of the body.
- Always have a stable blood sugar and glucose levels while going for tattoos as the long overdue procedure of getting inked can cause low blood sugar levels for the time being.
- As of the opposite, there are also cases where the blood sugar and glucose levels rise up as a result of painful tattoo application procedure. Theres not much to worry about it, as it will go down on its own the very next day.
What Happens If Tattoo Ink Gets In Your Blood
Your body cant break these particles down, so they become stuck. A side effect of this is that the lymph nodes can change color to match the color of your tattoo. Evidence is also showing that the tattoo ink particles can travel through your blood and end up in your liver, where they also become stuck.
Also Check: Intenze True Black Tattoo Ink Review
Is A Tattoo The Right Choice For You
Getting a tattoo is a very permanent choice, and for the wrong person, it can be a life-threatening choice. While none of us want to let diabetes tell us what we can or cannot do, being honest about your overall blood sugar control before getting a tattoo is pretty darn important.
If the idea of getting a tattoo motivates you to improve your blood sugars, thats awesome!
In the meantime, maybe grab a Sharpie marker and draw one on there every day until youre ready.
The Risk Factors Involved With Tattoos
There are quite a few risks to be fair with getting inked for diabetic patients. On a general note, the infection and complications are what affects a diabetic patient after undergoing through the needle. Going up, more cases like an allergic reaction, skin relation infections like keloids and more surface with it. Another major risk is the slow or non-healing of wounds after getting tattoos.
As often, diabetic patients cant get their wounds healed quick enough which further causes infections and other diseases. It generally occurs in the high blood sugar levels that the wounds heal slow and late and cause gangrene or heart disease in the long run.
Read Also:Diabetes Skin Problems, Symptoms & Conditions
Also Check: Black And White Tattoo Supply
A1c Requirements For People With Diabetes Getting Inked
The A1C is a blood test for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics every 2 to 3 months. This will determine if your management plan is working and the average of your blood sugar.
Each individual has their own target range, some run higher and others lower. An A1C of 7.5 for children is advisable. An adult has met their target range if their A1C is between 5 7, and ready to get tattooed.
Keep your doctor in the loop before the appointment, they know best whether your body can absorb the piercing of the skin with indelible ink or the process might affect any other underlying condition. Some tattoo enthusiasts will be given the green light with an A1C of 8.
Darker Area Of Skin That Feels Like Velvet
A dark patch of velvety skin on the back of your neck, armpit, groin, or elsewhere could mean that you have too much insulin in your blood. This is often a sign of prediabetes.The medical name for this skin condition is acanthosis nigricans.
Acanthosis Nigricans
Often causing darker skin in the creases of the neck, AN may be the first sign that someone has diabetes.
Take action
- Get tested for diabetes
Read Also: Military Branches That Allow Tattoos
The Importance Of Aftercare
Its worth noting that tattoo artists should offer some guidelines about skin care after receiving a tattoo. According to one study of licensed tattooists in New York City, 56% received training on tattoo-related skin conditions, but 92% were consulted about skin issues by their clients.
Most tattoo artists are interested in learning more about skin conditions related to tattoos. However, with only about half reporting being trained, its important to note that adverse reactions may need to be evaluated by a dermatologist.
Some tips to keep in mind before and after getting a tattoo:
- Seek out a reputable, licensed tattoo artist, and ask questions about tattoos and autoimmune conditions.
- The skin in the area to be tattooed should be disinfected before starting.
- Tattoo artists should wear gloves while working.
- Equipment used should be from sealed packages to ensure they are sterile and only used once.
- Nondisposable equipment should be cleaned using a machine that sterilizes them with heat .
- After the tattoo is complete, keep the area clean with soap and water, avoid exposing it to the sun, use a moisturizer, and dont go swimming.
- Dont scratch or pick at any scabs that form on the tattoo.
- It can take a few weeks for a tattoo to heal, so its important to continue any aftercare instructions during that time.
Do You Know About Innovative Tattoos
Researchers have developed a type of tattoo that changes colors depending on the bodys pH, albumin and blood sugar levels.
The sensor measures blood sugar levels and changes the color of the tattoos filling from light green to dark green depending on the concentration of glucose.
Think it could change your life? Right now, its only at its clinical trials stage! To be continued
Also Check: Tattoo Removal Peachtree City Ga
Diabetes And Awareness Tattoos
The diabetes and awareness tattoos on this page are as permanent in our lives as living with diabetes is.
In November of 2006, a group of people with diabetes in their lives wanted to do something different to raise diabetes awareness. They decided to get diabetes tattoos. For some, it was a challenge. Others saw it as a fantasy come true. For everyone though, it was a very public display of love.
Since then, we have updated this gallery of great diabetes tattoos to include many more designs.
Please enjoy the art and love the stories. If you are considering getting a diabetes tattoo, we have a few things that you may want to consider before you do.
Once you make the decision to get a tattoo, we would love it if you
How Does Tattoo Affect A Diabetic Patient
Getting a tattoo isnt wrong on its own. Its more about the after effects and the healing process that affects a diabetic patient while getting a tattoo. A diabetic patient should be known to the disease management issue and should possess a sound control over the blood sugar and glucose levels.
If a diabetic patient without having proper control over their condition seeks to have a tattoo, the healing process and more can cause dangerous consequences for the person.
Don’t Miss: How Expensive Is Laser Tattoo Removal