To tattoo or not: that is the question.

Tattoos or body art has become acceptable forms of body decoration in the popular culture. The social stigma associated with tattoos has diminished in younger generations. The current popular culture has glamorized the use of tattoos as exemplified by them being worn by high profile entertainment and sports figures. Yet despite the growing popularity of tattoos, the health risks associated with them are not widely known. More recently, prominent health experts, such as the former Director of the National Institutes of Health, Dr. Bernadette Healy (2008), are speaking out about the risks of body art. In addition, evidence is beginning to accumulate demonstrating the untoward consequences of tattoos. Several recent surveys to determine the prevalence of tattoos in the United States indicate the popular trends and their growing acceptance. A survey of 500 individuals between the ages of 18 and 58 years reported 24% had tattoos. Of this group, 19% had acquired their first tattoo before 18 years of age (Laumann & Derick, 2006). Another survey of 579 of adolescents and young adults, ages 18 to 25 years, found that 36% had tattoos (The Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, 2006). In a Harris poll of 2,302 adults, 14% reported having tattoos. The percentage of tattoo wearers was highest among 25to 29-year-olds amounting to 32%, whereas 9% in the 18 to 24 years age range reported having tattoos (Harris Interactive, 2008). These percentages are higher than of other countries. It is estimated that approximately 9% of the populations of European countries have tattoos; this number is approximately 12% in England. (Roberts & Ryan, 2002). Infections, allergic reactions, and scarring represent the range of complications associated with tattoos. HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C infections can result due to contaminated needles and improper technique performed by both licensed and unlicensed tattooists (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2008; Helmenstine, 2009; Sweeney, 2006; U.S. Food and Drug Administration [FDA], 2008a, 2008b; Slonim, Roberto, & Downing, 2005). A Staphylococcus aureus skin infection may occur (U.S. FDA, 2008b). The CDC recently reported the outbreaks of community-associated methicillin-resistant S aureus in the states of Kentucky, Ohio, and Vermont (CDC, 2006). These