Another example of body decorating that is quite popular is tattoos.

Maybe you have thought about getting one. In this activity, you will learn all about tattoos. 

A tattoo is a puncture wound. It is made deep in your skin, and then filled with ink. A needle is used to penetrate the skin and ink is injected into the area, usually creating a design. Tattoos last a very long time because they're so deep. The ink is injected into the second, deeper layer of skin called the dermis. Dermis cells are very stable, so the tattoo is practically permanent.

Most people who do tattoos use a tattoo machine. This machine is a handheld electric instrument. On one end of the machine is a sterilized needle, which is attached to tubes that contain ink. The needle and the ink move in and out when a foot switch is turned on.
 Getting a tattoo can take about 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the size and design chosen.  

This is what you should expect when you get a tattoo:

• The tattoo artist will first wash his or her hands with a special soap.

• The area on your body where the tattoo will be placed will be shaved, if necessary, and the design will be then drawn or stenciled.

• The tattoo artist will then put on clean, fresh gloves, and the area will be cleaned and disinfected. A thin layer of petroleum jelly will be applied.
  

•  An explanation of the sterilization procedure will be given to you, and using the tattoo machine (with sterile, single-use needles attached), the tattoo artist will begin drawing an outline of the tattoo under your skin.

• Sterile, thicker needles will be installed on the tattoo machine, and the tattoo artist will start shading the design. After cleaning the area again, colour will be injected. A new bottle of ink should be opened for each person.

• Any blood will be removed by a sterile, disposable cloth or towel.

• When finished, the area, now sporting a finished tattoo, will be cleaned once again and a bandage will be applied.

(adapted from www.kidshealth.org)

Where to get a tattoo:

 
Look for a tattoo studio that is safe and clean, one where all the equipment that is used is disposable (e.g., needles, gloves, masks, etc.) and sterilized.

Here are some other things to check for:

• Make sure the tattoo studio has an autoclave (a device that uses steam, pressure, and heat for sterilization). You should be able to watch as equipment is sterilized in the autoclave.

• See if the studio uses one-time ink cartridges that are disposed of after each customer.

• Make sure that the tattoo artist is a licensed practitioner. 

Think of the risks:

• If disinfection and sterilization steps aren't followed, you're putting yourself at risk for getting infections such as hepatitis, skin infections, or dermatitis (severe skin irritation).

• Some people may have allergic reactions to the tattoo ink.