Think Before You Ink: Hepatitis C Risk From Tattoos

A recent study conducted at Dublin’s Rotunda Maternity Hospital found that 78 of 8,976 women tested were positive for hepatitis C due to risk factors that included drug abuse and tattooing.

The tattoo industry currently is unregulated in Ireland.

Before individuals receive a tattoo, they should check that the artist sterilizes needles and equipment that may come into contact with blood; keeps separate ink pots; uses safety gloves; cleans and disinfects surfaces; safely disposes of any materials that may come into contact with blood; and covers fresh tattoos with a dressing to prevent infection or disease transmission.

After being tattooed, an individual should check their tattoo regularly to make sure that it has not become infected.

The Friends of AIDS Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.

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