Not just HIV, piercing infections can cause many other health problems, say experts

Cases of people contracting HIV after getting tattoos have emerged in Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi some days back, prompting warnings from authorities about cheap tattoo parlours. Here are a few FAQs on tattoos and their safety as answered by celebrity tattoo artist Sunny Bhanushali.

Considering that both tattoos and piercings involve needles, the risk of contracting diseases is not a farfetched notion.

Given that tattooing, and piercing both draw blood, can it cause HIV?
Well, if you do not go to a tattoo studio that’s reputed and known for its hygiene standards, yes, it can cause HIV. Since there’s a chance of cross-contamination during the tattoo process one may likely be prone to contracting HIV or other blood-transmitted diseases.

But the solution is to only go to a tattoo studio after thorough research and make sure they take their hygiene standards seriously.

What are the steps one should keep in mind before getting inked?
One should do their research on the tattoo studios that are around them and choose one only after they have checked the reviews and the hygiene protocols followed by the tattoo studio. One has to make sure, they are observing the process while getting inked. There are many things to keep in mind before getting a tattoo like doing your research, choosing a reputed brand in the tattoo industry, talking to the artists before getting inked, and consulting your doctor for best practices if it's your first tattoo or if you have any health conditions.

From where should one get a tattoo or a piercing?
Definitely from a brand or a reputed tattoo studio that has been established and known for their hygiene standards first and then their art. Tattoo studios must follow medical-grade hygiene protocols but unfortunately, it is followed rarely.

If not HIV, what are the other diseases which can be transmitted by piercing and tattoos?
Skin infections, Hepatitis, etc. many other health and skin conditions can occur that are not defined.