An indulgence, a life altering experience or a mere fashion statement for some, but a scan through the list of various complications that can result from tattooing, and suddenly what seemed like a cool idea takes a whole new twist. A design for life could spell disaster. [break]
“The first priority while getting a tattoo should always be ‘hygiene’, period, followed by the craftsmanship of the artist,” declares Ujjwal Mathema of Ujjo Tattoos, Freak Street.
The very act of tattoo making is an intrusive procedure where permanent marks or designs are made on the dermis with pigments inserted through pricks into the skin’s top layer, increasing one’s chances of contracting viral diseases and infections.
Mathema feels it’s every tattooist’s professional as well as moral obligation to provide optimum hygienic environment to the clients. “In my years of tattooing, I haven’t encountered cases of viral transmission through tattooing, but that doesn’t mean we overlook the risk factor,” shares tattoo artist and organizer of Nepal Tattoo Convention 2011, Mohan Gurung.
“If the equipment are not handled properly, there is a chance that you could get infected by blood-borne viruses like HIV and hepatitis B and C, the latter being the most prevalent,” Gurung added, “Unhygienic practices may also cause infections that could harm you and compromise your tattoo.”
According to Mathema, most locals are least bothered about hygiene. “They usually come and ask about fresh needles, and that’s just about it. You can’t overlook items that can’t be disposed, such as tattoo tubes and piercing clamps.
They should be sterilized in heat sterilization machine—autoclave.” “I think most of the artists themselves are not aware of such health hazards that come with unsafe practices,” shares Mathema, who adds that one of the main reasons behind his not getting tattoo here is lack of standard hygienic practice.
Both Gurung and Mathema are of the belief that education is the key to overcoming such mishaps that are totally avoidable in the first place; and conventions as such can be instrumental behind creating awareness.
Mathema who’s been tattooing for the past 15 years feels that the course on hygiene and sanitation he took while in Australia has made him aware and more responsible.
Nepal Tattoo Convention 2011, organized by Nepal Tattoo Pvt Ltd, Thamel is slated to be held in Kathmandu from April 22 to 24 at Hotel Yak and Yeti.
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