Can I get an infection, from receiving a tattoo or body piercing?
With proper anti-cross contamination procedures, sterilization techniques, and controlled environments, the chance of someone getting an infection directly from receiving a tattoo or body piercing, from an experienced professional, is highly unlikely. What most people mistake for infection is, most commonly, part of the body’s natural healing process. Redness, irritation, heat and swelling are common to both tattoos and piercings. Discharge is common to piercings as they affect slightly deeper tissue. If you are concerned that something is not quite right with your tattoo or piercing, seek out your artist or piercer and ask their opinion before running to the er.
