Getting A Tattoo Scared I Have HIV

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Ask the Experts

Scared after tattooing HIV positive client

I was doing a tattoo on a client who has told me he is HIV positive and I have tattooed him a couple times and nothing went wrong. The last time I worked on him I got a little close and felt some ink from his tattoo go into my eye. I was kind of...

Response from David Wohl, M.D.

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

I would consider this a pretty low risk exposure. Still, getting and HIV test would put you at ease. By now the test would be positive. If it is negative, you do not have to worry about HIV. As a tattoo artist you should make sure your vaccines... Read more »

what about getting a tattoo?

hello doctori couldn't seem to find information if it's ok to get a tattoo and be... Read more »

Response from David Wohl, M.D. »

Tattoo anxiety

I got a tattoo in the beginning of December and have been worried about transmission of HIV ever... Read more »

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D. »

Go to Ask the Experts »

Articles

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Australia's Olympic Doctors Warn Team Off Getting Tattoos

On Tuesday, the Australian Olympic team's doctors advised athletes attending next year's games in Beijing to forego getting traditional celebratory tattoos until they are back at home. The doctors are concerned the tattoos could transmit hepatitis... Read more »

Canada: HIV, Hepatitis Tests Urged After Unlicensed Tattoo Parlors Closed in Calgary

After receiving tips from the public, Calgary health officials shut down seven unlicensed tattoo and piercing parlors during recent investigations. Officials said customers of the establishments listed below should seek testing for hepatitis C and... Read more »

Indiana: "Home" Tattoos Illegal, Unhealthy, Experts Warn

Vigo County Health Department officials want to raise public awareness over the risks of unlicensed or "home" tattooing. Marci DeBoy, an environmental health specialist with the county, cautions that people receiving home tattoos can be at higher... Read more »

Wisconsin: License Ensures Tattoos Applied Safely

Area health officials are warning residents against getting tattoos from unlicensed inkers, saying state-mandated health and safety standards minimize infection risks. To receive licensure from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, tattoo... Read more »

Connect With Others

TATTOO RISKS???

Posted by curls, 2 Replies

I got my first tattoo on March 10 and have been worried about hiv infection ever since. I had the tattoo done at a shop that's been established for 15+ years, but is a little on the scuzzy side. I personally didn't see the artist open new needles ... Read more »

Tattoo and me

Posted by Anonymous, 2 Replies

Hello, I'm 16 going on 17 and I want to get a tattoo for my birthday. I am HIV positive. I'm wondering if there can be any complication towards me if I get a tattoo. I am of course aware that I need to go to a safe sterile professional environment... Read more »

Tattoo's and HIV

Posted by Anonymous, 4 Replies

Hi everyone,
I am + but my viral load is below 200. I am wanting to go for my first tattoo (at 32!) but I worry about exposure and disclosure, has anyone out there been refused because of their stat, or is it a don't ask don't tell policy (since I... Read more »

Opinions please, im really scared...

Posted by Anonymous, 2 Replies

Hey all,

Here is my story. Earlier this month i made a stupid and thoughtless decision to call up a prostitute. When i got there, my first thought was that this girl was dirty. Yet i still proceeded. She had tattoo's over her body, and... Read more »

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