Safer Body Art

There are several forms of body art, including piercing, tattooing, branding, scarification, body modifications, and injections or sub dermal implants. Whether you are interested in body art for the purposes of image or for BDSM play, there are a few things to consider to keep yourself and others safer.

• When possible, rely on professionals who have the proper guidelines, tools for sterilization, a knowledge of infectious diseases, and proper disposal of ink, needles, and body art supplies.
• If you are using needles or blades for any form of piercing or shaving, both should be sterile and never shared with another person. HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and other infections can be spread through infected blood and body fluids.
• Anything inserted into skin must be new or sterile, not just clean. Alcohol cleans but does not sterilize or kill blood pathogens. Use an antiseptic or medical grade disinfectant on both the skin and supplies used. Keep instrument surfaces sterile as well.
• Clean up. Wipes can be put in a tied bag and placed in the garbage. Needles and sharp objects should not go in the regular garbage. You should have a safe place to keep them (a thick plastic container) until they can be disposed of properly.