Medical FAQs

These questions relate to some medical issues about getting a tattoo.

If you still have questions after reading this, please send us your own questions by email.

We're cheaper than your doctor and way less educated.

1. Has anyone ever died from blood poisoning from getting tattooed?
   
   Not that I am aware of.
   
   
2. Can I get AIDS from getting tattooed?
   
   The chances are miniscule, and as of yet, there are no known cases of HIV transmission through tattooing in a professional tattoo studio.

3. Can I get an allergic reaction to the ink? What do I do if I get an allergic reaction?
   
   A few people do in fact have allergic reactions, usually to red pigment in particular, and in the worst cases I’ve personally seen, the skin just did not heal or recover until it had pushed that pigment out. Anyway, it won’t kill you, and it’s not common. If you do get an allergic reaction, show it to your tattooist first, and then, if necessary, to a dermatologist.
   
   
4. What diseases can be transmitted while tattooing? How can they be prevented?
   
   The big one is hepatitis, which can survive outside of the body for a fairly long time and is easily transmitted. To prevent this, a tattooist will cover any surface that they’re going to touch with disposable plastic -- including bags on spray bottles. We autoclave our needles and tubes and open them from sealed sterilization pouches in front of each customer. Needles are for single use only. Everything gets sprayed down with a surface disinfectant afterwards.