News, Man died after tattoo on leg became infected. (manicures, nail, hair)

[John1960]

A 35-year-old man died from a blood clot in his lung ten days after a tattoo on his leg became infected, an inquest heard.

Man died after tattoo on leg became infected - Telegraph

[JetJockey]

hmm... the only thing that pops into my head is maybe the vibration and kneading of the skin during the tattoo caused the blood clot to detach and travel to his lungs. The article doesn't state if the man had a 'sit down' job, prior pulmonary problems, or was overweight which is a leading cause of DVT. Tattooing should not cause DVT, but there is a slim chance that he was already suffering, but not showing symptoms quite yet. The symptons he did have (swelling, irritation, edema etc.) are classic signs of DVT.


Overall, it would be interesting if they posted a follow-up post mortem to see what really happened.

[Woof Woof Woof!]

The tattoo was a present from his girlfriend. Yikes. I bet she feels bad!

I hope she doesn't blame herself.

[DreamWeavin]

yet another reason to not get one of those nasty things. My BIL has Hep C from getting a tattoo. They are so nasty.

[JetJockey]

Originally Posted by DreamWeavin

yet another reason to not get one of those nasty things. My BIL has Hep C from getting a tattoo. They are so nasty.

The only way to spread Hep C through a tattoo is by the use of shared needles. If the artist is using proper sanitation procedures there is zero chance of contracting the virus. If you don't check out the parlor and make SURE that the artist is using individually packaged sterilized needles and equipment then you're not doing your job right and shouldn't be getting a tattoo in the first place.

[JanuaryGirl]

Is it possible that the thrombosis was present before the tattoo, and that is why the tattoo became infected? It also seems bizarre that he wouldn't be given antibiotics, only antihistamines.

Some people do naturally react poorly to tattoos, some will get infected, but infections can happen from so many things (ear piercings, manicures, etc.) that I wouldn't take one isolated case that doesn't have all the details as an indicator of the overall safety.

I'm sorry for the poster whose BIL contracted HCV, it can be a terrible disease. But, if the sanitation is properly investigated beforehand this really can be avoided.

[DreamWeavin]

No one can be sure of the sanitation process of anything, anywhere.
I stopped going to nail salons because I suspect many a germ of huge magnatude are passed in those places. Ditto for tattoo places. Ditto for doctor's offices,etc.
I have a friend who will only see a dentist on Mondays because she's afraid they will use an unsanitized instrument. She said at least by Monday morning she hopes they've sterilized the stuff or if not, then the germs have perhaps died.


OH and Hep C can be transmitted many ways other than needles

[JetJockey]

Originally Posted by DreamWeavin

No one can be sure of the sanitation process of anything, anywhere.
I stopped going to nail salons because I suspect many a germ of huge magnatude are passed in those places. Ditto for tattoo places. Ditto for doctor's offices,etc.
I have a friend who will only see a dentist on Mondays because she's afraid they will use an unsanitized instrument. She said at least by Monday morning she hopes they've sterilized the stuff or if not, then the germs have perhaps died.


OH and Hep C can be transmitted many ways other than needles

I was referring to the tattoo process itself spreading Hep C. Some people seem to think that the moment you get a tattoo (regardless of sanitation), you have HIV, and Hep C and every other blood transferred virus out there. I know it can be spread other ways


And yes, you CAN be sure of the sanitation process. I watch my tattoo artist autoclave his stuff (and I can look at the recent spore tests), I watch him take out the sterilized needles (individually packaged and never opened until used) and place them on a sanitized stainless steel workstation all while changing his gloves and washing his hands/arms a multitude of times. He's more sterile and careful than any doctor or dentist I've ever been too. His entire workstation is stainless steel and he covers all the chairs with plastic wrap before anyone sits down or touches them.

I'd say it's a pretty good bet he's being safe

[MooksterL1]

Originally Posted by JetJockey

And yes, you CAN be sure of the sanitation process. I watch my tattoo artist autoclave his stuff (and I can look at the recent spore tests), I watch him take out the sterilized needles (individually packaged and never opened until used) and place them on a sanitized stainless steel workstation all while changing his gloves and washing his hands/arms a multitude of times. He's more sterile and careful than any doctor or dentist I've ever been too. His entire workstation is stainless steel and he covers all the chairs with plastic wrap before anyone sits down or touches them.

I'd say it's a pretty good bet he's being safe

Absolutely! My artist knows that I'm a bit of a germaphobe anyway so he shows me everything.

[JanuaryGirl]

Originally Posted by DreamWeavin

No one can be sure of the sanitation process of anything, anywhere.
I stopped going to nail salons because I suspect many a germ of huge magnatude are passed in those places. Ditto for tattoo places. Ditto for doctor's offices,etc.
I have a friend who will only see a dentist on Mondays because she's afraid they will use an unsanitized instrument. She said at least by Monday morning she hopes they've sterilized the stuff or if not, then the germs have perhaps died.


OH and Hep C can be transmitted many ways other than needles

Not exactly, you can WATCH them open and sanitize instruments and view the results. Most tattoo parlors will be much more accomodating and knowledgeable about this than most nail salons and even some doctor's offices.

And sadly, my mother passed away from Hep C, so unfortunately I know all about it. NOT a pleasant disease, unfortunately most people don't know anything about it.