ADVERTISEMENT

Q. I got slight epidermal prick while tattooing. Is the risk of infection high?

Answered by
Dr. Naik Dessai Gauri Govind
and medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team.
This is a premium question & answer published on Mar 28, 2016 and last reviewed on: Dec 27, 2019

Hi doctor,

Four days ago I visited a tattoo shop. It is a small one and I think he will do only temporary ones. Suddenly, I got a hit on the backside of my right thumb. I stopped him as he did not change the needle. Little piercing was done till my epidermis of skin. I am scared. What should I do now?

ADVERTISEMENT
#

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

  • There are lot of medical issues which can occur from tattooing like HIV infection, tetanus, hepatitis B and C and allergic reactions. Nowadays tattooists reduced such risks by following universal precautions, working with single use items, and sterilizing their equipment after each use.
  • As you mentioned your piercing was done only till the epidermis, the infection is highly unlikely (very very less chance) that you will contact any infection. Even if the needle was infected, it requires contact with body fluids like blood. So, you can relax.
  • Still I would like to make the following points:-
  1. In case of an HIV infection, the test takes about 2-3 months to be positive. Hence, there is no way to find out if you got infected, which is again highly unlikely.
  2. There is something called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) given to individuals who have been exposed to the virus and includes three drugs given only under doctor's supervision. You can discuss this with your doctor.
  3. If you frequently get a tattoo done make sure your tetanus and hepatitis B vaccines are up-to-date.
  4. Always have clear knowledge about the infections spread by tattooing like HIV and hepatitis and their mode of spread. Take care and stay safe.

For further doubts consult a HIV AIDS specialist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/HIV-AIDS-specialist


Was this answer helpful?

 | 

Same symptoms doesn’t mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!



Related Questions:
Have allergy problems. I always have runny nose or sore throat or excessive sneezing and coughing and cannot breathe normally.

I want to know abt itching in whole body afrt kdney trsnplant ..mdcn gvng is pangraf 2mg..myofortic360mg ...which test is done so itchng will diagnose   Read full

Does hepatitis virus stay dormant in the body after infection or get cleared?

I want to know abt itching in whole body afrt kdney trsnplant ..mdcn gvng is pangraf 2mg..myofortic360mg ...which test is done so itchng will diagnose   Read full

Can hepatitis C be transferred if the blood is in a dried state?

I want to know abt itching in whole body afrt kdney trsnplant ..mdcn gvng is pangraf 2mg..myofortic360mg ...which test is done so itchng will diagnose   Read full

Also Read Answers From:

ideaComprehensive Medical Second Opinion.Submit your Case

Also Read


Missed Miscarriage - An Overview
Sometimes a miscarriage occurs without knowledge, as typical signs may be absent. This is called a missed miscarriage. L...  Read more»
H3N2v Influenza - Treatment and Prevention
Management and prevention of an Influenza A virus variant include various treatment options and measures. The below arti...  Read more»
Flu A - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention
The flu, or influenza, is a contagious viral infection that attacks the respiratory system. Flu A and B viruses are resp...  Read more»

Ask your health query to a doctor online?

Ask a HIV AIDS Specialist Now

* guaranteed answer within 4 hours.

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.