MRSA - "what is it" you might be asking yourself. Well it stands for
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus - which basically means that it is a form of staph germ that the usual antibiotics dont affect. When most people think of staph infections in tattoos they think of dirty needles. I talk to people all the time of the dangers of getting tattoos from "scratchers" (people that do tattoos out of their house). I get the same response from most of them. "Yeah, but they use new needles, they open them right in front of me, so I don't have to worry about getting anything." New needles - sounds good in theory. But lets explore this nasty little bug known as MRSA a little further.
Ok, so we know what it is called. We know it is a form of staph that is resistant to antibiotics, but where do you get it from? Well, it is actually a common bacteria that lives on your skin and sometimes in your nasal passages, even if you are a normal, healthy person!!! WHAT??? ON ME?? Yup. The nasty little bug is on you, your tattoo artist, your mom, your dad, your kids.... you get the picture. So, how does the new needles keep you from getting a MRSA infection? I am still trying to put the pieces of that one together.
What if the "artist" does not clean your skin properly when applying the tattoo? Wouldnt the MRSA that is naturally occuring on your skin be able to get in the tattoo? YES
What if the "artist" answers his phone, and then continues to tattoo on you with out changing his gloves? Wouldn't the MRSA that is most likley on his phone from him using it previously transfer to the gloves he is wearing and then to your new tattoo? YES
This is just a couple of scenerios of how your tattoo can be infected with MRSA; from your own skin, and from the "artist's" germs. There are many others, but you are a smart person, and get the picture.
So, how safe are feeling about them new needles opened right in front of you?
Ok so what happens if you get MRSA? Well, you'll get a nasty puss infested sore that needs to be drained, some serious antibotics, and if you are lucky, you will be able to clear it up with minor scarring. In serious cases of MRSA, there have been amputations, kidney failure, and DEATH.
There is alot more information on MRSA out there. Do a little research of your own. I recommend youtube - search for MRSA tattoo or MRSA infection OR MRSA milking. There are some yummy vids out there!
And as always, I hope you learned a little somethin, and if you have any questions please feel free to find me at South Presa Ink Tattoo Shop in San Antonio, TX. I will try to answer them, or help point you in the right direction!
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus - which basically means that it is a form of staph germ that the usual antibiotics dont affect. When most people think of staph infections in tattoos they think of dirty needles. I talk to people all the time of the dangers of getting tattoos from "scratchers" (people that do tattoos out of their house). I get the same response from most of them. "Yeah, but they use new needles, they open them right in front of me, so I don't have to worry about getting anything." New needles - sounds good in theory. But lets explore this nasty little bug known as MRSA a little further.
Ok, so we know what it is called. We know it is a form of staph that is resistant to antibiotics, but where do you get it from? Well, it is actually a common bacteria that lives on your skin and sometimes in your nasal passages, even if you are a normal, healthy person!!! WHAT??? ON ME?? Yup. The nasty little bug is on you, your tattoo artist, your mom, your dad, your kids.... you get the picture. So, how does the new needles keep you from getting a MRSA infection? I am still trying to put the pieces of that one together.
What if the "artist" does not clean your skin properly when applying the tattoo? Wouldnt the MRSA that is naturally occuring on your skin be able to get in the tattoo? YES
What if the "artist" answers his phone, and then continues to tattoo on you with out changing his gloves? Wouldn't the MRSA that is most likley on his phone from him using it previously transfer to the gloves he is wearing and then to your new tattoo? YES
This is just a couple of scenerios of how your tattoo can be infected with MRSA; from your own skin, and from the "artist's" germs. There are many others, but you are a smart person, and get the picture.
So, how safe are feeling about them new needles opened right in front of you?
Ok so what happens if you get MRSA? Well, you'll get a nasty puss infested sore that needs to be drained, some serious antibotics, and if you are lucky, you will be able to clear it up with minor scarring. In serious cases of MRSA, there have been amputations, kidney failure, and DEATH.
There is alot more information on MRSA out there. Do a little research of your own. I recommend youtube - search for MRSA tattoo or MRSA infection OR MRSA milking. There are some yummy vids out there!
And as always, I hope you learned a little somethin, and if you have any questions please feel free to find me at South Presa Ink Tattoo Shop in San Antonio, TX. I will try to answer them, or help point you in the right direction!
