RSPH calls for overhaul of infection control in UK shops offering tattoos and piercings

RSPH calls for overhaul of infection control in UK shops offering tattoos and piercings RSPH has published its latest report, Skins and Needles, which takes a look at health risks associated with the increasing number of people in the UK having tattoos, piercings and other treatments that compromise the skin barrier. Between 2004-2014 there was a 173% increase in the number of tattoo parlours in the UK, and now one in five of us have a tattoo.

Currently there is no standard legal requirement across the UK in infection control for anyone offering special procedures, such as tattoos or piercings. This means that currently anyone can set up shop without appropriate training and could ultimately put people at risk of infection. In UK legislation, the term ‘special procedures’ refers to tattoos, cosmetic piercings, acupuncture and electrolysis. There is also no specific legislation covering other equally invasive treatments, such as dermal fillers. Royal Society for Public Health

See also:

• Tattoo parlours pose infection risk, warn health experts BBC News
• One in five people who get tattoos end up infected, experts warn The Daily Telegraph
• Call for tattooists and body piercers to qualify in infection control The Guardian