New report cites risks youths face when getting tattoos and body piercings

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Despite the growing popularity of tattoos and body piercings, some parents still suffer shock and dismay when their college freshman comes home for the first time with a slight modification.

Instead of surprise, parents should be educated, pediatricians say, and should talk over tattoo and piercing safety with their teens. Recognizing a void of information in that area, the American Academy of Pediatrics released its first report on tattoos and piercings Monday, warning parents and teens of rare but possible risks, and offering safety tips.

"A lot of times when we launch our kids off to college, they come home for Thanksgiving with a tattoo," said Dr. Cora Breuner, lead author of the report.

Although most states require a minimum age of 18, Breuner, a physician and professor of pediatrics and adolescent medicine at Seattle Children's Hospital, suggests parents and teens discuss tattoos and piercings before that, and that pediatricians bring up the subject for their high school-age patients.

The minimum age in Illinois is 18, but exceptions can be made for body piercings with parental approval.

Breuner first saw a need for guidance from the academy when she started to research body piercing facilities. About five years ago, Breuner's 18-year-old daughter came to her, asking to pierce her belly button.

"I was shocked because I couldn't help her make an informed decision," she said.

That's when Breuner, chair of the academy's committee on adolescents, decided to compile the report.

The report explains how the rate of complications, mainly infection, is unknown but is believed to be rare. To avoid complications, the report advises teens to research a facility before getting a tattoo or piercing. Facilities should be clean and offer tips on how to care for a tattoo or piercing at home.

Breuner also notes that those on certain immune system-suppressing medications should avoid tattoos and piercings, and should be current on all immunizations before getting anything done.

The report also notes that scarification, the practice of burning or branding words or images into the skin, is not as highly regulated and is banned in some states.

The academy, which is based in Elk Grove Village, also offers guidance to pediatricians on how to distinguish typical tattooing or piercing from nonsuicidal self-injury syndrome. Those with the affliction tend to impulsively cut, scratch or burn themselves, the release states.