DHEC stresses importance of safe tattooing on National Tattoo Day

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)—July 17 is National Tattoo Day and the S.C. Dept. of Health and Environmental Control wants you to take precaution next time you get tatted.

DHEC regulates 162 license tattoo facilities across the state and ensure artists meet training requirements.

Facilities are inspected for cleanliness and other conditions and can be inspected at any time without notice.

Only individuals aged 18 and older can receive a tattoo in South Carolina.

Risks of unsafe tattooing include:

• Skin infections from unhygienic practices and unsterilized equipment
• Infections from contaminated ink
• Inflammation and an overgrowth of scar tissue
• Bloodborne diseases from unsterilized equipment contaminated with infected blood

The following precautions should be taken before getting tattooed:

• The tattoo facility is licensed by DHEC by using DHEC’s Find a Facility
• The tattoo artist is wearing fresh gloves for each new procedure
• The tattoo artist is using unused needles, tubes and trays/containers
• The tattoo artist uses heat or chemical sterilization to sterilize all non-disposable equipment between customers

Learn more about how DHEC regulates tattoo facilities and additional information through DHEC’s Tattoo Facilities webpage.