In a nod to the growing acceptance of tattoos for teens, the American Academy of Pediatrics has issued its first-ever recommendations on various body modifications including tattoos, body piercing, and “scarification.”
A report on the trends was published in the AAP journal Pediatrics, and the AAP website also announced the new recommendations Monday.
The report details some of the complications that can arise from tattoos, including infections, rashes, and their treatments, noting that the growing popularity and acceptance of tattoos and other body modification practices is leading to questions by parents about whether the practices are safe or healthy for their teens.
“Tattooing is much more accepted than it was 15 to 20 years ago,” lead author Dr. Cora Breuner said in a statement, Time reported. “When counseling teens, I tell them to do some research, and to think hard about why they want a tattoo, and where on their body they want it.”
Side effects from tattoos are relatively rare but include occasional infections, inflammation, abnormal tissue growth, and vasculitis, an inflammation of the blood vessels, Time reported.
Currently 45 states require parental consent to get a tattoo under the age of 18, and 38 states don’t allow body piercing without parental consent (except for the ears).
“These services have come a long way, safety-wise,” Breuner’s statement continued, “but it’s best to proceed with caution.”
The report cited studies that found 86 percent of those who have a tattoo have never regretted getting it, and 30 percent said it made them feel sexier. On the other hand, a 2014 survey showed 75 percent of interviewees felt a tattoo or piercing would hurt their chances of getting a job.
Guidelines such as finding a clean place to get a tattoo and being aware of certain medications also were offered by the AAP.