H1: The Dangers of Tattooing in Prisons: A Healthcare Perspective
H2: Personal Perspective
I’ve worked on male inmates for around 18 years, administering dialysis, and have come across a concerning trend: the prevalence of inmates with visible, elaborate tattoos. These tattoos often create public misconceptions about the health and hygiene of these inmates. However, the reality is far more alarming. Prisons carry the highest infection rates for hepatitis, HIV, and AIDS, making it a critical issue why many inmates continue to share needles.
H2: The Risks of Sharing Needles
The misuse of needles is a significant concern. Inmates often steal from sharps containers or bribe staff for "clean needles," but this is a misnomer. They have no idea who these needles have come in contact with. A person may look physically well but be heavily infected. "Bleaching" needles is a common practice, but it is ineffective. Inmates believe it reduces the risk of infection, but it doesn't. This behavior poses a significant risk to those who get tattooed and to the tattooist themselves.
H2: Personal Experience and Caution
The aforementioned risks do not outweigh the artistic value. While I have seen professional tattoos done within the prison, I firmly believe that the potential health risks are too great. My personal stance is that it is not worth the risk, and it is especially true in prison. In my experience, tattoos can lead to infections and other health complications, making them not worth the artistic desires.
H2: No Blue Jeans or Shirts
One additional aspect of my personal life is that I do not own any blue jeans or long sleeve blue chambray shirts either. This choice is not a fashion statement but a practical one, born from a desire to avoid any health risks associated with body modifications.
H2: The Nebraska State Penitentiary
The Nebraska State Penitentiary serves as a stark example. It had a staggering 75% hepatitis C rate, primarily due to the prevalence of prison tattoos. These tattoos were not only poorly executed but also carried a high risk of infection. The tattooing process in prisons presents unique challenges and risks, making it a critical topic in discussions about inmate health and safety.
H2: My Back Tattoo
On my back, I have a Citron Crested Cockatoo, a chopper with topless women on it, and a horned helmet and goat face visor. Instead of the traditional headlamp, a rattlesnake skull is placed below it. Below the design are two flags: the red, white, and blue flag and the Stars and Bars flag. This tattoo, while professionally done in a prison setting, is a stark reminder of the dangers involved. The design was created using unconventional methods, reminiscent of MacGyvering, which further emphasizes the risks associated with tattooing in such environments.