Herpes after tattooing: how a permanent makeup master can minimize the risks

Speaking about the benefits of permanent makeup, do not forget about the risks that may accompany the procedure. Tattoo lips, less often - eyebrows, sometimes acts as a catalyst for inflammation of herpes (HSV-1 - herpes simplex type 1).

Every second inhabitant of the planet is familiar with this infection, but a painful small-bubble rash that occurs after a permanent session can confuse your client. Why this happens, how to prevent infection and how to deal with it in case of infection - we will tell in detail in this article.

Causes of herpes

Science knows 8 types of herpes, but in this article we will talk about the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-I), which affects the skin of the face, hands, mucous membranes of the mouth, conjunctiva of the eyes.

This is a viral pathology in which rashes form on the skin and mucous membranes in the form of bubbles that appear in groups and reach a diameter of 2-3 centimeters. The HSV-1 virus is a highly contagious infection, widespread and endemic throughout the world. According to WHO statistics, around 4 billion people worldwide suffer from "colds" on the lips and mucous membranes of the mouth. Once in the body, this virus remains with the person until the end of life. Sometimes the infection develops without any symptoms, and many people are unaware that they are carriers of the virus.

The causative agent of HPV type 1 is located in the nerve trunk and does not manifest itself until the person is completely healthy and his immune system is working as usual. After the device acts on the nerve cells that irritate the pathogen during the PM, it begins to progress, which leads to the appearance of herpes vesicles on the lips or eyebrows. Thus, the tattoo procedure does not act as a cause of the herpes virus, but as a pathogen. An exception can only be the situation when the master works in non-sterile conditions or reuses disposable consumables.

Mechanical damage to tissues is not the only reason for the activation of infection in the body. Most often, a combination of several factors leads to the manifestation of herpes:

• a sharp drop in body temperature: due to overheating or hypothermia (for example, from a hot street, go into a room where the air conditioner is working, and vice versa);
• colds and chronic diseases;
• stressful situations;
• hormonal changes, incl. during pregnancy.

Prevention is easier than cure

Every specialist should know how to prevent herpes before a tattoo procedure. Although these are common truths, we repeat that only disposable consumables should be used during the PM procedure. It is recommended to unpack the needle for the typewriter immediately before work. Of course, it is important to carefully monitor all stages of equipment sterilization, use of consumables, etc. Despite the fact that sterilizers are very expensive and difficult to afford, in no case do not save on this - you are at great risk of introducing an infection into the body of your client. Any negligence will affect your reputation as a craftsman if clients are not confident in their safety.

In addition, the master should instruct his client and give the following recommendations:

• avoid sudden changes in temperature, do not visit crowded places in order to avoid infection with SARS, do not unnecessarily steam the skin;
• 2-3 days before the procedure, start taking antiherpetic drugs recommended by the doctor;
• avoid procedures associated with skin injury: peeling, scrubbing, if permanent makeup is planned in this area.

Influence of herpes on the result of PM

If prevention did not help and herpes appeared after the tattoo, give the client the following recommendations:

• do not touch the wound with your hands and follow the standard rules of personal hygiene;
• do not remove the formed crust;
• apply a special ointment locally to the site of wound formation;
• do not steam the skin;
• avoid dry skin.

It is necessary to convey to the client that the immune system will try to reject the pigment and do everything possible to heal the wound faster. After healing at the site of herpes, the pigment will be absent, only a light spot of the natural color of the lips will remain. But this is not critical, the situation can be corrected for correction.