To Tattoo OR Not to Tattoo

JoDha's picture

Even when it comes to HIV and tattoos the messages are pretty mixed. Can people with HIV get tattoos? Is there a risk to a tattoo artist in inking someone who's HIV positive? Does a tattoo heal differently on someone with HIV?

The doctor I visited told me not to tattoo. Why? Because I am HIV positive. Because it will transmit to others through needles. Because the healing will be slow, there will be infection, there will be pus or blisters. Yes. Even in 2021, there are some doctors who are not up-to-date and will discourage about something which is almost ZERO RISK, especially when following hygiene and safety measures.

I did go to another doctor to have second opinion, an infectious disease specialist who gave me a go ahead and this got me to bust the myth that people living with HIV cannot have tattoo.

Here are some pointers to keep in mind:

  • Be transparent with the tattoo artist. He may or may not refuse but it ialways pays to be honest. Some studios may have policies against blood-borne illness/disease; hence never be disheartened. Accept it and look for another.
  • If you don't want to disclose your status, that is also fine – but make sure that equipment are sterilized, fresh disposable gloves and needles used, and new ink for each client. Ask. You won't know until you have asked, right? And if they don't, then walk away – this is good not only for your own safety but for others as well.
  • Single-use instruments that penetrate the skin should be used ONCE, then disposed of. Reusable instruments that penetrate the skin should be thoroughly cleaned and STERILISED between clients.
  • From the research I did, one's viral load and CD4 could be important factors. If your immune system is weak and your body's ability to fight off infection is low then the greater the risk and the slower the healing. If your CD4 is >500 and VL <40 (undetectable) then you should be good to go.

I got my tattoo done on my left arm. It took two hours but I love the end result.

The RED RIBBON you see depicts the HIV ribbon.

BUTTERFLY: Butterfly means resurrection, change, hope, life. It is a powerful representation of transformation in life (imagine it being an ugly cocoon to being a beautiful butterfly with wings)

When I was first diagnosed with HIV, I felt so lost, so alone. The trauma plus the grief of being a woman living with HIV and the stigma plus the ostracism from the society had made me cocoon myself up, in my shell. For five long years!! Until I decided this is not the way to live - this is not me, a daughter of an Indian air force officer, to live life like this - hence I started to transition, slowly emerging in my glory, growing wings!! And feeling beautiful again!! To be loved and accepted. To be respected.

LOTUS: It is a symbol of purity and hope. Lotus is also the symbol of enlightenment.

In Buddhism, Buddha and Lotus tattoos are considered to be disrespectful - to which I truly apologise - but here, whenever I look at my arm, I get the new burst of energy which always reminds me how far I have come. The world is a hard place to live in. (THE SCARS on my arm say a lot about the kind of world I live in - these scars are my story.) There are all kinds of people in this world. Some good, some bad. Similarly just like the root of the lotus grown in murky waters, it is one of the most beautiful flowers above water. My life too has been like that. With all that had happened in my life, I was so full of evil, hatred, resentment, anger. But then, through dark times and difficulties, there were good, kind, compassionate people who helped me rise through all and bloom into a beautiful flower - just like lotus - to blossom, it grew through mud and dirty pond water.

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Comments

Beautiful tattoo. Love it and

Escalice's picture

Beautiful tattoo. Love it and the meaning behind it.

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Thank you so much, Escalice.

JoDha's picture

Thank you so much, Escalice. I am happy you love it.

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Beautiful tatt! I also have a

Red40something's picture

Beautiful tatt! I also have a lotus. I chose the blue lotus for the victory of spirit over the flesh.

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Hi Red40Something....I just

JoDha's picture

Hi Red40Something....I just google'ed "What the Blue Lotus Symbolise" and believe me, it was such a strong empowering spiritual message. "the victory of the spirit over the senses, of intelligence and wisdom, of knowledge." and  “perfection of wisdom”.

I LOVE it.

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great

TINKER's picture

I have 4 kids and my youngest girl wanted me to get her name on my arm like I have her siblings names but I found out about my status and lost all hope and this was a very big help I'm going to the tattoo place today and I will get her name no matter what. Thanks!

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Go for it!!!

JoDha's picture

Yessssss!!! Just go for it. Make sure that you take care of it post-tattoo for at least a month. After the healing, the end result is amaaaazing.

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Love your tattoo 

Newtothis21's picture

Love your tattoo 

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Love your tattoo 

Newtothis21's picture

Love your tattoo 

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Thank you <3

JoDha's picture

Lotsa love.

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I absolutely love this!! I

Marig2016's picture

I absolutely love this!! I too have a lotus in pink. It represents the self love "pink" I found after my rebirth"hiv diagnosis" I love how one thing has connected us all but along the way we have found many other things that connect us! 

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I have seen your tattoos on

JoDha's picture

I have seen your tattoos on upper chest and back. Didn't notice the pink lotus. Which part of the body is that tattoo'ed?

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Beautiful

Neurodivergentdiva's picture

People are often baffled when I tell them I've gotten 17 tattoos since my diagnosis & I don't plan on stopping 😊

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That gives me hope

serenesunflower's picture

I had 6 before my diagnosis and want to get a few more but have been nervous about the possible rejection from tattoo artists. But the fact that you've been able to get some many after diagnosis gives me hope. My ID doc told me that I could but I just didn't want to have to disclose to every single tattoo artist that I inquired with. 

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Disclosure not important

JoDha's picture

Yes, your doctor is right. Disclosure nowadays isnt that important as needles are one-time-use. BUT still do make sure to ask if they use "disposable" needles. That way you are doing your responsibility indirectly as well as keeping yourself safe too. 

Do go.....and then post it regarding your tattoo ....

Much love.

 

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WOW!!

JoDha's picture

Wow!! The numbers are just wow!!

Any of it having the Red Ribbon?

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WOW!!

JoDha's picture

Wow!! The numbers are just wow!!

Any of it having the Red Ribbon?

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Welcome to The Well Project’s website! Feel free to look around, though please note that some features of our website may be down until December 2, 2023, while we make improvements. If you have questions or need support, please email our team.