National guidelines should be produced as a matter of urgency for those who operate body-piercing and tattooing outlets in the Republic, according to a report published yesterday, writes Eithne Donnellan, Health Correspondent.
Dr Marie Laffoy, director of public health in the Eastern Regional Health Authority area, has also recommended in her latest annual report that body art operators should be subject to regulation.
The procedure of body/skin piercing, she said, induces a number of health risks, including the risk of transfer of blood borne diseases such as hepatitis.
"One study was conducted amongst GP practices covering a population of 389,000 and 11 known body piercers. Over a one-year period, 56 per cent of GP practices reported 472 complications. The most common complications were bleeding, local infection and oedema of the surrounding tissues leading to embedding of the jewellery," she said.
The ERHA, she said, had received complaints from parents that their children had undergone body art without their consent. "Body-piercing is not considered a medical procedure in Ireland and thus there are no age limits and no requirements for parental consent," she said.
The Department of Health said a working group was established earlier this year to develop best practice guidelines for body-piercing and tattooing practitioners. "The main objective of the guidelines is to encourage best hygiene practice by body piercers and tattooists, to minimise the risk of infection and so protect artists and clients," a spokesman said.