"Poke and Stick" Parties Pose Serious Health Risks to Teens
The advent of “poke and stick” parties is causing a stir as more of our nation’s youth are choosing to have their new tattoo or piercing done by a teenage friend, rather than a professional.
This fad not only may violate state law, but it also could spread infectious diseases, like HIV and hepatitis. Parents and teens should carefully consider safety measures to protect themselves from serious health consequences.
The ancient arts of tattooing and body piercing appear to be rising in popularity, particularly among the young. An estimated one in six teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 now sports tattoos, and one in four has body piercings.
Pennsylvania has adopted a law (Act 36) requiring parents or guardians of children under 18 not only to give written permission for their teen’s body art, but also to be present during the procedure.
Pennsylvania Medical Society member physician and dermatologist David R. Benjamin, MD, of Erie, says this law is a “start” in protecting teens but stresses that state regulation of this industry is needed.
“Those of us in the field of dermatology regularly see problems resulting from tattoos and piercings,” says Dr. Benjamin, who also is president of the Pennsylvania Academy of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery.
If you’ve decided to allow your teenager to get a tattoo or piercing, find out what to look for in a tattoo parlor. Also, learn about complications and how to get rid of a tattoo.
Last Updated: 2/18/2009