In recent years, tattooing has become mainstream. Just look at the beach to see for yourself. Piercing is also following the same trend. Young and old, men and women alike: everyone wants to adorn their body with a piece of jewelry (piercing) or an image (tattoo). This is what is called a fashion phenomenon. With this success, the number of tattoo artists and piercers is multiplying. As summer approaches with people’s desire to show off, Hepatitis Info Service has launched an awareness campaign among young people about the risks of getting tattoos or piercings without adhering to all hygiene rules. Getting tattooed yes, getting pierced yes, but not under just any conditions. Even if they’re impatient, hygiene must be the primary criterion for young people. Hygiene rules are recommended. Controls exist as well as a national union of tattoo artists whose members strictly adhere to a hygiene charter.
There is always a risk involved. Hepatitis B and C are often silent and still very poorly understood: They are transmitted through blood, the progression of these viruses is very long and there are no symptoms to detect them. The progression of chronic hepatitis can lead to cirrhosis and poses a risk of liver cancer. Treatments are available. The earlier the detection, the sooner they can be prescribed to prevent the progression to cirrhosis or even liver cancer. They then offer a 50% chance of cure for chronic hepatitis C.
Some statistics provided by Hepatitis Info Service:
In France, it is estimated that:
– 500,000 people are infected with hepatitis C.
– 300,000 people are chronic carriers of hepatitis B, and 400,000 people are still unaware of their status regarding these viral hepatitis.
– 5,000 people die each year from the consequences of hepatitis.
– The PACA region is particularly affected by the hepatitis C virus with a prevalence rate of 1.3%, the highest in France.
– Although the main mode of transmission of the hepatitis C virus in the Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur region is drug abuse by intravenous injection, tattooing and piercing with non-disposable equipment are the second source of contamination.
Audio message from Hepatitis Info Service:
[MESSAGE_HEPATITE_INFO_SERVICE_MASCULIN_A_BLANC_2.mp3](https://www.nicepremium.fr/wp-content/uploads/2006/06/mp3_MESSAGE_HEPATITE_INFO_SERVICE_MASCULIN_A_BLANC_2.mp3)
