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Author: Kristýna Hasserová, MG Příbor, Czech Republic

Tattoos and piercings

Příbor 21. 05. 2009

Nowadays you meet more and more people in the street who have a special body decoration: a tatoo or a piercing. These kinds of decoration have become very popular, mainly for young people and teenagers who want to improve their attractiveness or maybe their self-confidence. However, as Petrarch wrote, "Rarely do great beauty and great virtue dwell together".

     A lot of people are unaware of the possible health risks and problems. Or they don’t want to be aware of them. Genuine tattoos (done with a needle) can cause various problems, as can piercings, from small dermatological problems to serious illnesses, of which skin cancer is undoubtedly the most serious.

     The degree of risk often depends on where people get their tattoo done. If you ask your friend, who is actually an amateur, to pierce your ears, your nose and I don’t know what else, then you shouldn't be surprised when painful infections appear. Once you are interested in decorating your body then it’s better to go to a professional studio, even if you have to pay for it.

     The prices of tattoos depend on the studio, but generally they range from 20 euros upwards. Piercing, including the gem, costs around 33 euro. But your health is worth paying extra money for, after all. In addition, in tattoo studios there are special instruments and sterile needles designed just for this purpose. According to experts this equipment makes it much safer to have your tattoo done in a proper studio. Nevertheless, it doesn’t mean that it isn’t risky.

     Moreover, teenagers should think how they will look like when they get older, especially with a tattoo. This kind of 'body art' will stay with them for their whole life. Imagine a girl who has a tattoo – a small dolphin on her belly. Forty years later it could be a whale. Or a grandma with a hole in her nose or tongue. An interesting idea...
On the other hand, for people who want to have this kind of body decoration and to be original, it’s their choice. Nobody can forbid their decision.

     Finally I’d like to say that in my opinion tattoos and piercings are very dangerous. There are other ways to replace this method of body decoration. One example is a painted body decoration. Firstly, it isn’t for your whole life, secondly, it’s certainly safer, thirdly, from my point of view, it’s more beautiful, and lastly, you can even change this kind of decoration without difficulty.

     In conclusion I´d like to add one more quotation: "There is no cosmetic for beauty like happiness" --- Countess of Blessington