Remaining in Older times? (Discrimination with tattoos)

           This morning I find myself wanting to blog about discrimination with tattoos as this is a ongoing issue that I continue to see on a daily basis. As I have been researching factual evidence to prove my points that this still exists today. I have included some articles that provide information on this topic as well.

          Someone with tattoos is often categorized and looked at differently than those without tattoos. I find this to be very disturbing. Tattoos are a work of art that provide us with a personalty. Tattoos should not distinguish individuals as a different human being. As we are all one in the human race. I have noticed that a person with tattoos gets different treatment when going into a hospital for care as they are often looked at as drug seekers or dealers. Tattoos are also looked at as one that is involved in risky behavior. These articles I found also shows that drugs and tattoos are categorized together. In my opinion, this is much like the racial debate still continuing across the world. Time changes and some people remain in older times.Granted, I have no tattoos myself and this is my preference. However, I see this all the time with people I know.

"Emergency physicians are seeing more and more tattoos and piercings in the patients they treat, but these body modifications can affect the physical and psychological health of patients undergoing treatment. Identifying potential pitfalls in treating associated complications is important.

Tattoos and piercings were once relegated to specific cultures and societal types but are be­coming increasingly common across all ages and genders throughout the United States. “For emergency physicians (EPs), tattoos and piercings have become important non-verbal clues about someone’s lifestyle,” says Michael S. Urdang, MD, BSc, MBBS, MRCS. “In addition, these body modifications have been identified as the cause of an ED visit more often in recent years.”

Considering the large scope of tattoos and pierc­ings among ED patients, EPs must recognize and understand the medical complications that may arise as a result of these body modifications. A deeper understanding of the psychological associ­ations of tattooing and piercings is also important. In addition, EPs should recognize the relevance of body modifications to the current chief complaint when patients present to EDs.

In the November 2011 Western Journal of Emergency Medicine, Dr. Urdang and colleagues published a review in which the most common forms of tat­toos and piercings were elucidated. The review also described how these body modifications may have affected the physical and psychological health of patients undergoing treatment. Potential pitfalls in treating complications associated with tattoos and piercings were also described in the review.

Increasing Prevalence of Tattoos & Piercings

Recent surveys have shown that there has been a significant increase in the prevalence in tattoos within the U.S. In 2006, a North American survey of adults aged 18 to 50 found that 24% had tat­toos and 14% had body piercings (excluding the ear). Those who were tattooed were more likely to be less educated, use recreational drugs more fre­quently, and less likely to show any religious affili­ation. At about the same time, 2% of Americans reported having piercings (not including the ear lobe). Studies suggest that people who get pierc­ings are more likely to partake in risky activities (eg, drug taking and sexual promiscuity) and have a higher risk of being incarcerated.

Examining the Relevance to Emergency Physicians

“Tattoos and piercings are relevant to EPs in many ways,” says Dr. Urdang (Table 1). “First, they pres­ent a window to the lifestyle and life experiences of the patient being treated. Furthermore, tattoo­ing can camouflage intravenous drug abuse and other dermatologic diseases. Many questions rel­evant to the patient’s history can be answered by a review of their tattoos. While making interpretations is not always simple, rel­evant information is often within reach of observant EPs.” Most complications from tattoos are related to infections that can be traced back to tattoos be­ing given via non-sterile techniques. Failure to recognize tattoos as the source of complications can lead to incorrect therapy.

Piercings can have an effect on how diagnostics and other proce­dures are utilized in the ED. They can also lead to several types of complications that can impact how EPs treat these patients (Table 2). “Jewelry is primarily body-site specific and made from metal,” Dr. Urdang explains. “When various metals that are used in jewelry con­tain nickel, there is a potential for complications, including infections, traumatic insertions, rejection of foreign bodies, migration, and/or embedding.” Complications of piercings are more common than those of tattoos, with studies demonstrating com­plication rates as high as 9%.

Considering Psychological Associations with Tattoos and Piercings

Data suggest that EPs should recognize that tat­toos and piercings have been linked to illnesses and suicidal behavior. Tattooing has been correlated with the perception of decreased mental health. Tattooing and body piercing together have been linked to an increased likelihood of “sensation-seeking” behavior. Abusive backgrounds, mental illnesses, and suicidal ideation are more frequent among people with body modifications like tat­toos and piercings than in those without them. “While these associations cannot be generalized to everyone with tattoos and piercings, they can be of assistance when diagnosing and treating pa­tients in the ED,” says Dr. Urdang.

Studies have shown that about half of people with tattoos regret getting them within 12 to 14 years and wish for tattoo removal. “Tattoos may cause imme­diate or delayed hazards to health and aren’t always easy to remove,” says Dr. Urdang. “Fortunately, non-profit organi­zations and other businesses have emerged to provide tattoo removal. Some even clear away tattoos for for­mer gang members who want them removed. Several removal methods are available, so it’s important that EPs re­search the different treatment approaches to see which strategies are appropriate, de­pending on the patient’s situation. Arming EPs with knowledge about tattoos and pierc­ings can forge more functional doctor–patient re­lationships in the ED. It can also assist them as they obtain critical historical data and informa­tion about their patients. Ideally, this information will enable EPs to provide better treatment and referral for this growing patient population.”

Additional Resources:

Urdang M, Mallek JT, Mallon WK. Tattoos and piercings: a review for the emergency physician. Western J Emerg Med. 2011;12:393-398. Available at: http://escholarship.org/uc/item/7k87770k.

Armstrong ML, Roberts AE, Koch JR, et al. Investigating the removal of body piercings. Clin Nurs Res. 2007;16:103-118.

Lick SD, Edozie SN, Woodside KJ, et al. Streptococcus viridans endocarditis from tongue piercing. J Emerg Med. 2005;29:57-59.

Meltzer DI. Complications of body piercing. Am Fam Physician. 2005;72:2029-2034.

Stuppy DJ, Armstrong ML, Casals-Ariet C. Attitudes of health care providers and students toward tattooed people. J Adv Nurs. 1998;27:1165-1170.

Hicinbothem J, Gonsalves S, Lester D. Body modification and suicidal behavior. Death Stud. 2006;30:351-363.

Burris K, Kim K. Tattoo removal. Clin Dermatol. 2007;25:388-392.

Stirn A. Trauma and tattoo-piercing, tattooing and related forms of body modification between self-care and self-destruction of traumatized individuals. Psychotraumatologie. 2002;2:45."

"Discrimination Against Tattoos in the Workplace
 by Monica Stevens, Demand Media


 One in five Americans has a tattoo, but not all employers approve. One in five Americans has a tattoo, but not all employers approve. Related Articles Lawsuits About Discrimination in the Workplace Types of Discrimination in the Workplace Female Discrimination in the Workplace What Constitutes Discrimination in the Workplace? Offices for Discrimination in the Workplace Reasons Why Discrimination Continues to Exist in the Workplace In some work environments, it is not advisable for employees to wear sleeveless shirts -- let alone reveal a sleeve of tattoos. Still, a 2012 study the polling organization, Harris Interactive, notes that one out of five adults in the United States sports at least one tattoo. As tattoos proliferate, some employers are becoming more accepting of body ink peeking through workplace attire, but that level of acceptance varies depending on the industry and the corporate culture. Sponsored Link Sugar Daddy For Me Only Sugar Daddy Site w/Risk Free 3 Day Trial. Seen On Tyra/Montel!  www.SugarDaddyForMe.com Cultural Divide Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and so it is with opinions on tattoos at work. A June 2012 survey by Captivate, a digital media firm, found that various age groups have diverging views on acceptable workplace appearance. Participants over the age of 50 were far more likely to find tattoos distracting than those in the 35-49 age range. A study released in 2010 by the Pew Research Center notes that 70 percent of those between 18- and 29-years of age who have tattoos, decided to conceal their body ink under clothing. Slowly Changing Views In some creative or cutting-edge fields, tattoos and other forms of self-expression are embraced, according to executive career coach Meredith Haberfeld in an interview with American Public Media’s “Marketplace.” Specifically, he cited design, music, fashion and sports as prominent examples. Even so, human resources managers surveyed in 2011 by CareerBuilder.com still named tattoos as the third most common physical characteristic that could hold an employee back from being promoted. Also, some 40 percent of people who undergo tattoo removal say employment was their motivation, according to a survey by The Patient’s Guide, an online resource for cosmetic and skin care related issues. Cautious Approach In conservative office environments, tattoos are a big no-no, according to Kat Griffin, founder of Corporate, a website dedicated to corporate-friendly fashion guidance. While getting to know supervisors, coworkers and clients, new employees may discover there is some leeway regarding visible tattoos -- but first impressions often last. Griffin advises covering any visible ink until strong working relationships develop. Only then can employees be reasonably certain that body art won’t be deemed inappropriate. If there is uncertainty, err on the side of caution and cover up tattoos with clothing or concealing makeup, she recommends. Implementing a Dress Code Crafting a dress code that prohibits tattoos is a delicate balance for employers, according to a report by Joanne Deschenaux, senior legal editor for the Society for Human Resource Management. Employers may inadvertently exclude qualified employees through an overly broad tattoo ban. Almost across the board, employers have the legal right to discriminate against tattooed employees and create policies related to workplace dress, unless they conflict with religious accommodations, notes Houston-based attorney David Barron in the report. When deciding on a tattoo policy, employers should be specific and enforce it consistently, according to SHRM, and policies should also fit the company culture. Deschenaux’s report, for example, notes that companies may choose to distinguish between small tattoos that are barely visible and those that are large, difficult to hide, or potentially offensive." 


          I find these articles to be disturbing and prove that individuals are discriminated against due to the nature of their looks. If I choose to have piercings,tattoos and pink hair, does this make me a drug seeker and a criminal. Tattoos are a form of art and should not be stereotyped.