hum.. how famuler... MRSA?

MRSA, indeed! And a nasty case of it. Surgical intervention that made me look as if a shark took a bite out of my ass. --FLO--

I have one of the same type as my avatar to the left, its in a dream catcher, I guess I should put it up.

Way to go on the tats, more nerve than I have.

Oh yes, mine is on my left shoulder.

River

I put pictures of my tattooing, complete with the pink head/tip on:

http://bodymodificationsgalore.ning.com/photo

Hash

I'd like to see it but I can't get approved for the site. --FLO--

Don't feel bad Flo, now I've been banned from the site. I'll find out why shortly, I hope. I don't know how to post the pictures here or if it's allowed. Any advice would be helpful. Hash

Pics are not allowed here, links to photo sites are usually O.K. --FLO--

I'd like to add a picture of myself with my tattoo as my avatar. I can't figure out how to do that. Can you walk me through it? Hash

What I'd like to know is, are tattooing establishments licensed or certified in any way for good medical practice? For example, using thoroughly sterilized equipment. I suppose this is one of those things that varies by state. I'd love to get a tattoo as a Christmas present to myself. I don't want to wind up picking up hepatitis or something else with the tattoo. Anyone familiar with any regulation of these places in Minnesota?

Minnesota now has regulations for tattoo shops regarding sanitation and sterilization. Members of professional tattoo orginazations have additional rules they are supposed to be guided by. I have no idea how these rules are enforced. Another consideration is how good the work of an artist is. There are no regulations as to artistic quality or competence. --FLO--

I think choosing a tattoo parlor is something like choosing a restaurant. If it looks dirty, it probably is. Tattoo shops that want to stay in business use safe practices and inform their clients of their sanitary practices. Most shops provide their clients with examples of their work so you can gauge the artist's ability & competence. There is a device called an "auto-clave" to sterilize their needles, ask the shop if they use it religiously and ask to see it. Also, ask some people if they've been tattooed at the shop and get their opinions. Sometimes you can "google" a tattoo shop and you'll get opinions of people who've tried the shop. Hash

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autoclave