Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Tattoo studios provide a unique venue for primary and secondary skin cancer prevention. Most tattoo artists promote sun protection for new tattoos in the form of aftercare instructions. Unfortunately, most tattoo artists are not well-informed on comprehensive sun safety recommendations, such as applying sunscreen prior to sun exposure with a sun protective factor SPF of 30 or higher, reapplying sunscreen when outdoors for more than two hours, using clothing that physically blocks ultraviolet rays, wearing wide-brimmed hats that shade the head, or seeking shade when available.
However, recent evidence suggests that tattoo artists are open to learning about comprehensive sun safety recommendations and secondary skin cancer prevention methods.
Tattoo studios also offer an opportunity to reach younger adults who may not be exposed to public health information or have access to health care. In addition to providing aftercare instructions to their clients, tattoo artists can disseminate sun safety information through social media and tattoo studio websites. Tattoo studios might serve as a an effective intervention environment to provide comprehensive full-body skin cancer prevention recommendations. Current recommendations to protect new tattoos from the sun should be compatible with the current sun safety guidelines from the American Academy of Dermatology.
Keywords: Tattoo, sun protection, skin cancer awareness, primary skin cancer prevention, secondary skin cancer prevention. Tattoos have gained tremendous popularity worldwide. In the United States, 23 percent of adults aged 18 years and older have at least one tattoo, with younger adults aged 18—39 years old being more likely to have tattoos.
Nonmedical professionals, such as tattoo artists, hairdressers, and massage therapists can play an essential role in providing sun protection and skin cancer education to their clients. The exposure of tattoos to sun can cause premature fading and cracking and ultraviolet UV radiation can prompt a healing tattoo to scar or scab over. Following proper aftercare instructions given by tattoo artists can help to prevent these complications.
