title: Tattoos: counseling the adolescent.
abstract: In Western society, approximately 3% to 5% of the population has at least one decorative tattoo, and the number of new tattoos has increased dramatically over the last decade. Tattooing is becoming increasingly popular among adolescents. Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) are in key positions to counsel preadolescents and adolescents about tattoos. PNPs should be knowledgeable about the care, potential adverse reactions, risks of blood-borne diseases, and removal of tattoos. PNPs should also have an understanding of who gets tattoos, why they get tattoos, and what type of regulations exist related to tattooing in the United States.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nurse Practitioners, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, 6431 Fannin, MSB 3.140, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
authors.forename: D F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Montgomery
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Parks
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D005161:Facility Regulation and Control; D006801:Humans; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012648:Self Care; D013653:Tattooing / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000451:nursing* / Q000592:standards; D014481:United States; D014946:Wound Infection