Health Library

The Health Library is a collection of health and wellness resources created for learning and accessibility. Select a topic below for related health information or search for a topic in the search bar for more information on other medical conditions.

Tattoo and Piercing Safety

  • Questions on safety standards If you are thinking about having a tattoo or body piercing, go to a reputable studio. Look for or ask about the following: Is it clean? The entire shop, including the bathroom, should be clean. What type of sterilization procedures does the shop follow? Is there a...

  • Appropriate jewelry for body piercing sites Is removable. If you have your mouth pierced and you use oral jewelry, make sure it can be removed. For example, you should be able to unscrew the ball on one end of a barbell-shaped device to make the device easy to insert and take out. Allows for full cleaning of the...

  • Using henna Direct application of henna to the skin to create a temporary tattoo is a process known as mehndi. Henna is a plant-based coloring that is approved in the United States only as a hair dye. It is not approved for direct application to the skin. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received...

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