Scarification is the use of scars to achieve an aesthetically pleasing result. With regard to scarification, remember that scars are the result of the body healing and recovering and it is impossible to control fully. Therefore the final look of a scar or scars might not be what you expect. The only way to have a predictable design on your body is to get tattooed. Note that the introduction of any foreign object into a wound increases the risk of infection. The procedures described below require a high degree of aftercare.
The skin is the largest organ in the human body; its function is to protect us from the environment by keeping out pathogens. If broken skin and non-sterile equipment or unhygienic practices come in contact, there is a high risk for transmission of blood borne viruses such as HIV and Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C.
For more information about what is available visit an accredited piercing or body art business, look for the ‘certificate of registration’ to make sure it is registered with their local council.
To comply with health regulations these businesses need to follow these regulations:
- The premises must be kept clean;
- Any article used for penetrating the skin must be sterile at the time of use;
- Any article that has penetrated the skin or is contaminated with blood or body fluids/substances must be either disposed of immediately after use or cleaned and sterilised before being used on another person;
- Any other used article must be cleaned before being used on another person;
- Operators must keep themselves and their clothing clean, and have no exposed cuts, abrasions or wounds;
- Proprietors must provide written health information to each client about the potential health risks associated with skin penetration procedures.