TATTOOS and body piercing are becoming an accepted form of self-expression, but this form of body art can carry a dangerous risk of infection if one's not careful in the choice of artist and the conditions he may work under.

Hepatitis C and HIV are sometimes the end result of a botched job all for the sake of self-expression. But if one were sold on the idea of going under the needle for the sake of self-expression, it would be wise to make sure the facility is sterile, let alone reputable using needles and instruments which are clean.

It is a case of buyer beware and in this case you cannot exchange the 'purchase' if you are dissatisfied with the end result.

While there isn't a proliferation of tattoo parlours on the island, the existing ones have state-of-the-art equipment. Strict health laws on the island require specialised equipment in the sterilisation of the equipment and disposable needles.

Tattoos have other underlying heath hazards beyond hepatitis and HIV. Some unfortunate individual learns the painful truth he or she is sensitive to the dyes used in the imaging process. In the most extreme cases, gangrene has developed from an infection.

Honestly speaking, it hurts to get tattooed! Also the tattoos appear to be very appealing for a period of time, during which time it is often suggested to use Vaseline to ease the pain, minimise the peeling and aid in the healing process.

One tattoo artist I spoke to weighed the pros and cons of using an antibiotic ointment on fresh artwork. While the ointment may work, sometimes it draws out the colour of the tattoo, which means another trip to the chair, he says.

Even with all of the safety measures implemented, an infection resulting from a body piercing is fairly common. Some people have an allergic reaction to the metal used in the piercing. About one in ten will have a bleeding complication and one in 15 will have an unsightly scar or reaction at the site.

In the extreme cases toxic shock syndrome is a possibility. If by chance a nerve is pierced during the procedure, nerve damage can be the end result. Also piercing of the tongue has resulted in chipped teeth as the normal reaction to having something solid in the mouth is to start chewing or biting.

With spring break kicking in, if you decide to take the offbeat path of self-expression via the tattoo parlour, make sure that sterile needles are used. You should be able to see the tattoo artist or operator opening up sterile needles in front of you and properly dispose of them afterwards.

An autoclave is used to sterilise equipment in between each use. Soaking the instruments is not sufficient in properly sterilising the equipment/instruments.

THE operator uses fresh, disposable gloves. Those gloves should be replaced between procedures and after touching non-sterile items like money.

Operators must adhere to local laws. There should be a sign posted in a visible area stating the age requirement for getting a tattoo. Beware of dodgy individuals who are willing to tattoo an individual who is under the age of 18. Who knows what other rules they are breaking?

Also, consider the tattoo artist or body artist's level of talent. This is something that will be on your body for the rest of your life. If you are still gung-ho on being tattooed, look for someone who has a flair for art and will do an exceptional job. The painless part of all of this experience is asking to see a sample of his/her work.