Many people find that tattoos and piercing help them express themselves. Images of beauty and power, abstract designs, names and places - you can dream it, you can get it. But tattoos and piercing may put you at risk for HIV, which can be transmitted through needles and blood. So know the rules for safe tattoos and piercing.
	Be sure the piercer is a member of the             Association of Professional Piercers. Make sure the piercer/tattoo artist             explains all safey measures in detail             before the tattooing or piercing starts. Make sure the piercer/tattoo artist is             wearing gloves. Make sure the needle is sterilized and             discarded after use; sterilizing should be             done with a sterilizing machine. Bleach,             boiling, open flame or boric acid are NOT             effective sterilizers. All inks should be in disposable caps             and discarded after use; don't share.