TRANSMISSION OF HIV/AIDS THROUGH TATOOS AND EAR PIERCING

In many parts of rural areas, urban communities as well as tribal communities, people go for tattooing or nose/ear piercing as a traditional custom or as fad. It is done with the involvement of the entire community as a ritual in rural and tribal communities. The risk of infection has been negligible in the past (apart from some scare) which get cured through indigenous treatment. In present situation one has to ensure the proper sterilization of the equipment within the context of HIV/AIDS transmission. Instead of questioning the existence of such practices, which have been followed for years, one has to ensure 100% sterilization in order to cope up with the present situation in context with HIV/AIDS. As a virus can be killed at high temperatures, simple method of sterilization can disinfect it, before using the equipment on another person. Proper sterilization of the equipment reduces the chances of contracting HIV