As a Cosmetic Artist Know Your Hepatitis Alphabet
⏱ 1 Min Read
THE HEPATITIS ALPHABET
Know your ABC’s... It is optional to have a Hepatitis shot from your local Doctor.
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by certain viruses and other factors, such as bacteria, alcohol abuse, some medications and trauma. Symptoms include mild fever, headache, muscle ache, fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal and gastric discomfort and later jaundice, liver enlargement, clay-coloured stools and dark-coloured urine.
Depending on the type and cause, hepatitis may be mild and brief with full recovery or severe with long-lasting symptoms that may develop into a chronic condition. Usually, the liver can regenerate its tissue, but severe hepatitis may lead to cirrhosis, chronic liver dysfunction or cancer.
For the permanent cosmetic practitioner, strict asepsis utilising the principles of universal precautions is paramount. No technician should be working without a hepatitis B vaccination, but that should not present a false sense of security. There is no excuse for sloppy sanitation in this industry.
A
The Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted by the faecal-oral route and occurs worldwide. It is found in contaminated water and food (most commonly shellfish). In undeveloped countries, virtually all children have been infected, usually without signs and symptoms of clinical hepatitis. In Australia and other industrialised nations, HAV infections occur sporadically as well as in epidemics. Statistics report 50% - 70% of adults in Australia are positive for antibodies to hepatitis A.
B
The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) was the first of the hepatitis viruses to be described and its antigens and antibodies can be used for diagnosis. It has also been referred to as long incubation hepatitis, with an incubation period from six weeks to seven months. HBV has been said to be harboured for up to fifteen years.
HBV occurs worldwide, is endemic in certain parts of the world, and the chronic form of the infection can lead to liver cancer. Each year an estimated 300,000 persons in the United States become infected with HBV.
Historically, Hepatitis B has been a serious occupationally acquired infection among health care workers and personal service workers who have frequent exposure to blood and body fluids. While direct percutaneous inoculation of HBV by needle from contaminated blood, serum, or plasma is the most efficient mode of transmission, indirect transfer is also possible by means of environmental surfaces.
This means that the permanent cosmetic practitioners can contract HBV from a contaminated counter or clip cord handled with contaminated gloves. Not only is the technician at risk, but so are his/her clients. Immunisation could have prevented this transmission. HBV vaccinations are given at 0, 1 and 6 months after a serum check for anti-HBs.
Many people infected with hepatitis B have no symptoms. About one-third of people infected with HBV have a completely“silent” disease. In addition to symptoms previously mentioned, about 15-20% of patients develop short-term arthritis-like problems as part of a more severe case of HBV. Some people become chronic carriers of the virus, although they may never have had the symptoms.
C
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is the etiologic agent of most parentally transmitted non-A, non-B (NANB) hepatitis worldwide. The transmission of HCV by direct percutaneous exposure to blood has been well documented.
Hepatitis C is generally a mild condition, but it is much more likely than hepatitis B to lead to chronic liver disease in up to 50% of infected individuals. It is the most identifiable reason for liver transplants.
In summary, hepatitis is a serious disease, often chronic and can be life-threatening. It should be clear to every permanent cosmetic practitioner that they must act responsibly regarding hepatitis through available vaccines and by utilising modes of prevention such as strict asepsis.
WE SUGGEST ALL TATTOOIST HAVE A HEP B VACCINATION
IT IS IMPORTANT TO TREAT ALL CLIENTS AS IF THEY COULD HAVE HEPATITIS BECAUSE THERE MAY BE SOME THAT DO NOT KNOW OR DO NOT TELL US, GLOVES, MASK, APRON AND NEW BLADE WILL STOP THE SPREAD OF HEPATITIS.
Learn more at Hepatitis SA
SPREADING SAFETY
Make sure you enrol into our FREE Bloodborne Pathogen Course (PMU Edition)
Understand your ethical obligation to ensure the health and safety of your clients and your staff when performing your permanent makeup services.
PRODUCTS
Unique and distinctive cosmetic tattoo tools
ONLINE COURSES
Over 10 Masterclasses to choose from
BUSINESS RESOURCES
A digital library of business assets for PMU Masters