Jane Sumerset asked:


While the popularity of tattoos, with a vast variety of messages, seems to be on a steady increase, there are still some very important safety considerations which cannot be ignored.

Especially in the warmer months of the year, many experience and have questions about raised and itchy tattoos. Most people who suffer with this condition typically describe the discomfort being occasional rather than consistent, or sometimes either. There may actually be one of several different causes and it is important for proper treatment to find the precise cause..

Let’s consider some of the most common causes and then examine possible courses of treatment.

The tattoo ink being the source of an allergic reaction comes to mind immediately, but is not a likely causative factor. While there are occasions where allergic reactions to ink occur, the reaction could be immediate, a week later, or years from the original tattoo application. Red and yellow inks seem to be the most likely colors to cause an allergic reaction.

Changes in the body chemistry due to illness and/or aging may adversely affect areas that once were originally benign. Ink allergies will be itchy and raised only in spots of the particular color. With the ink allergies, the irritation is more common, not peaking and waning. For mild irritations, topical ointments may help to relieve symptoms, but a prescription drug or even tattoo removal is recommended for more severe cases.

Weather is most often the cause of the consistent, yet possibly mild, irritation. It may only be noticeable during the summer months. Seasonal increases in temperature and humidity may cause swelling of a tattoo, and thus, some itching and irritation.

As the swelling proceeds, there’s a slight stretching of the skin, causing an itchy sensation. If your tattoo has had a long time to heal, it won’t likely be damaged by scratching, but best to avoid any mechanical irritation. For relief of itching and irritating symptoms, use topical creams, ice packs or cool water for relief.

The overall health of your body can affect your tattoo site, as well. Increases in blood pressure, adrenaline, or changes in body temperature - will render some affect on the tattoo site. Always try to pay attention to any irritations or skin injuries at or near the tattoo site. Many folks who suffer with eczema may have irritation problems with their tattoo, as well.

Some skin conditions are so minor that symptoms are not apparent until a reaction forms at the more sensitive skin, the tattoo site.

Of course, also be careful about the placement and design compatibility. I often joke about seeing a tattooed on dragon turn into a green zebra over time. Ink can smudge and stretch as your body changes.

If your tattoo ever gets smudged or you decide that you no longer want it, it’s important to know your options for tattoo removal. Unfortunately, removal methods are harsh, painful, and usually result in scarring. You can avoid this by following the pointers we outline shortly, when we talk about trust.

Research, research, research! You can’t do enough. It’s like thinking about your first mortgage. Buying a house is a big thing, but it is not exactly permanently modifying your body. But you looked at every loan facility under the sun to find the perfect one for you. Same for the parlor you will be going to for your tattoo.



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bullfrog asked:


he earliest use of fingerprints was in ancient Babylon, on clay tablets to record business transactions. Fingerprints are a much more humane way to identify criminals compared to previously used methods including branding (the French used a fleur-di-lis symbol), tattooing (in early Rome to identify and prevent desertion of mercenary soldiers) and even maiming (removing the hand of a thief). The objective was the same, to identify career criminals.

While most of the body’s skin is smooth, our fingers, palms and feet have “friction ridges”, which allow our extremities to grip, manipulate, and have traction. A carryover from prehistoric times, friction ridges helped us climb rocks and trees to enter our caves and gather food. Our extremities were our first “tools”. Friction ridge patterns established prior to birth; are unique and unalterable. It is these slightly higher friction ridges that touch smooth surfaces and leave a distinctive pattern: a fingerprint.

Dactyloscopy is the science of using fingerprints to identify a person. The three basic fingerprint patterns are the Arch, Loop and Whorl (circle). The basic patterns are further classified until similarities are eliminated, leaving a single qualifying fingerprint. The FBI now receives over 34,000 fingerprint cards daily, classification is required to categorize each person; comparison against the database (one of the largest and fastest growing databases in the world) would be impractical.

Friction Ridges are subject to wear, being slightly higher than the base skin layer. As a fingerprint technician, I have noticed that some people have very “shallow” ridges. This occurs from occupational and hobby activities. Some of the more difficult people to fingerprint successfully (accepted for classification) include: medical professionals who wash their hands literally hundreds of times a day; string instrument players not using a “pick”; artists, painters, and others working with chemicals who do not wear protective gloves; sailors working with ropes and receiving the inevitable “rope burns”; and employment in overseas laundries still using phosphates. There are many others.

Most fingerprinting is done using “Live Scan”, Inkpad, or “Slab and Roller”; each has advantages. The Live Scan method is basically a scanner that photographs the fingertips - no ink is used. It is generally very fast and accurate. Unfortunately, though promising, few requesters are equipped to accept the electronic feed, mobile (at your location) units are very expensive, and there is no “hard copy” fingerprint card produced. Most fingerprinting is done with a specialized “inkpad” (not the inkpad used with rubber stamps!) and a device to hold the fingerprint card. In difficult cases, where the applicant has very shallow “ridges” - the Glass Slab and Roller replaces the inkpad. Slab and Roller allows the fingerprint technician to precisely control the amount of ink spread by the roller on the slab and subsequently “picked up” by the fingertips. Properly prepared, the smooth glass slab is almost transparent - even with the ink!

You will need to present to the Notary / Fingerprint Technician positive government issued photo ID. The technician signing the card is aware they are (typically) preparing an entry for the FBI’s database; and will insist on very positive ID. Most print cards require the use of black ink. Print your name - Very Legibly - at the top, including full middle name, not middle initial. You sign in the “signature of person fingerprinted” box, and the technician signs and dates as “official taking fingerprints”. Complete the entries prior to fingerprinting. Be sure to include the business card of the fingerprint technician when you submit the card! If there is any question, the technician can then be contacted; as there is no place for the technician phone number on the card. Keep a card for yourself, a good fingerprint technician will offer a redo or refund if their work is rejected.

Prior to fingerprinting the hands should be washed (twice) with soap and hot water taking care to remove all soap, hand cream, etc. Next, a “pre-print” alcohol wipe is applied to the fingertips further drying the fingertips. A skilled technician will arrange the fingerprint card holder based on the height of the client, and position their client’s stance such that the arm and wrist are able to turn smoothly. It is very important that the room be a bit cooler than comfortable - prints taken in a hot or humid environment will suffer from “running” and will not be acceptable. Avoid fingerprinting a seated subject.

Follow the directions of the technician. Most of all do not attempt to “assist” in the procedure. It is a mistake, and will degrade the prints if you add pressure, actively turn your finger or watch the process. It is really best if you close your eyes or look away. From my experience, watching will involuntarily cause you to “assist”. An experienced technician will take a few “test” prints on scrap paper to judge the amount of pressure (different for applying ink / taking the fingerprint) and “twist speed” required for optimal results. Occasionally an individual print (one of 20 on a fingerprint card) will be substandard. “ReDo” tabs, rectangular peel and stick “overlays” are used to correct a misprint - no more than three per card is customary.

Fingerprints are truly unique. The DNA of identical twins is identical; however, their fingerprints differ! Our appearance changes dramatically over our lifetimes; our fingerprints do not. Sir Francis Galton, (British anthropologist and a cousin of Charles Darwin), in his landmark book “Fingerprinting, 1892″ included one of the first classification systems for fingerprinting. He calculated that the odds of identical fingerprints were one in 64 billion! Take good care of those fingertips, with the exception of that slight statistical deviation; they are truly unique.

Note: New York State does not specifically license fingerprint technicians. If such a license existed I would have it. The authority for me to fingerprint comes from my New York State Notary Commission, allowing me to administer “oaths” and “establish identity”. Not one single card has ever been rejected for lack of “authority”. Prior to signing as “Official taking fingerprints” each notary must investigate their state and local laws regarding licensing; and obtain proper training. Similar to Notarization; Fingerprinting involves public trust and the responsibilities are profound. Be certain you are authorized and trained, and can tell at a glance “good from bad” prior to commercial operation. Consult an attorney for legal advice prior to fingerprinting in your jurisdictions.

 

Author Resource:- Kenneth A Edelstein is a Notary Public in New York City. Graduate of Pace University, retired from Merrill Lynch



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Brandon McVey asked:


Laser hair removal for men is catching on.  Sports men in the fields of swimming, cycling and body building have endured the painful process of waxing for years or the tedious task of constantly shaving. Now that lasers have advanced, Men from all walks of life have embraced the idea of never having to shave again.  Men and Women put value in different aspects of laser hair removal.  For instance, most Women attribute it to better personal hygiene.  For some reason, that ranks much further down the list. Why? Because we’re men! And won’t be bothered with such trivial things as hygiene.   Seriously though, here is laser hair removal from a mans perspective…

#1  Improved self-assurance - Self esteem.  Not having to worry about taking your shirt off at the pool.   Being self conscious of the massive Brillo pad on your back. What’s even worse are the guys that have just patches of hair here and there on the shoulders or back.  While a little back hair is usually acceptable, both cases above owe it to their fellow man to undergo laser hair removal.

#2  Looking Good – Along the same lines of self esteem… Years ago you might have gotten a tattoo of a pretty girl on your arm that you were proud of. Now years later it has become the bearded woman.  The hair growth has caught up with your age.  It definitely would look better on bare skin.

#3  A Money Saver – The biggest question in regards to laser hair removal pertains to how much it is going to cost.  It is not uncommon to spend $200 - $300 per session, and one needs to endure an average of 8 -10 treatments.  But look at it this way… how much do you spend every year on shaving cream, razors or waxing?  Multiply that by the 30, 40, 50 years you have left on this world.  More then likely you’ll end up spending twice as much with those primitive methods.  Not to mention the time you’ll save.

#4  Free up Time - In the past, if a man didn’t want to deal with facial hair he would just grow it out. Not shave.   It was even fashionable at times. A full beard or handlebar mustaches used to be the rage but not any more.  Society wants a clean cut man – dressed for success.  Some men even have a 5:00 shadow so bad they have to shave twice a day. That’s just the face though. It could take a good half hour or so if you were to consistently want to keep your back or shoulders hair free.

#5 Eliminate Ingrown Hairs – Not only are they un-sightly, they can be painful and irritating. Get infected and itch – and that’s not a good thing for those that brave the Bro-zillian.

There are a few other advantages, but for the sake of our younger readers we will leave that to the imagination.  Lets just say that a lot of woman are enjoying the benefits of male laser hair removal as well.



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Stephen Lamb asked:


When someone first thinks of getting a tattoo they usually only think of how neat colorful it will look on them. Many people do not think of the repercussions that getting a tattoo can have. You should really think of everything that a tattoo means before getting one because it is meant to be permanent.

Tattoos are not readily accepted by everyone everywhere you go. People will look at you differently if you have a tattoo, it is not right but this is the truth. If you plan on having a professional career in a corporate environment you might want to think twice about getting a tattoo. If you still decide to get one you might seriously want to consider the placement of it. You should select a portion of your body that will always be covered up by clothing and never be seen while you are at work. If you do not heed these words of advice you might discover that you are a candidate for tattoo removal since it has begun to interfere with your life.

One of the most common misconceptions with tattoos is that people believe that if they do not like it later in life they can just have it removed. While this is true to an extent it is not all that simple. Many believe that since the tattoo can go on so easily the tattoo can come off just as easily. This is not the case by any means. Tattoo removal can be quite complicated and is not always successful. The success of the procedure has to do with a number of variables. The colors that were used for the tattoo can play a large role in the success of its removal since colors like black are more easily removed than colors like green or red. The reason is that the darker colors absorb the laser pulses better than the lighter colors.

Laser tattoo removal is not a pleasant procedure to have done. It is a serious medical procedure that must be done by an experienced dermatologist. The procedure can be quite painful and is often described as feeling as though tiny drops of boiling water are being splashed on the area of the skin that is being treated. The real annoyance is that sometimes it can take more than one session in order to have the tattoo removed. Removing a tattoo is much like getting a tattoo in the sense of time. The larger the tattoo is the longer it takes to have it removed.

One other very painful fact that isn’t physical pain is the cost of having tattoo removal procedures done. It can ranged anywhere from several hundred up to the thousands depending on the size of the area being treated and the detail of the tattoo. Medical insurance will often not cover tattoo removal procedures so this makes having a tattoo removed impossible for some people. Since the procedure is considered to be cosmetic, insurance companies classify it as unnecessary and therefore the cost is solely on the person to have the tattoo removed. You should always know all the facts about tattoos before getting your first one and should be prepared to have it your entire life.



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Maria John asked:


People get tattoos for any reason, and sometimes for no reason. We get tattoos express your love, to express one’s own self, as a fan or admirer of some idol, under peer pressure, to be up with the Jones’es or maybe just because its hip to get one.

Whatever the case is, many of us in adult life end up regretting this youthful adventure. It could be because the tattoo reminds you of a broken love relationship or may be that visible tattoo is coming in your way of getting good job or joining a coveted university. In other words, you desperately need to get it out of your way, but the very memory of the painful procedure you went through to get it done gives you cold feet.

There are several ways a person can undo a tattoo or at least make it less visible. All, barring one, are very painful and cumbersome. But before discussing ways to remove tattoos, let’s first understand what is a tattoo.

What is a Tattoo

A tattoo, or dermal pigmentation, as the term self explains is a mark made on the skin by inserting pigment into the skin. It is accomplished by injecting this pigment into small deep holes made in the skin. Tattoos made this way are relatively permanent.

Apart from permanent tattoos there are also temporary tattoos. They are more like body sticker, similar to a decal. Temporary tattoos are made on the skin by transferring the design on the skin, rather than inside the skin, using water. Temporary tattoos are waterproof, but can be removed with oil-based creams, and are intended to last only a few days.

Methods of Tattoo Removal

There are several methods of tattoo removal available today showing variable performance, result wise and procedure wise. It is the size of the tattoo, its location, and the length of time it has been on the skin which make the physician decide upon the method to be used. The patient’s healing prowess also plays its part in deciding the method to be used.

Let’s now discuss the methods.

Surgical Method

It is one of the most popular methods around, especially when the dyed area is small. The major advantage here is the removal of the entire tattoo in one go, particularly if it is small tattoo. Larger tattoos, however, require multiple surgical sessions where the centre of a tattoo is removed first followed by removal of sides at a later date.

The surgical removal process involves an injection of a local anesthetic to numb the area after which the tattoo is removed. The edges are then brought together and sutured.

With this procedure, there is minimal bleeding which is easily controlled with electrocautery. In some cases involving large tattoos, a skin graft taken from another part of the body may be necessary.

Rubbing the tattoo off

In this method, the tattoo is literally scrapped off. It is quite painful and cumbersome procedure but practiced nonetheless. There are two ways by which a tattoo is rubbed off the skin:

• Dermabrasion

This procedure of tattoo removal involves spraying of a portion of the tattoo with a freezing solution, after which that part is sanded with a rotary abrasive instrument causing the skin to peel. Because some bleeding is bound to occur, a dressing is immediately applied to the area.

• Salabrasion

This is an age old method of tattoo removal. As with the other methods, a local anesthetic is used on and around the tattooed area after which a solution of ordinary tap water dipped in table salt is applied. An abrading apparatus such as the one used with dermabrasion, or an even simpler device such as a wooden block wrapped in gauze, is used to vigorously abrade the area. When the area becomes deep red in color, a dressing is applied.

Laser

Laser tattoo removal is considered as the best of the solutions available. Though it is costly and might require multiple sessions, it ensures that tattoo removal is relatively pain free and blood free. Also the results have been quite encouraging and tattoos have been either totally removed or there were dramatic fading.

Laser tattoo removal procedure involves exposing the tattoo to the pulses of light from the laser, usually Q-switched Nd:Yag, Q-switched Alexandrite and the Q-switched Ruby. This exposure breaks up the tattoo pigment, which are removed from the body by the scavenger cells. More than one treatment is usually necessary to remove the entire tattoo.



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Sarmad Mansoor asked:


In modern day Myanmar, people still use the traditional cosmetic known as Thanaka, as a daily cosmetic and skin conditioner. Thanaka is made from the branches of the sandalwood tree, (linoria acidissimia) When ground, the bark of the Thanaka tree, it is claimed, acts as an astringent, sunscreen and antiseptic.

Thanaka: The Burmese Beauty Secret.

In Myanmar, Carla Sommers discovers the beauty secrets of the Burmese and finds that beauty is not only skin deep at times, but that one prized beauty product comes not from the factory, but the forest….

Every culture and society had its own notions of beauty. From the pale faces of the Japanese geishas to the tattooed features of the Maoris. To enhance our perception of beauty there are many herbal and man-made preparations that, over the centuries have become de rigeur, from Egyptian kohl eyeliner, to scented hair oils and nowadays, makeup.

I n modern day Myanmar, people still use the traditional cosmetic known as Thanaka, as a daily cosmetic and skin conditioner. Thanaka is made from the branches of the sandalwood tree, (linoria acidissimia) When ground, the bark of the Thanaka tree, it is claimed, acts as an astringent, sunscreen and antiseptic.

It is a common sight on the streets of most towns and cities to see people with swipes of powdery yellow paint on their cheeks, noses or arms. The yellow comes from the juice of the ground bark. There is nothing so unusual about using bark preparations for beauty purposes in Myanmar - hair is made extra glossy by boiling an extract from the tayaw shrub and even elephants get a body scrub with sticks of the aptly-named Soap tree!

In 1904, a French traveller to Rangoon (nowadays called Yangon) described how

“All about (the) small buildings and on the steps of the intensely decorated pavilions…are… sellers of …aromatic barks”.

It is applied in strict routine; first to the ears, then to the throat, the face, and lastly the rest of the body.

Women sometimes mix it with cream, then take a coarse toothbrush and stroke lines through it, while young men may dab it on a blemish, here and there, sometimes giving the impression of a yellow Dalmatian!

The pale dusty powder can range from palest primrose to deep ochre. Children and babies seem to be daubed in it, sometimes with circles painted on their cheeks and stripes along their noses! Even in the cinema posters the local movie stars are portrayed wearing their beloved Thanaka!

Women may use a leaf template to make an elegant stencil on their cheeks, or some carefully paint a square, however most folk just smear it over their faces or bodies, and at night they appear quite ghostly, especially if their lips are painted with lipstick.

Thanaka is a prized wood, in 1958 The Forest Act (a product of the former British colonial government) added Thanaka trees to its list of protected trees such as teak, stating:

“no person shall collect or remove for trade purposes…Thanaka wood and bark”.

The cosmetic appears in many forms; in its raw - and highly prized - state it will be sold in markets in small 10- 18cm long branches and logs. These are ground vertically, round and round, on a special flat circular whetstone with a few drops of water, producing a milky yellow liquid that is then immediately applied to the skin. While wet it is virtually translucent but in an hour, it dries to a rich yellow crust.

Dried tablets of Thanaka in varying sizes are also available from street peddlers, who also sell it in the pre-fabricated form of a strongly fragrant soft paste, like a putty, though many point out that this is the ‘poor man’s’ Thanaka. The most prized Thanaka comes from the region around Mandalay, some say towns like Saigaing on the banks of the Irrawaddy, produces the best logs, others claim Shwepo Thanaka is the best.

Whichever Thanaka you choose, the liquid works fast at tightening the skin and covering blemishes. In hot, arid climates like that of Pagan, dry European skins may find it too astringent, but as an impromptu herbal sun screen it is invaluable.

Even if you do not buy a stick to take home, the sight and smells of the unique yellow-painted faces of the Burmese people are an unforgettable part of the memories of Myanmar, as are the smiles of this great nation of gentlefolk.

Sindhiya Enterprise Bangladesh is the main source of supply of natural products.

 



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lucy watson asked:


Tribal tattoos have been the choice of more and more people these days. This form of body art has been there since the ancient times and it carries different meanings and symbolisms. Nearly 50% of the people who get a tattoo prefer tribal designs. So how did it come to be and where did it originate? For people back then, tribal tattoos were a form of marking to signify different things. Archaeologists have found tribal tattoos on various ancient countries like Egypt, Greece, Rome, and in Asia. During those days, tribal tattoos meant more than art.

Ancient people have used these tribal tattoos to depict symbol of rights, rank and devotion. They also use it as a form of symbols for award or security. People also used these tribal tattoos those days as an amulet, a talisman or a mark of seniority. However, for some it may be regarded as a medal but for those slaves who have been marked with a tattoo, life is not that easy. Until now, there are still some religions or societies which require their followers to have a certain tribal tattoo as a symbol of loyalty and brotherhood.

But nowadays, tribal tattoos act as body art and a way to express oneself. Some people really find it cool and hip. It is even considered as a fashion symbol and not just a marking. Trying to find a tribal tattoo that suits you best? Well, there are many tattoo shops out there and they have a wide variety of gallery that you can choose from. Remember, the design of your tattoo may show something about your personality and could make a lasting impression. So better think it through first before getting one.

But in some areas, tattoo shops are not that frequent so the choices are limited. Luckily, the age of computer technology has enabled us to surf the internet and have a look at a hundred options. All you have to do is to type in the work “tribal tattoos” in the search engine site and voila! You will be displayed with dozens of image results and even websites that you can contact when you want to get a tribal tattoo in no time. However, think a dozen times before deciding on what design to put on. Some people regret a lot once they have already gotten a tribal tattoo because they realized that they want a different tribal tattoo design.

Always keep in mind, removing a permanent tattoo is not that easy. Moreover, quality artwork takes time and it is in the hands of a powerful tattoo artist. No matter how fabulous the design is, the artist will still be the one to draw it into your skin so getting a highly refutable tattoo artist can definitely do the trick. But the intricacy of the design and the colors will definitely affect the rate or the price of the tribal tattoo. Furthermore, the cost also depends on the tattoo artist or the shop you decide to get your tribal tattoo done.

Aside from image results, you can also try joining forums on the internet, which have discussions on tribal tattoos and more. In this way, you would know other people’s opinion on which tribal tattoo is the best one. The larger the forum, the wider number of people and tattoo enthusiasts you can interact with. Plus, you can ask them of the best link in the most popular tribal tattoo galleries on the internet. Truly, surfing the online community has never been this exciting and enjoyable. So for the perfect tribal tattoos, go ahead and search the net for the latest trends and designs in the realm of body inking and tattooing.



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