Joint statement from the British HIV Association, British Association of Sexual Health and HIV, National AIDS Trust, Terrence Higgins Trust, and HIV Scotland regarding reports of discrimination against people with HIV from some providers of cosmetic treatments and tattooing.
HIV discrimination in cosmetic treatment and body modification services perpetuates the culture of HIV stigma. This narrative of rejecting people, using extra precautions or charging them additional fees worsens the quality of life, physical health and mental health of people living with HIV.
The statement illustrates how this treatment of people living with HIV is disproportionate to the current advice for tattooing, piercing and cosmetic treatment providers; it covers the risk of transmission and the current universal precautions.