Considering getting a tattoo? Here are the potential health risks to keep in mind. Tattooing, a practice that dates back to the New Stone Age, holds cultural significance worldwide as a symbol of status, rites of passage, or declarations of love. However, beyond the cultural appeal, tattoos carry health risks that are worth considering. The American Academy of Dermatology distinguishes between professional tattoos and cosmetic tattoos, also known as “permanent makeup.” Both categories share potential health hazards.
Cancer risks: Tattoo inks may contain carcinogenic additives such as Polyethylene glycol and 2-phenoxyethanol, which have been linked to skin irritation, gastrointestinal issues, and nerve damage.
Infections: Unsterilized equipment or contaminated ink during the tattooing process can lead to serious infections such as pyoderma and bacterial infections. Improper hygiene can also lead to the transmission of HIV, fungal infections, hepatitis, herpes simplex virus, staph, tetanus, and tuberculosis.
Dermal conditions: Common reactions to tattoo pigments include granulomas and various skin diseases like eczema. Keloids, especially, are a concern for individuals prone to scarring. Other conditions noted have been cement dermatitis, collagen deposits, discoid lupus erythematosus, eczematous eruptions, hyperkeratosis, and parakeratosis.
Allergic reactions: Allergies to metals like mercury and lead, or the pigments themselves, can cause severe reactions. Nickel, often present in ink, is a common trigger for metal allergies.
MRI complications: Tattoos containing iron ferrous oxide may cause discomfort or burning sensations during Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans.
Fluid accumulation: After getting a tattoo, fluid buildup known as seroma can occur under the skin, which may require medical attention for drainage.
Delayed reactions: Some individuals may experience delayed reactions to tattoos, such as eczematous dermatitis, even years after getting the tattoo. Other conditions including carcinomas, tumors, keratoacanthoma, and vasculitis have been associated with tattoo pigments.
World Health Organization reports that the risks could include various types of lymphoma, as well as cancers of the kidney, bladder, and liver.Considering getting a tattoo? Here are the potential health risks to keep in mind. Tattooing, a practice that dates back to the New Stone Age, holds cultural significance worldwide as a symbol of status, rites of passage, or declarations of love. However, beyond the cultural appeal, tattoos carry health risks that are worth considering. The American Academy of Dermatology distinguishes between professional tattoos and cosmetic tattoos, also known as “permanent makeup.” Both categories share potential health hazards.
Cancer risks: Tattoo inks may contain carcinogenic additives such as Polyethylene glycol and 2-phenoxyethanol, which have been linked to skin irritation, gastrointestinal issues, and nerve damage.
Infections: Unsterilized equipment or contaminated ink during the tattooing process can lead to serious infections such as pyoderma and bacterial infections. Improper hygiene can also lead to the transmission of HIV, fungal infections, hepatitis, herpes simplex virus, staph, tetanus, and tuberculosis.
Dermal conditions: Common reactions to tattoo pigments include granulomas and various skin diseases like eczema. Keloids, especially, are a concern for individuals prone to scarring. Other conditions noted have been cement dermatitis, collagen deposits, discoid lupus erythematosus, eczematous eruptions, hyperkeratosis, and parakeratosis.
Allergic reactions: Allergies to metals like mercury and lead, or the pigments themselves, can cause severe reactions. Nickel, often present in ink, is a common trigger for metal allergies.
MRI complications: Tattoos containing iron ferrous oxide may cause discomfort or burning sensations during Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans.
Fluid accumulation: After getting a tattoo, fluid buildup known as seroma can occur under the skin, which may require medical attention for drainage.
Delayed reactions: Some individuals may experience delayed reactions to tattoos, such as eczematous dermatitis, even years after getting the tattoo. Other conditions including carcinomas, tumors, keratoacanthoma, and vasculitis have been associated with tattoo pigments.
World Health Organization reports that the risks could include various types of lymphoma, as well as cancers of the kidney, bladder, and liver.
