Planning To Get A Tattoo? Here Are The Dangers

Tattoos have become increasingly popular
in Nigeria in recent years, but along with
that comes a rise in problems such as
allergic reactions and infections, an
expert says.
More than one-third of Americans aged
18 to 25 report getting a tattoo, according
to the Pew Research Center. But if you’re
thinking about getting “inked,” there are
some things to consider before you head
to the tattoo parlor.
“Since tattoos are not regulated in any
way, there are many unknowns that could
pose potential problems for consumers in
terms of the inks and tools used,” Dr.
Michi Shinohara, a clinical assistant
professor of dermatology at the
University of Washington in Seattle, said
in an American Academy of Dermatology
news release.
“It is especially important for consumers
to be aware of the potential risks, report
any problem that develops to the tattoo
artist and see a board-certified
dermatologist for proper diagnosis and
treatment,” Shinohara added.
Tattooing inks have changed a great deal
over the years and many modern tattoo
inks contain organic azo dyes with plastic-
based pigments that are also used
industrially
Allergic reaction to the tattoo pigments is
one of the most common problems
associated with tattooing. Infections also
can pose a serious threat to health. Along
with localized bacterial infections, there
have been reports of people being
infected with syphilis and hepatitis B and
C due to non-sterile tattooing practices,
Shinohara said.
Skin cancer is another potential risk
associated with tattoos because they can
make it hard to detect cancer-related
changes in moles. If you get a tattoo,
make sure it’s not placed over an existing
mole.
A tattoo can also cause a reaction that
creates a bump that resembles a type of
skin cancer called squamous cell
carcinoma. Because it is hard to
distinguish from skin cancer, the bump
could lead to potentially unnecessary and
expensive skin cancer treatment,
including surgery, Shinohara said.
Advice for people who want to get a
tattoo:
Go to a professional tattoo parlor
and to a tattoo artist who is
licensed according to state
requirements. Insist on seeing
tattoo equipment in sterile
packaging.
Tell the tattoo artist if you have a
reaction. If a problem lasts more
than one to two weeks, see a
dermatologist.
People with a chronic skin condition
such as psoriasis, eczema or a
tendency toward keloid scarring
should check with a dermatologist
before getting a tattoo.
Do not get a tattoo over a mole.
Doing so will make it more difficult
to diagnose a problem if the mole
changes in the future.
Or simply forget about having a
tattoo.
In printing, textiles and car paint, many
unknowns exist about how these new
tattoo inks interact with the skin and
within the body.