In order to better understand what is being said here are some things to keep in mind and by the time you have finished reading this article you will be able to make an educated decision on whether or not tattoos are right for you and your skin, and if the health risks associated with them, are something you ready to live with.
Introduction to Tattoo Health Risks
Before we go any further it is important to talk about the different health risks of tattooing.
When a tattoo artist places the pigment into the skin, with a tattoo gun kit, they are creating a scar and also creating a hole in the skin known as a puncture.
These punctures can become infected or even cut open if the area of the skin where the ink was placed gets irritated.
Sometimes the ink will not be absorbed by the body and will remain on the surface of the skin or be excreted through the normal waste process.
When the ink is excreted it may contain dead skin cells or bacteria which will further infect the area where the ink was put into the skin.
Some of the possible risks that are associated with tattoos are rather serious such as infection, allergic reactions and permanent damage to the skin.
Some of the less serious risks include temporary skin discoloration, scarring and even pain.
However, some people who get tattoos do so because they like the way they look and also because they are concerned about developing skin cancer or other complications.
If you are one of these people then it is important to learn about the risks and complications of tattoos before getting them.
Allergic Reaction as Part of Tattoo Risks
One of the most serious risks of tattoos is the risk of allergic reactions. Since tattoos are made from ink that contains pigments that all have different properties when they are applied to the skin, they can cause an allergic reaction.
While there are not many people who have allergies to tattoos the chances of developing an allergic reaction are greater if you are allergic to another type of ink.
Some other common allergies to tattoos are to latex, polyester, and certain perfumes and chemicals used during tattooing processes.
Another risk of getting a tattoo[1] is the formation of a rash or a hives reaction. Rashes are not uncommon with tattoo ink.
The rash that is caused is usually a red one. It can get infected with bacteria or fungi from scratching the tattoo ink on your skin.
Other allergic skin reactions to tattoo ink include swelling, burning, itching, blistering, blisters, and even severe skin irritation.
Development in Tattoo Equipment Reducing Risks
Tattooing does not have to be an expensive process that leaves you with painful and costly medical complications later on because tattoo inks and machines are becoming safer every day.
There are new tattoo inks being developed that do not irritate the skin as much as the older tattoo inks.
There are also medical complications rare but possible with tattoo inks. You should always talk to your tattoo artist if you are thinking about getting a tattoo.
The physician will be able to better understand any risks of tattoo inks to help minimize risks to you and your body.
Health officials have already identified certain health risks of tattoos that have been publicized many times.
These include the risk of getting skin cancer, which is the most common skin cancer among women. In most case reports, the cancer has been attributed to the placement of the tattoo.
Although such case reports have been proven true, people have also died because of skin cancer. Hence, proper care and caution must be taken in choosing the spot where one wants to get tattooed.
Another noteworthy health risk is melanoma, which is caused by the exposure of the skin pigment melanin.
Some people who were not treated for melanoma can eventually develop skin pigmentary glaucoma. If left untreated, the condition may lead to death.
It is quite important to have a yearly or close annual examination and inspection of the skin pigment to remove any moles or birthmarks that may prove to be melanoma.
Tattoo Health Risks Medical Research
This is a non-profit organization that has been working for the betterment of healthcare in America for almost two decades now.
It is well known that the health of our nation’s citizens depends a lot on the kind of education and information they have on tattoo practices and related matters.
Hence, the tattoos health risks study was born out of the need to better highlight the dangers and risk factors that tattooing carries with it.
The research aims to provide the general public with the right information they need on the subject.
The main goal of the study is to figure out if people are informed enough about the health risks and complications involved with tattoos, especially among those who have just gotten tattooed.
Also, it aims to shed light on the misconceptions some people have when it comes to tattoos.
Although tattooing has its own set of risks, the main focus of the risks associated with tattooing is the dangers involved when people fail to carry out safe tattoo removal procedures.
Such failures could cause permanent damage to the skin as well as serious health problems.
Skin Dangers Following Tattoo Process
There are also known skin irritations that may come with getting tattoos. For example, there are cases wherein individuals develop allergic reactions to the artificial color pigments used during tattoo application.
Some also develop irritation to the inks, which usually causes the itch or redness. In other cases, permanent scabbing may result from the excessive use of artificial inks on the skin.
Of course, even if you do a temporary henna tattoo, with a high-quality henna tattoo kit, there are risks of allergic reactions to the henna itself, as not all the skin types react the same to the henna powder. Be sure to follow the allergic reaction even with temporary tattoo application.
In Conclusion and Other Risks
Other health risks of tattoos include bacterial infection, allergies, and necrosis, all of which are known to be caused by improper aftercare.
As much as possible, individuals must make sure to consult their dermatologists when they feel that they are experiencing these symptoms after they applied tattoos.
The doctor will conduct an extensive physical examination of the body to ensure that there are no broken or infected sutures or bandages that have been used in the tattoo application process.
