What are the Side Effects of getting a Tattoo?
A tattoo that is well executed with the proper hygienic protocols, materials, and conditions along with following the appropriate aftercare steps won’t have any risk to the client except for possibly some allergies. While not often discussed, studies have shown that getting a tattoo (especially larger ones) may affect your immune system and produce a mild fever as your body absorbs the ink.
One study in 2012 done by the Environmental Protection Agency of Denmark stated that 25% of tattoo inks that they had tested included carcinogenic ingredients in the pigment. The most alarming figure was that 83% of black ink contained carcinogenic agents, and this was scary because the most popular ink color used on tattoos is black.
One year following the tests done in 2012, the European Society of Tattoo and Ink research had begun to document the risks of getting tattooed. They found that some ingredients used in inks contained: barium, mercury, and copper (among other heavy carcinogenic metals). Since then, the FDA has initiated a series of studies based on these numbers and found that even some brands of ink use ingredients that are used in vehicle paint! However, even with these finds, the results that this may have on the health of patients tattooed with high-density pigments are still unknown.
Thus, the agency has started the investigation to determine what the consequences of its use could be in medium and long-term; however, they haven’t conducted animal tests because being considered cosmetic products the test is banned in most countries.
One study in 2012 done by the Environmental Protection Agency of Denmark stated that 25% of tattoo inks that they had tested included carcinogenic ingredients in the pigment. The most alarming figure was that 83% of black ink contained carcinogenic agents, and this was scary because the most popular ink color used on tattoos is black.
One year following the tests done in 2012, the European Society of Tattoo and Ink research had begun to document the risks of getting tattooed. They found that some ingredients used in inks contained: barium, mercury, and copper (among other heavy carcinogenic metals). Since then, the FDA has initiated a series of studies based on these numbers and found that even some brands of ink use ingredients that are used in vehicle paint! However, even with these finds, the results that this may have on the health of patients tattooed with high-density pigments are still unknown.
Thus, the agency has started the investigation to determine what the consequences of its use could be in medium and long-term; however, they haven’t conducted animal tests because being considered cosmetic products the test is banned in most countries.
Known Health Risks Associates with getting a Tattoo
Tattoo ink get, literally, under your skin. Each tiny incision gives way to the possible entry of bacteria, or produce other health-related problems, including:
Allergies: Contact allergies are one of the main risks associated with tattooing: hypersensitivity to the gloves latex, allergy to any of the pigments or creams used, as well as the natural irritation that a tattoo produces and the one that is subsequently generated by tattoo sun exposure without SPF.
Hepatitis and HIV: This is entirely preventable since in a professional tattoo shop because the practice of reusing needles is completely banned. Reusing needles may cause various infections such as hepatitis and HIV. Visit the parlor before making your decision and check for its cleanliness and hygiene standards. Also, ask to see the machine assembly before your session to verify the needle packs opening.
Bacterial Infections: Each pigment used in a tattoo must be placed in a small non-reusable container to prevent the entire bottle from being contaminated with each client's blood. A contaminated product may cause infections with the initial symptoms of: redness, swelling, and pain.
Other Skin Problems: Some individuals experience skin bumps around the tattoo. This is a natural reaction of their skin to the tattoo.
Scarred Tissue & Bumps: Bumps may appear around the piece as a natural skin reaction. Likewise, there is the possibility of forming scar tissue.
Bruising: Bruises appear when there is a trauma that affects blood vessels during the tattoo session.
Tetanus: One of the most dangerous, but also most uncommon risk, tetanus can be ruled out via vaccination and using new needles.
Flawed Medical Scans: MRI scans and other medical examinations may present flaws when the chemical agents of the pigments interfere with the process of such evaluations since the inks react to changes in temperature, which in some cases could cause inflammations in the area where the tattoo is located.
Other Skin Allergies: Getting a tattoo might cause you to have allergies many years after having done it. Sometimes it is difficult to diagnose because the relationship between the tattoo and the allergy isn't clear, but there are medical treatments that can help to overcome these side effects.
You may require various medical treatments to alleviate your allergic reactions and skin issues developed as consequence of getting a tattoo
Therefore, when you are looking for tattoo parlors that accept walk-ins, you will have to do your research since they may try to squeeze in too many clients in on one day. So you never know if they are looking for providing quality work, or trying to make as much money as possible. Just be sure to check reviews before committing.
The lack of experience of some tattoo artists often makes them ignore some simple protocols and go straight to tattooing. Be sure to always take the initiative and request a test while you talk about the possible risks associated with the tattoo. Your health and your final results are important, so be sure to take all necessary steps in order to make sure not only that you are safe, but you get the service you deserve!
Allergies: Contact allergies are one of the main risks associated with tattooing: hypersensitivity to the gloves latex, allergy to any of the pigments or creams used, as well as the natural irritation that a tattoo produces and the one that is subsequently generated by tattoo sun exposure without SPF.
Hepatitis and HIV: This is entirely preventable since in a professional tattoo shop because the practice of reusing needles is completely banned. Reusing needles may cause various infections such as hepatitis and HIV. Visit the parlor before making your decision and check for its cleanliness and hygiene standards. Also, ask to see the machine assembly before your session to verify the needle packs opening.
Bacterial Infections: Each pigment used in a tattoo must be placed in a small non-reusable container to prevent the entire bottle from being contaminated with each client's blood. A contaminated product may cause infections with the initial symptoms of: redness, swelling, and pain.
Other Skin Problems: Some individuals experience skin bumps around the tattoo. This is a natural reaction of their skin to the tattoo.
Scarred Tissue & Bumps: Bumps may appear around the piece as a natural skin reaction. Likewise, there is the possibility of forming scar tissue.
Bruising: Bruises appear when there is a trauma that affects blood vessels during the tattoo session.
Tetanus: One of the most dangerous, but also most uncommon risk, tetanus can be ruled out via vaccination and using new needles.
Flawed Medical Scans: MRI scans and other medical examinations may present flaws when the chemical agents of the pigments interfere with the process of such evaluations since the inks react to changes in temperature, which in some cases could cause inflammations in the area where the tattoo is located.
Other Skin Allergies: Getting a tattoo might cause you to have allergies many years after having done it. Sometimes it is difficult to diagnose because the relationship between the tattoo and the allergy isn't clear, but there are medical treatments that can help to overcome these side effects.
You may require various medical treatments to alleviate your allergic reactions and skin issues developed as consequence of getting a tattoo
Therefore, when you are looking for tattoo parlors that accept walk-ins, you will have to do your research since they may try to squeeze in too many clients in on one day. So you never know if they are looking for providing quality work, or trying to make as much money as possible. Just be sure to check reviews before committing.
The lack of experience of some tattoo artists often makes them ignore some simple protocols and go straight to tattooing. Be sure to always take the initiative and request a test while you talk about the possible risks associated with the tattoo. Your health and your final results are important, so be sure to take all necessary steps in order to make sure not only that you are safe, but you get the service you deserve!