Getting a tattoo seems to be the newest trend among young people. Many people minds jump at the prospect of getting one but few people actually stop to think of any long term consequences. Body art is indeed great, but apart from the social stigma against it, there are more serious things to consider before getting that tattoo
HOW THEY ARE DONE
Tattooing is the process by which the superficial layer of the skin [dermis] is impregnated with pigments to form a design, symbol, or letters through needle punctures. Most tattoos are made with hand-held machines which contain a single needle or groups of needles. They work in fashion similar to a sewing machine. Making fast oscillations and inserting ink droplets with every prick. Tattoo ink consists of pigments either natural or artificial, along with solvents. The pigment stain the skin with various colors. Most people undergo the procedure without anesthetic and hence it is painful. It is also associated with mild bleeding. Temporary tattoos are usually made with henna which stains the skin orange, tattoos can also be used as permanent makeup.
Tattooing machine
SIDE EFFECTS
- TATOOS COULD GIVE YOU CANCER.
Chemicals in tattoo ink travel in the bloodstream and accumulate in the lymph nodes, which may cause them to become swollen and therefore hinder their ability to fight infections. Controversial chemical titanium dioxide, which is added to tattoo ink to create a certain color, has been linked to cancer, itching and delayed healing.
- SKIN INFECTIONS.
Apart from scarring, tattoos may also cause other skin infections such as rashes. Which can be treated with medication and fades over time. However, people do need to be informed of these side effects. The staphylococcus bacteria is the cause of major infections after a tattoo. Areas around a tattoo can be even infected with a sterile needle, and it might take some time for the negative effects to show and if they are not treated it may spread to the eyes, lungs and joints
- SCANNING COMPLICATIONS.
If you have a tattoo Getting scans such as X-rays or MRIs could lead to complications. The tattoo may interfere with the scan image, which may cause problems. Also, the magnetic or UV rays may react unfavorably with the tattoo and the area around it could get infected.
- DIFFICULTY IN BLOOD DONATION.
If you donate blood regularly, be warned that there is a certain time frame for which you will not be able to donate blood. This is to avoid risk or infection.
- MAY LEAD TO CANCER.
You should be aware that cancer is a hazardous side effect of tattoos, the most common being skin cancer. The tattoo ink may cause toxins to enter the bloodstream, which may lead to cancerous results.
- ALLERGIC REACTION TO TEMPORARY AND PERMANENT TATTOO INK.
Reaction to tattoo ink, whether it is a temporary tattoo or a permanent one is common. You may not know that you are allergic to ink until the tattoo is done .These reactions are triggered by exposure to sunlight. Allergic contact dermatitis and photo allergic dermatitis are 2 hypersensitive reactions to the tattoo pigment used. Tattoo ink components undergo continuous changes with composition according to the colors used. Tattoo ink or the additives used, do not come under any regulations and hence the chances for skin complication rises, pigments used to make red, black, purple, blue and green tattoo colors cause most hypersensitive skin reactions.
They may lead to scar tissue. As the body attempts to remove the foreign substance [ink], bumps or small knots may form around the tattoo. Some skin conditions can also worsen due to tattoos.
- BURDEN ON LYMPHATIC SYSTEM.
Inflammation may occur if larger particles accumulate in the lymph nodes. However, if the particles are smaller, they are carried away and don’t accumulate.
The pigments used are made of plastic, metal salts like mercury sulfides, cobalt albuminate, cadmium and chromium which are added to get desired transparency in the tattoos. Chemicals like ferrous oxides and titanium oxides are also added. The amounts are not under regulation and are kept as trade secrets. The metal used may not be in large quantities, but the toxic threat to your body remains the same. It can cause growth retardation, pulmonary effects problems to the cardiovascular system if the quality and quantity of the tattoo ink being used in the body is not checked.
- BLEEDING AND HEMATOMA FORMATION.
Hematoma is the collection of blood in an area of the tattoo. People on blood thinners may have excessive bleeding during the tattooing process and the healing takes longer.
- BLOOD-BORNE DISEASES.
Blood-borne diseases occur due to improper procedure, contaminated equipment and inadequate post tattooing care. They include hepatitis B hepatitis C tetanus or even HIV/AIDS.
Tattooing is a cause of concern as the ink used is still not under proper regulation and tattooist use ink according to what they feel is right. People with skin and other health problems should be careful and take medical advice before getting a tattoo done to avoid permanent damage on your body.
