Permanent tattoos involve injecting colored ink into the middle layer of the skin (dermis) consisting of connective tissue and numerous structures such as blood vessels and nerve endings that play a crucial role in maintaining skin health. Tattoo ink can cause allergies, can be contaminated, and can even contain pigments that have not been previously tested and approved for such use by regulatory authorities. And these are not the only risks that permanent tattoos involve, according to an extensive documentary presented by Hotnews.
According to the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), at least 12% of Europeans have tattoos. In the 18-35 age group, the percentage of tattooed is probably twice as high. Permanent makeup, such as eyeliner, lip or eyebrow contouring, is also included in the category of tattoos.
Infection is one of the major risks associated with permanent tattoos. When the skin is repeatedly penetrated with a needle to introduce ink into the deeper layers, there is always the possibility of bacteria entering the body. To minimize this risk, it is essential that tattoo parlors follow strict hygiene protocols and use sterilized equipment.
However, infections can also occur due to ink contaminated with bacteria, mold or other microorganisms.
Using unsterilized water to dilute pigments is one of the risk factors, though not the only one. There is no sure way to tell if an ink type is 100% safe without prior testing, especially since the ink itself can be contaminated even if the container is sealed or the label indicates that the product is sterile.
Symptoms of an infection after a tattoo can vary and include:
• Excessive redness: the tattooed areas can acquire an intense red tint, in case of infection;
• Swelling or edema: the skin around the tattoo may swell, become tender to the touch, and may feel excessively inflamed or pressured;
• Abnormal discharge: yellow or greenish secretions that ooze from the tattooed area and may be accompanied by localized pain or warmth indicate an infection. If you notice any of these symptoms or other signs of infection after getting a tattoo, you should see a doctor.
Early treatment of the infection is essential to prevent serious complications and the spread of the infection and to ensure complete healing of the affected area. More aggressive infections can cause high fever, shaking, chills and sweating. Treating such infections might require a variety of antibiotics or even hospitalization and/or surgery.
Allergic reactions to tattoo ink are another risk associated with the procedure. Some people may develop allergic reactions to certain types of ink, especially red or green colors, although they can also occur to other ink shades or components. These allergic reactions can range in severity from mild and irritating to more severe and extensive reactions.
It should be noted that allergic reactions to the ink used for tattoos can manifest not only immediately after the tattoo, but also after a longer period of time. In rare cases, allergic reactions can occur even years after the tattoo was made.
Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction may include: itching: the skin in the tattooed area may become irritated and persistent itching may occur around or on the surface of the tattoo; swelling: swelling or edema may occur in the tattooed area, which may vary in size and intensity; blistering: some allergic reactions can cause blisters or blisters to form on the skin, which may contain fluid and be painful or uncomfortable.
If you notice any of these symptoms or other signs of an allergic reaction after getting a tattoo, it’s important to see your doctor.
Appropriate treatment and management of allergic reactions can be difficult, given that the pigment is not easily removed, and may involve the use of anti-allergy medications or other appropriate medical interventions to reduce symptoms and prevent complications.
Tattoos can sometimes lead to specific skin inflammations, such as granulomas and keloid scars, which can affect the appearance and condition of the skin. Both are the body’s reactions to the tattooing process and are influenced by genetic factors and how the skin reacts to the healing process. Granulomas are small red or pink nodules or bumps and are a reaction of the immune system to the presence of foreign material, in this case ink. These lumps may appear in the tattooed area and be visible, but they are generally not painful and do not pose a major health risk.
Keloid scars are thick scars that can appear during the healing process. They represent an exaggerated reaction of the body to the healing of the skin and can result in the formation of thick, swollen, sometimes itchy and even painful scars. These scars may extend beyond the borders of the original tattooed area and may be more visible or aesthetically unpleasing. Treatment may usually include topical therapies or medical procedures to manage inflammation and improve the appearance of the skin. In addition, if the needle and equipment are not properly sterilized or used hygienically, there is a risk of coming into contact with pathogens such as hepatitis B and C viruses or the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV are serious blood-borne diseases that can be spread by using unsterilized needles or contaminated equipment in the tattooing process. These diseases can have serious long-term health consequences, affecting the liver (in the case of hepatitis) or the immune system (in the case of HIV).
To minimize the risk of transmission of these diseases, it is crucial that the tattoos are done in a professional salon, which strictly respects the standards of hygiene and sterilization of the equipment. Professional tattoo artists use sterile needles, disposable or properly sterilized equipment, and follow strict hygiene protocols to prevent the spread of disease.
As for cosmetic tattoos, such as eyebrow or lip tattoos, they are essentially the same as body tattoos. So they carry the same risks: infections, allergic reactions and skin inflammation. Additionally, since these tattoos are often done by people who are not professional tattoo artists, there is a greater risk of errors such as the wrong color or shape.
There have also been reports of people with tattoos or permanent makeup experiencing swelling or burning in the tattooed areas when undergoing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests. These situations occur only rarely and apparently without lasting effects.
There have also been reports of pigments in tattoos interacting with MRI image quality. These situations tend to occur mainly when a person with permanent eyeliner has an eye MRI. Therefore, it is advisable to inform the radiologist if you have tattoos in the areas examined by MRI.
2024-01-28 22:16:08
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