If you are considering inking a tattoo, you might want to think twice after reading experts’ opinion on the adverse effect of tattoos, writes Woman Editor, TEMITOPE DAVID-ADEGBOYE
From music and movie celebrities to sports personalities, the fad is becoming a veritable tool of adornment, most of which are conspicuously displayed. In fact, the type of tattoo you adorn determines how bold you are.
For the men, the favourite spots for tattoo are the chest, on the forearms, back of the neck and stomach area. And for those who indulge in sagging, their tattoo is on the lower base of the waist area, just atop the bum.
The women are daring, as they prefer erotic areas like the breasts cleavages or on the lowest region of the back sitting just atop the groove between the buttocks. The neck, ankle and wrists are also choice areas to spot a tattoo.
Women are more sentimental in the display of tattoo. They tattoo the name of their lovers atop a breast or around the nipple. Some tattoo to preserve dates of special events, while others do it to preserve the memory of a beloved departed one.
How safe is tattoo? Researchers recently decided to find out by evaluating the adverse reactions, like chronic infections or itching (even years afterwards), associated with tattoos.
After looking at 280 people who had had some kind of reactions, the experts found that 83 per cent of reactions involved coloured ink, and were more common on the extremities than the trunk of the body. Since coloured pigments are made from different compounds than black ink, the skin might react differently, according to the study published in Dermatology.
Researchers also note that substances in the ink may react with sunlight, explaining why reactions are less common on parts of the body usually covered by clothing.
Experts note that no tattoo is completely safe: “Tattoos injure the skin, which may allow micro-organisms to enter the body.”
What’s more, the review found eight cases of malignant melanoma on the site of the tattoo.
“Tattoo inks may contain carcinogens, but it is unclear whether the reported cases of skin cancer are associated with tattoos or occurred coincidentally,” says Dr. Wolfgang Bumler, whose study noted that this number is few in comparison to the many people who have tattoos.
A tattoo is a permanent or temporary mark or design made on the skin with pigments inserted through pricks into the skin’s top layer.
Using a hand-held machine, tattooists, working with much attention to details, ink the clients with their preferred tattoo, piercing the skin repeatedly. With every puncture, the needles insert tiny ink droplets. The process, which is done without anesthetics, causes a small amount of ‘bloodletting’ and slight to potentially significant pain.
Though the practice dates back centuries, it was mostly prominent among the elite and royals.
But how safe is the act in this part of the world? Experts warn that though tattoos might be more common than ever, it is important not to take it lightly. The health implications and understanding basic safety precautions and aftercare steps are also important.
Experts believe that “tattoos breach the skin, which increases the risk of infections and other complications that may come with inking a permanent tattoo. Allergic reactions, blood-borne diseases and keloid formations are some other risks may come up,” a dermatologist said.
“Tattoo dyes, especially red, green, yellow and blue, can cause allergic skin reactions, such as an itchy rash at the tattoo spot. This can occur even years after you get the tattoo.
“Sometimes bumps called granulomas form around tattoo ink.”
It also increases the risk of HIV/AIDS and other related blood diseases. “If the equipment used to create your tattoo is contaminated with infected blood, you can contact various blood-borne diseases, such as tetanus, hepatitis B and hepatitis C,” and expert warned.
“Rarely, tattoos or permanent make-up might cause swelling or burning in the affected areas during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination. In some cases, tattoo pigments can interfere with the quality of the image, such as when a person who has permanent eyeliner has an MRI of the eye.”
However, this correlation doesn’t mean one needs to go amputate any tattooed regions of the body. But if you’re on the fence about your next tattoo, it’s something to consider. At the very least, do your research to make sure the salon is hygienic. An artist who cares about hygiene will review the entire procedure with you and show you that the needles are new and sterile, and the ink bottles are single use, as to reduce the risk of infection.