Tattoos and the Health of Your Skin: Things You Want to Know

Today, a tattoo is a trend that captivates both young and older people. However, a tribute to fashion can be a fatal mistake under certain conditions. Let’s talk about the health of your skin and tattoo, and discuss all the details you need to know before getting this fashionable procedure.

What is a tattoo?

Coloring the body with all sorts of drawings, characters, and signs originates in the ancient times. Signs on the skin had a meaning. For example, in the East, tattooing is an inalienable tradition for indicating social status, marital status, etc.

In America, tattoos are in high demand: 36% of the population aged 18 to 30 years have tattoos. According to a study conducted in 2008, 14% of the adult population in America had tattoos of different sizes.

Tattoo types and techniques

Tattoos can be of two types:

• temporary – performed by natural dyes (henna, basma, etc.), without damaging the top layer of the skin;
• permanent – with the use of ink and a special device for tattoos (needles, typewriters, etc).

A permanent tattoo is the layered introduction of the pigment with a needle connected to a special machine, which gets fixed by fibroblasts (skin cells), so the pattern remains for many years. Punctures are repeated. The mechanism of application resembles the work of a sewing machine. During the procedure, all layers of skin are affected. Over time, the ink loses its saturation, and the pattern fades. This happens due to the penetration of the ink into the deeper layers of the skin.

Today, tattooing involves not only pictures on the skin, but also makeup. Permanent makeup has become popular among women. It is not only beautiful, but also long-term, economical, and allows you to look perfect in any situation – on vacation, after sleep, etc. But is it always good for you?

What is the danger of tattooing?

The tattooing procedure is primarily invasive and contributes to the violation of the skin, damaging the protective barrier. The surface of the human skin is not sterile – it has a pathogenic flora. Under the influence of certain factors, the level of bacteria can increase and cause a lot of dermatological problems.

Pigment (ink), which is used when applying the pattern on the skin, is a foreign substance for skin cells. This can cause many complications. There are a number of risks that can arise during the procedure:

1. Local complications

These include contact dermatitis, keloid scars, and other aesthetic skin defects. Those issues are caused by the lack of asepsis and antiseptics, and the use of poor-quality material with improper preparation. Eyebrow, lip, and eyelid tattoos are especially dangerous.

2. Infection

Infections are dangerous and can lead not only to local lesions (purulent inflammation) but also sepsis, which is a formidable complication that causes death. These problems are often susceptible to people with antibiotic resistance, which happens quite often due to the uncontrolled intake of antibacterial medications.

3. Transmission of infectious diseases

Many people use the services of unlicensed professionals who try to save money by not sterilizing tattoo tools and accessories. This type of inaccuracy can become a fatal mistake, since there is a big risk of transmitting dangerous diseases like AIDS, hepatitis, tetanus, tuberculosis, etc.

4. Allergic reactions

The tattoo ink may cause an allergic reaction. It is not necessary to appear immediately after the procedure. Usually, it happens later on. The symptoms may include local puffiness, itching, flushing (redness). In this case, you should immediately consult a doctor to avoid more serious complications like Quincke’s edema, anaphylactic shock, hives, etc.

5. Obstacle for medical examination

A tattooed body is an obstacle in a dermatological examination, and the doctor won’t be able to accurately determine problems in places where the tattoo is applied.

A tattoo can become a problem during an MRI (nuclear magnetic resonance). The image will be distorted and not informative. This medical study can cause burning and a feeling of pressure in the chest, and even burning.

Can I remove a tattoo?

Many people think that removing a tattoo is easy. That’s not true. The ink is difficult to remove from the skin, as all layers of the skin are involved, which complicates the process of erasing. It is very difficult to eliminate colorful tattoos– yellow, green, etc. The most difficult case is when one tattoo was applied on top of another and it may require a skin flap transplant to correct the aesthetic defect.

Today, cosmetology uses a laser for tattoo removal. However, this is not a guarantee that the skin will easily go through this procedure. After the removal, the skin may have scars and ink residual.

Using a UVB lamp can help eliminate local complications and quickly restore the skin.

Tattoo care measures

If you decide to get a tattoo, you should follow these recommendations to protect you from further complications:

• choose only medical or licensed salons where all the accessories used during the procedure are thoroughly disinfected;
• the person performing the tattoo should wear sterile gloves;
• visit a dermatologist before the procedure ;
• it is recommended to have an tetanus vaccination before the procedure;
• take a test for sensitivity to the ink that will be used during the procedure;
• pay extra attention to skin hygiene after the procedure, moisturize the skin with creams, and avoid direct sunlight;
• avoid alcohol-containing cosmetics and lanolin after the procedure to prevent the development of infection;
• immediately contact a specialist if you notice any changes, and avoid self-treatment.

Before deciding on having a tattoo, carefully analyze all the pros and cons. Remember, fashion is changing, age and habits are not permanent. Tattoos are difficult to remove without leaving a scar or an unpleasant trace that will always remind you of your mistake.