May 29, 2015

Do Tattoos Pose Health Risks?

What was once a rare occurrence is now very common – tattoos are everywhere. But could getting a tattoo pose long-term consequences for your health? According to a new study, it could.

Published in the June issue of the journal Contact Dermatitis, about 1 in 10 people who get tattoos experience complications whether it be an infection, itching, swelling or redness. Researchers also stated that many people involved in the study also described their complications lingering for years after the tattoo was done.

Dr. Marie Leger, a dermatologist at the New York University Langone Medical Center noticed that an alarming amount of her patients were visiting her clinic due to issues with their tattoos. Leger and her colleagues decided to randomly question about 300 tattooed people in New York’s Central park on any complications they might have had with their tattoos. Of the 300 people, about 10 percent said they did have complications. For some, they were non-threatening complications like temporary swelling and itching. But for those with complaints, six in ten were found to have chronic problems that lasted for a long period of time and were left unchecked by doctors. “Tattoo inks aren’t very closely regulated in the United States. Some of the stories we got do definitely sound like tattoo allergy. They’ll have a red tattoo, and then a few years later, they will get a new tattoo – and, all of a sudden, the new red and the old red tattoo becomes itchy and raised”, Leger explained.

Besides the risk of the tattoo not being done correctly, there is always a risk that the tattoo will fade or just not reflect the person’s interest in the future, according to LiveScience.com –

Here are some potential risks to think about before getting a tattoo

Hepatitis C/B
HIV
Allergic Reactions
Bacteria and Toxins
Fungal Infections

How to reduce risks

Make sure tattoo artists are using sterilized equipment, new needles, disposable gloves and masks and are opening unused containers of ink in front of you
Make sure the parlor is safe and clean
Visit the parlor before your appointment
Do your research: search the company, word-of-mouth
Call state, county or local health departments to find out about laws in your community and ask for recommendations on licensed tattoo shops
Make sure to leave the tattoo shop with after-care instructions

Whatever the reason, getting a tattoo can be risky. Leger explains, “But beyond the well-known risks, people should also recognize the chance that there will be physical complications. It is important that people who experience these symptoms see a doctor so they may prescribe topical ointments or oral steroids. In some cases, removing the tattoo may be the best option.”

Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com, http://www.livescience.com