Health risks you must consider before getting a tattoo

Make sure that you are aware of these risks and take steps to reduce them.

Is it safe to get a tattoo made? (Pic source: Pexels)

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You might have finally made up your mind to get that tattoo you have been planning for a long time. However, you must know that this permanent memory comes with its set of risks and health concerns. According to experts, getting a tattoo can lead to many adverse effects like skin cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and bone disease, among others. Echoing the same, nutritionist Anjali Mukerjee took to Instagram to share, “While tattoos are getting increasingly common, it is important to understand the risks associated with them. Most people probably don’t know that tattoo ink may be toxic. They wouldn’t do it if they knew it was harmful”.

Adding, Mukherjee shared that one might, unknowingly, expose themselves to a “whole lot of ingredients which include heavy metals like arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, lead, mercury and all of these heavy metals” which, she said, can lead to a lot of degenerative diseases like “cardiovascular disease, cancer. It also leads to skin disease, bone disease, liver, lung, and kidney disease”.

Elaborating on how tattoos can make you susceptible to such deadly diseases, Mukerjee shares that once the tattoo ink is inside your skin surface it starts reacting with your body to produce toxins like PAH and PAAS that are highly toxic and carcinogenic in nature. “They also cause a lot of allergies within your body,” she continued.

Speaking with indianexpress.com, Dr Deepa Krishnamurthy, Consultant – Dermatologist, Manipal Hospital, Sarjapur, Bangalore added that tattoo ink can contain heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, which can be toxic to the body. “In addition, some studies have suggested that tattoo ink may contain other harmful substances such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and phthalates, too” she said.

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A post shared by Anjali Mukerjee (@anjalimukerjee)

Does tattoo ink contain heavy metal?

“Yes, tattoo ink can contain heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury. These heavy metals are often used as pigments to create various colours in tattoo ink,” said Dr Krishnamurthy.

Can tattoos cause allergies?

Yes, tattoos can cause allergies in some people. Allergic reactions to tattoo ink can manifest in various ways, including itching, redness, swelling, rashes, and bumps. “These symptoms can occur immediately after getting the tattoo or may develop days, weeks, or even years later. The most common cause of allergic reactions to tattoo ink is the presence of nickel, which is used as a colouring agent in some tattoo inks. Other potential allergens in tattoo ink include cobalt, chromium, and various dyes and pigments,” the expert shared.

Are tattoos carcinogenic?

As tattoos contain high levels of benzo(a)pyrene, they can be carcinogenic. “As of right now, benzo(a)pyrene is classified as a known carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). However, the evidence regarding the potential carcinogenicity of tattoo ink is limited and conflicting,” said Krishnamurthy.

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Tattoos ink may contain cancer causing compounds. (Pic source: Pexels)

Health risks of getting a tattoo

Below are the health risks of getting a tattoo, as shared by Dr Krishnamurthy.

Allergic reactions: Some people may have an allergic reaction to tattoo ink, which can cause itching, swelling, and redness.

Infection: Tattoos involve piercing the skin with a needle, which can introduce bacteria and other pathogens into the body. If proper safety precautions are not followed, this can lead to an infection.

Bloodborne diseases: If the tattoo equipment is not properly sterilised, it can transmit bloodborne diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.

Scarring: Tattoo can cause scarring or keloid formation.

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Granulomas: A granuloma is a small nodule that can form around tattoo ink.

MRI complications: Some tattoo ink contains metallic particles that can cause complications during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

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Things to consider before getting a tattoo

Dr Krishnamurthy also shared things you should consider before getting a tattoo. They are:

Experience of tattoo artist: Look for an artist who has the experience, and uses high-quality ink and equipment.

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Check the cleanliness of the tattoo studio: Make sure that the tattoo studio is clean and that the artist follows proper hygiene and safety procedures. The studio should have an autoclave for sterilising equipment and the artist should use new needles and gloves for each tattoo.

Be aware of potential health risks: Getting a tattoo can carry some health risks, such as infection, allergic reactions, and bloodborne diseases. Make sure that you are aware of these risks and take steps to reduce them.

Follow proper aftercare instructions: After getting your tattoo, it’s important to follow proper aftercare instructions to promote healing and prevent infection.

Consider consulting a dermatologist prior to getting a tattoo, if you are suffering from skin diseases like psoriasis, eczema.

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