Tattoos have become increasingly popular in Nigeria in recent years,
but along with that comes a rise in problems such as allergic reactions
and infections, an expert says.
More than one-third of Americans aged 18 to 25 report getting a
tattoo, according to the Pew Research Center. But if you’re thinking
about getting “inked,” there are some things to consider before you head
to the tattoo parlor.
“Since tattoos are not regulated in any way, there are many unknowns
that could pose potential problems for consumers in terms of the inks
and tools used,” Dr. Michi Shinohara, a clinical assistant professor of
dermatology at the University of Washington in Seattle, said in an
American Academy of Dermatology news release.
“It is especially important for consumers to be aware of the
potential risks, report any problem that develops to the tattoo artist
and see a board-certified dermatologist for proper diagnosis and
treatment,” Shinohara added.
Tattooing inks have changed a great deal over the years and many
modern tattoo inks contain organic azo dyes with plastic-based pigments
that are also used industrially
Allergic reaction to the tattoo pigments is one of the most common
problems associated with tattooing. Infections also can pose a serious
threat to health. Along with localized bacterial infections, there have
been reports of people being infected with syphilis and hepatitis B and C
due to non-sterile tattooing practices, Shinohara said.
Skin cancer is another potential risk associated with tattoos because
they can make it hard to detect cancer-related changes in moles. If you
get a tattoo, make sure it’s not placed over an existing mole.
A tattoo can also cause a reaction that creates a bump that resembles
a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. Because it is
hard to distinguish from skin cancer, the bump could lead to potentially
unnecessary and expensive skin cancer treatment, including surgery,
Shinohara said.
Advice for people who want to get a tattoo:
- Go to a professional tattoo parlor and to a tattoo artist who is licensed according to state requirements. Insist on seeing tattoo equipment in sterile packaging.
- Tell the tattoo artist if you have a reaction. If a problem lasts more than one to two weeks, see a dermatologist.
- People with a chronic skin condition such as psoriasis, eczema or a tendency toward keloid scarring should check with a dermatologist before getting a tattoo.
- Do not get a tattoo over a mole. Doing so will make it more difficult to diagnose a problem if the mole changes in the future.
- Or simply forget about having a tattoo.
In printing, textiles and car paint, many unknowns exist about how
these new tattoo inks interact with the skin and within the body.
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