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Nowadays, tattooing has become more and more common. However, this practice is not without risks. To understand these risks read this article until the end .
What is tattoo?
The tattoo consists of the introduction of pigments and dyes into the skin so as to get a permanent pattern. This practice is not without risk because the skin is not made to receive foreign bodies.
What are the different health risks of tattooing?
Allergic risk
These are the most common complications of tattoos. These reactions are unpredictable and can appear in the weeks following the act or even years after (more than 40 years after the tattoo). The even negative “test zone” therefore does not exclude the appearance of allergic reactions which are characterized by:
- Itches ;
- Skin rashes;
- Swelling around the tattoo;
- Sometimes lesions (reddish) more or less important.
The application of topical corticosteroids for the treatment of these allergies is generally ineffective since the ink used in the tattoo is still present in the skin.
Removal of the tattoo by laser or surgery is sometimes essential
Infectious risk
During the tattooing, the needles pierce the skin and induce a small breach in the skin barrier. This small wound which will heal in a few weeks can be the gateway to bacterial or viral infections ( hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV / AIDS …). This can be due to :
- The lack of asepsis of the equipment used by the tattoo artist (non-sterilization of needles, etc.);
- Not wearing gloves;
- The reuse of soiled materials.
Tattoo and skin cancer
Tattoo inks can contain toxic metals (aluminum, barium, cadmium, copper, iron, mercury, manganese, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). Many of these products are classified by the World Health Organization as carcinogenic.
To protect your skin from any risk, avoid introducing indelible colors
The tattoo consists of the introduction of pigments and dyes into the skin so as to get a permanent pattern. This practice is not without risk because the skin is not made to receive foreign bodies.