The tattoo has been a part of human culture for thousands of years. From tribal symbols and religious signs to modern design and personal stories, tattoos have different meanings in different parts of the world.

Today, they are more popular than ever and have been seen on people from all areas of life.

But when the tattoo is considered safe when done by professionals, doctors have said that there are health risks that people should know about.

Getting a tattoo means piercing your skin with needles and injecting ink in the second layer of the skin, called dermis. This process can sometimes give rise to problems, even after years.

Can tattoos cause prolonged skin damage?

Yes, they can, especially if in unnatural circumstances or by an untrained artist.

Senior Advisor Dermatologist Dr. at Apollo Hospital in Bangalore. Vijendran P said that the tattoo pigment lives in Dermis. “If the ink gets too deep, or if the equipment is not clean, it can cause infection, bumps under the skin are called granuloma, or even rare skin diseases such as dermal tuberculosis and fungal infections can occur,” they explained.

Another concern is a matter of concern. Some people develop keloids, which are thick, raised marks that do not easily go away. This is more likely among those who have family history of keloids or are prone to them.

In addition, not all ink is made equal. Poor-quality tattoo ink may contain harmful substances such as mercury salts or dicromat, which can damage the skin or trigger allergic reactions.

This is why it is important to choose a trained and hygiene tattoo artist.

A dermatologist of Yashoda Super Specialty Hospitals, Dr. Sarita Sanki said that most of the problems appear within the first two weeks of getting the tattoo. “If needles or ink are not sterile, the risk of infection is high. You can also receive serious diseases such as hepatitis B or C, HIV, or MRSA such as bacterial infections,” he warned.

This is the reason that cleanliness is non-parasical when tattoos are.

Can tattoo ink cause allergies?

Yes. Tattoo ink may cause an allergic reaction in some people, either immediately or years later.

Red ink is a common criminal, often made from a substance called cineber which contains mercury. Yellow ink (which can contain cadmium), blue (cobalt), and even black can cause reactions in sensitive individuals.

Dr. Vijendran said that allergic reactions may look like rashes, itching, swelling or small blisters. “If you have a history of sensitive skin or allergies, it is wise to do the first patch test,” he advised.

If you have skin conditions, it is safe to get tattoos?

If you have psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, or lychen planus, getting a tattoo can make things worse. There is something because there is something called the Koibner effect, where the skin trauma can trigger a new patch of these conditions at the site of the injury.

“In people with psoriasis or vitiligo, a tattoo may spoil the position or cause it to spread,” Dr. Sanki says. Even rare conditions such as pyoderma gangrenosum or morphia can be triggered.

If you have a chronic skin condition, always consult a dermatologist before receiving a tattoo.

What happens while removing tattoos? Tattoos are for permanent, but they can be removed using laser treatment.

The laser breaks the ink into small particles, which your body slowly cleanses.

However, removal is not correct. It can leave the scar behind, lead to changes in skin texture, or can give rise to uneven skin tone – especially in people with dark skin. You can end with white patch (hypoppingation) or dark spots (hyperpigmentation).

Common myths about tattoos

Shama Inc. founder tattoo artist Prashant Yaduvanshi cleaned some common misunderstandings. “You can donate blood after receiving tattoos, but most of the blood banks ask you to wait for about 6 months,” he said.

Another myth is that the tattoo is rapidly faded. “Good quality ink and appropriate aftercare can make a tattoo fresh for decades,” he said.

Ink

• design: Choose something meaningful. Tattoos are for life.
• Placement: Some areas suffered more injuries than others, especially on bones.
• artist: Look at their work, check the reviews, and make sure they follow hygiene standards.
• Studio Cleanliness: Ensure that the studio uses sterilized equipment, gloves and single-utility ink cups.
• Aftercare: Follow the instructions – swimming, the risk of the sun, or scratches until it is completely cured.

The tattoo can be beautiful, meaningful and depth individual. But they also come with risks. If you are thinking about being one, make sure you go to a trained professional who works in a clean and licensed studio.