Tattoos are a form of body art that has recently gained a lot of popularity around the world. However, Not all are created equal and some may pose significant health risks.
You might be thinking, what happens when you expose yourself to a dangerous and possibly life-threatening condition? That's precisely what can happen if you get the wrong tattoo, or more specifically, if you get a toxic tattoo.
In this article, we will explore what dangerous tattoos are, the risks they can pose, and the essential precautions you should take.
Dangerous tattoos
What is a toxic tattoo?
A toxic tattoo is any skin art that has chemicals that have been linked to serious health problems present in its ink.
These chemicals may include heavy metals, amines and other plasticizers, all of which can cause serious health problems when injected into the body with ink.
In addition, many of the pigments used in tattoos may also contain potentially toxic chemical substances.
What are the effects of toxic tattoo inks on the body?
Keep in mind that the process is done using small needles that place the tattoo ink into the surface of the skin.
In this way many unknown ingredients are introduced among which we can find Aromatic hydrocarbons are heavy metals that are introduced along with the ink or produced inside the skin by different processes. As photodecomposition in the metabolism, this could represent very dangerous toxicological risks for human health.
But also Because they contain heavy metals such as cadmium, lead, mercury, and arsenic, they are responsible for neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, pulmonary, renal, and hepatic diseases.
These ingredients that are added unintentionally to human skin could pose a logical toxic risk to health.
They are potentially harmful ingredients that enter the skin, The immune system can react to these foreign substances in different ways. causing inflammation, redness, itching, and various allergic reactions.
While we know that these pigments are found in the dermal layer, some studies show that small amounts of These pigments can be distributed throughout the body most commonly in the lymph nodes; and may cause long-term health problems, such as allergic reactions, skin irritations, fever or systemic toxicity affecting organs.
Other risks of getting a tattoo
In addition to the risks of a toxic tattoo, there are also potential risks after getting a tattoo. For example, some people may experience an allergic reaction to the healing ointment used after getting a tattoo.
And in rare cases, the healing process can become infected, causing the tattoo to become inflamed and even boil.
Hepatitis: It is one of the concerns when getting a tattoo because this disease is transmitted between people who share needles with each other.
That is why it is essential to research the place where you are going to get the tattoo, visit the establishment and make sure of the hygiene conditions, materials and how the inks are composed.
Dangerous tattoos due to their location and conditions
Tattoos on the genitals, the sole of the feet and the palms of the hands are particularly dangerous due to the high concentration of nerve endings and greater susceptibility to infection. Healing in these areas can be slower and more painful.
Tattoos with unregulated inksSome tattoo inks, especially those sold outside of official channels, may contain heavy metals and other toxic substances that can cause allergic reactions, infections, and other health problems.
Tattoos performed in unsanitary conditions. Tattoos performed in unprofessional studios or under unhygienic conditions increase the risk of serious infections, such as hepatitis B and C, and HIV.
Large tattoos or those with complex designs. The extensive tattoos or with very complicated designs may require very long sessions, which increases the risks and makes healing difficult.
Essential safety precautions
Choose a professional tattoo studio: It is essential that it is clean, that the artists are licensed and that they use sterilized equipment.
Investigate the inks: Ask about the inks the tattoo artist uses and make sure they are approved by health authorities.
Take care of your tattoo: Follow the tattoo artist's instructions for the tattoo aftercare, which include cleaning the area, applying ointments, and avoiding sun exposure.
Check your health conditions: If you have any medical conditions, such as diabetes or skin problems, consult your doctor before getting a tattoo.
Think carefully about the design and location: Think carefully about the design and placement of the tattoo, as removing a tattoo can be expensive and painful.
Taking care of your tattoo
It is very important to perform aftercare, which will depend on the type of work and the extent of the tattoo, but you will always have to:
- Keep the area clean, Use soap and water when showering, avoid getting water on the newly tattooed skin, and dry very gently without rubbing.
- Apply a mild moisturizer several times a day on tattooed skin.
- Avoid tight clothing because it can stick to the tattoo and cause friction.
- Avoid going to the pool, river, lake, or hot tub while your tattoo heals. Also exposure to the sun for a few weeks.
If you think your tattoo might be infected, or it might not be healing properly, or it might be taking too long to heal, it's best to contact your doctor for advice on whether you need any special medication.
Finally, a tattoo can be an incredible means of expression, but it is important to be aware of the health risks involved. Toxic tattoos, which contain potentially harmful chemicals, can pose a serious risk to your health.
It's important to take precautions to protect yourself when getting a tattoo, and consider alternatives if you're concerned about potential dangers. By taking all the necessary safety measures such as choosing a professional studio, using safe inks, and taking proper care of your tattoo, you can minimize the risks and enjoy your tattoo safely.