By Isaac Atunlute
More than just skin art, tattoos are a form of self-expression–symbols of identity, personal beliefs and life experiences etched permanently on the body.
They have also become parts of the mainstream culture, cherished by millions of people around the globe. But the desire for some street swagger may entail some medical risks.
Science has associated tattoo ink and equipment with health hazards. In a new study, researchers tested 75 tattoo and permanent makeup ink samples in sealed containers and found that a third of them contained bacteria, including some harmful strains.
The skin serves as the body’s primary defence, but that barrier is breached during tattooing, especially when unsterile ink or equipment is used.
This allows for harmful pathogens to invade the body, causing bacterial infections such as impetigo, folliculitis, and cellulitis, commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.
Symptoms typically range from swelling to pus discharge, usually appearing within a few days to a week after getting a tattoo.
More worrisome are risks of viral infections like hepatitis B and C in cases where needles or equipment are shared or not sufficiently sterilised. Tattoos have also, on rare occasions, been linked with other serious illnesses on individual occasions.
In rare but serious cases, tattooing can trigger unexpected immune responses in the body. These reactions may lead to long-term conditions like chronic skin inflammation, allergic reactions, or delayed hypersensitivity, sometimes appearing weeks or even months after the tattoo session.
While such complications are uncommon, they highlight the risks of introducing foreign substances into the skin without strict safety standards.
Reality TV star Sierra Gates talked about her trip to the hospital after a 12-hour tattoo appointment: “I was like, literally on fire,” she said, recalling her diagnosis of cellulitis — a bacterial condition that degenerates into sepsis if left untreated.
Statistics back up those concerns. Tattoos were associated with a 21% increased risk of lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, in an observational study of a Swedish cohort.
What to do.
These complications remind us that tattoos aren’t just cosmetic; they involve health risks that require careful thought and proper hygiene.
To minimise these risks, experts recommend the following:
- Visit a reputable tattoo parlour that has strict hygienic practices.
- Make sure that the artist is using sterile, single-use needles and sealed ink cartridges.
- Carefully follow aftercare directions, especially during those initial few weeks.
- Seek medical attention immediately when you notice an infection such as fever, redness on the skin, or an abnormal discharge.
Tattoos are indeed a beautiful way to express yourself, but not for the price of your body. Prudence and knowledge are the wisest ways to proceed. Until the method is safe and sterile, a beautiful design is not worth it.
Tattoos, while popular for self-expression and as cultural symbols, pose potential health risks due to associated medical hazards. A study examining tattoo inks found that one-third of samples contained harmful bacteria, which can invade the body through the breached skin during the tattooing process. This can cause bacterial infections like impetigo and cellulitis. There's also a risk of viral infections, such as hepatitis B and C, from unsterile equipment. Uncommon but severe immune responses can include chronic inflammation or allergic reactions appearing long after the tattoo session. Tattoos have also been statistically linked to a modest increased risk of lymphoma, a type of blood cancer.
To mitigate these health risks, it is crucial to select a reputable tattoo parlour adhering to strict hygiene practices. Use of sterile, single-use needles and sealed ink cartridges is vital, alongside following aftercare instructions carefully. Immediate medical attention is necessary if symptoms of infection arise. While tattoos are meaningful, ensuring safety and sterility should be prioritized over aesthetics, as the health implications are significant.
