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A variety of health effects can result from tattooing. Because it requires breaking the skin barrier, tattooing carries inherent health risks, including infection and allergic reactions. Modern tattooists reduce such risks by following universal precautions, working with single-use disposable needles, and sterilising equipment after each use. Many jurisdictions require tattooists to undergo periodic bloodborne pathogen training, such as is provided through the Red Cross and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Dermatologists have observed rare but severe medical complications from tattoo pigments in the body, and have noted that people acquiring tattoos rarely assess health risks prior to receiving their tattoos. Some medical practitioners have recommended greater regulation of pigments used in tattoo ink. The wide range of pigments currently used in tattoo inks may create unforeseen health problems.
Infection
editSince tattoo instruments come in contact with blood and bodily fluids, diseases may be transmitted if the instruments are used on more than one person without being sterilised. However, infection from tattooing in clean and modern tattoo studios employing single-use needles is rare.[1] With amateur tattoos, such as those applied in prisons, however, there is an elevated risk of infection. To address this problem, a programme was introduced in Canada as of the summer of 2005 that provides legal tattooing in prisons, both to reduce health risks and to provide inmates with a marketable skill. Inmates were to be trained to staff and operate the tattoo parlours once six of them opened successfully.[2]
In the United States, the Red Cross prohibits a person who has received a tattoo from donating blood for 3 months, unless the procedure was done in a state-regulated and licensed studio, using sterile technique.[3] The District of Columbia, Georgia (until October 2024), Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Utah and Wyoming do not have a rigorous licensing and regulation (e.g. bloodborne pathogen training) program, meaning that people who receive tattoos there are subject to the 3-month deferral regardless of the hygienic standards of the studio. Similarly, the UK does not provide certification for tattooists, and blood donations are prohibited without exception for four months following a tattoo.[4]
Infections that can theoretically be transmitted by the use of unsterilised tattoo equipment or contaminated ink include surface infections of the skin, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tuberculosis, and HIV.[1] However, no person in the United States is reported to have contracted HIV via a commercially applied tattooing process.[5] Washington state's OSHA studies have suggested that since the needles used in tattooing are not hollow, in the case of a needle stick injury the amount of fluids transmitted may be small enough that HIV would be difficult to transmit. Tetanus risk is reduced by having an up-to-date tetanus booster prior to being tattooed. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, of 13,387 hepatitis cases in the USA in 1995, 12 cases (0.09%) were associated with tattoo parlours; by comparison, 43 cases (0.32%) were associated with dentists' offices.[6]
In 2006, the CDC reported 3 clusters with 44 cases of methicillin-resistant staph infection traced to unlicensed tattooists.[7]
Reactions to inks
editPerhaps due to the mechanism whereby the skin's immune system encapsulates pigment particles in fibrous tissue, tattoo inks have been described as "remarkably nonreactive histologically".[8] However, some allergic reactions have been medically documented.[9][10] No estimate of the overall incidence of allergic reactions to tattoo pigments exists.[11] Allergies to latex are apparently more common than to inks; many artists will use non-latex gloves when requested. Tattoos may even trigger a positive immune response by strengthening it.[clarification needed][12]
Allergy to metals
editPeople who are sensitive or allergic to certain metals may react to pigments in the skin with swelling and/or itching, and/or oozing of clear fluid called serum. Such reactions are quite rare, however, and some artists will recommend performing a test patch. Because the mercury and Azo-chemicals in red dyes are more commonly allergenic than other pigments, allergic reactions are most often seen in red tattoos. Less frequent allergic reactions to black, purple, and green pigments have also been noted.[unreliable medical source?] Tattoo inks contaminated with metal allergens have been known to cause severe reactions, sometimes years later, when the original ink is not available for testing; see metal allergy.[13]
Traditional metallic salts are prevalent in tattoo inks. A 3-by-5-inch (76 by 127 mm) tattoo may contain from 1 to 23 micrograms (1.5×10−5 to 0.000355 gr) of lead, but there is insufficient evidence to assess whether the metallic salts are harmful at this dosage and via this method. However, in 2005, there were no reports of metal toxicity from tattoo ink.[14]
Photosensitisation
editAllergic reactions to tattoo pigments, while uncommon, are most often seen with red, yellow, and occasionally white. Tattoos that are exposed to the sun may result in an allergic reaction, particularly those that contain yellow tattoo ink. Yellow and some red pigments contain cadmium sulfide, which can cause an allergic reaction when exposed to the sun.[15]
Allergy to organic pigments
editOrganic pigments (i.e., non-heavy metal pigments) may also pose health concerns. A European Commission noted that close to 40% of organic tattoo colorants used in Europe had not been approved for cosmetic use, and that under 20% of colorants contained a carcinogenic aromatic amine.[16]
MRI complications
editA few cases of burns on tattoos caused by MRI scans have been documented. Problems tend to occur with designs containing large areas of black ink, since black commonly contains iron oxide; the MRI scanner causes the iron to heat up either by inducing an electric current or hysteresis.[17] Burning can occur on smaller tattoos such as "permanent makeup",[18] but this is rare.[19]
Dermal conditions
editThe most common dermal reactions to tattoo pigments are granulomas and various lichenoid diseases. Other conditions noted have been cement dermatitis, collagen deposits, discoid lupus erythematosus, eczematous eruptions, hyperkeratosis and parakeratosis, and keloids.[citation needed]
Delayed reactions
editHypersensitive reactions to tattoos are known to lay latent for significant periods of time before exhibiting symptoms. Delayed abrupt chronic reactions, such as eczematous dermatitis, are known to manifest themselves from months to as many as twenty years after the patient received their most recent tattoo.[citation needed]
Other adverse effects
editOther documented conditions caused by tattoo pigments have been carcinoma, hyperplasia, tumours, and vasculitis. Keratoacanthoma may also occur, which makes excision of the affected area mandatory. Eyeball tattoos carry their own unique risks.[20]
Hematoma
editOccasionally, when a blood vessel is punctured during the tattooing procedure a hematoma (bruise) may appear. Bruises generally heal within one week.[21] Bruises can appear as halos around a tattoo, or, if blood pools, as one larger bruise. This bluish or dark blurry halo that surrounds a tattoo can also be attributed to ink diffusion or 'blow-out'. Commonly mistaken for a hematoma, this discolouration occurs when tattoo pigments spread out into the subcutaneous tissue beneath the dermal skin layer, and may be caused by ink being deposited too deep in the skin.[22]
Burden on lymphatic system
editSome pigment migrates from a tattoo site to lymph nodes, where large particles may accumulate.[23]
Particles created by laser tattoo removal treatments may be small enough that they are carried away by the lymphatic system and excreted, but this is not always the case;[24] the laser technology used for removal and the composition of the pigment(s) being removed are variable.
Interference with melanoma diagnosis
editLymph nodes may become discolored and inflamed with the presence of tattoo pigments, but discoloration and inflammation are also visual indicators of melanoma; consequently, diagnosing melanoma in a patient with tattoos is made difficult, and special precautions must be taken to avoid misdiagnoses.[25]
Effects of blood thinners
editA regimen of blood thinners may affect the tattooing process, causing excess bleeding. This increased bleeding can slow the process of getting enough ink into the skin. The aftercare healing may also take longer.[26]
References
edit- ^ a b Tattoos: Risks and precautions to know first - MayoClinic.com
- ^ Canada to open prison tattoo parlors May 4, 2004, CNN.com
- ^ "Eligibility Criteria Alphabetical Listing". www.redcrossblood.org. Retrieved 2023-12-23.
- ^ Who Cannot Give Blood
- ^ HIV and Its Transmission Archived 2010-03-04 at the Wayback Machine July 1999, CDC
- ^ CDC. Hepatitis Surveillance Report No. 56, 1995
- ^ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MMWR 55(24)
- ^ Tattoo lasers / Histology, Suzanne Kilmer, eMedicine
- ^ Weiß, Katharina T.; Schreiver, Ines; Siewert, Katherina; Luch, Andreas; Haslböck, Birgit; Berneburg, Mark; Bäumler, Wolfgang (2021-05-06). "Tattoos - more than just colored skin? Searching for tattoo allergens". Journal of the German Society of Dermatology. 19 (5): 657–669. doi:10.1111/ddg.14436. ISSN 1610-0387. PMID 33955682.
- ^ Hutton Carlsen, K.; Køcks, M.; Sepehri, M.; Serup, J. (2016-03-14). "Allergic reactions in red tattoos: Raman spectroscopy for 'fingerprint' detection of chemical risk spectra in tattooed skin and culprit tattoo inks". Skin Research and Technology. 22 (4): 460–469. doi:10.1111/srt.12287. ISSN 1600-0846. PMID 26991512.
- ^ Sewak S, Graham P, Nankervis J (1999). "Tattoo allergy in patients receiving adjuvant radiotherapy for breast cancer". Australas Radiol. 43 (4): 558–61. doi:10.1046/j.1440-1673.1999.00733.x. PMID 10901983.
- ^ Lynn, Christoper D. (2 October 2019). "Untangling tattoos' influence on immune response". The Conversation. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
- ^ Riedel, F; Aparicio-Soto, M; Curato, C; Thierse, HJ; Siewert, K; Luch, A (15 October 2021). "Immunological Mechanisms of Metal Allergies and the Nickel-Specific TCR-pMHC Interface". International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 18 (20): 10867. doi:10.3390/ijerph182010867. PMC 8535423. PMID 34682608.
- ^ Metal Toxicity: Tattoos: Safe Symbols?, Environmental Health Perspectives, retrieved 7 September 2014
- ^ https://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-and-beauty/tattoo-ink-allergies.aspx [bare URL]
- ^ Workshop on "Technical/scientific and regulatory issues on the safety of tattoos, body piercing and of regulated practices", European Commission, 2003
- ^ Wagle, WA; Smith M. (June 2000). "Tattoo-induced skin burn during MR imaging". American Journal of Roentgenology. 174 (7): 1795. doi:10.2214/ajr.174.6.1741795. PMID 10845532. Retrieved 1 July 2010.
- ^ Offret, H; Offret M; Labetoulle M; Offret O. (February 2009). "Permanent cosmetics and magnetic resonance imaging". Journal Français d'Ophtalmologie. 32 (2): 131.e1–3. doi:10.1016/j.jfo.2008.07.002. PMID 20579475.
- ^ Tope, WD; Shellock FG (February 2002). "Magnetic resonance imaging and permanent cosmetics (tattoos): survey of complications and adverse events". Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging. 15 (2): 180–4. doi:10.1002/jmri.10049. PMID 11836774.
- ^ Murphy, Cheryl G. (30 October 2017). "The Terrifying Trend of Eyeball Tattoos". Scientific American Blogs. Scientific American. Retrieved 30 October 2017.
- ^ All Experts, New Tattoo - Bruising or Leaking, archived from the original on 2012-05-19, retrieved 2009-10-08
- ^ "The Definitive Tattoo Aftercare Guide". Dr. Jason K. Rivers, MD, FRCPC, DABD, FAAD (Dermatologist). Archived from the original on 2019-03-04. Retrieved 2014-03-19.
- ^ "Think Before You Ink: Are Tattoos Safe?". FDA. 20 May 2019.[failed verification]
- ^ "Tattoo Removal: Options and Results". FDA. 22 June 2017.[failed verification]
- ^ Chikkamuniyappa, Shylashree; Sjuve-Scott, Rolf; Lancaster-Weiss, Kris; Miller, Alexander; Yeh, I.-Tien (2005). "Tattoo pigment in sentinel lymph nodes: A mimicker of metastatic malignant melanoma". Dermatology Online Journal. 11 (1): 14. doi:10.5070/D31b43m26h. PMID 15748555.
- ^ "Community Answers".
Case studies
editReactions to inks
edit- Mortimer NJ, Chave TA, Johnston GA (2003). "Red tattoo reactions". Clin Exp Dermatol. 28 (5): 508–10. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2230.2003.01358.x. PMID 12950341. S2CID 790219.
- Lubeck G, Epstein E (1952). "Complications of tattooing". Calif Med. 76 (2): 83–5. PMC 1521348. PMID 14905289.
- Engel E, Santarelli F, Vasold R, et al. (2008). "Modern tattoos cause high concentrations of hazardous pigments in skin". Contact Dermatitis. 58 (4): 228–33. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0536.2007.01301.x. PMID 18353031. S2CID 7057048.
- Steinbrecher I, Hemmer W, Jarisch R (2004). "Adverse reaction to the azo dye Pigment Red 170 in a tattoo". J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2 (12): 1007–8. doi:10.1046/j.1439-0353.2004.04733.x. PMID 16285314. S2CID 221646825.
- Kleinerman R, Greenspan A, Hale EK (2007). "Mohs micrographic surgery for an unusual case of keratoacanthoma arising from a longstanding tattoo". J Drugs Dermatol. 6 (9): 931–2. PMID 17941365.
- Pauluzzi P, Giordani M, Guarneri GF, et al. (1998). "Chronic eczematous reaction to red tattoo". J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 11 (2): 187–8. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3083.1998.tb00780.x. PMID 9784053. S2CID 43231409.
- Kluger N, Minier-Thoumin C, Plantier F (2008). "Keratoacanthoma occurring within the red dye of a tattoo". Journal of Cutaneous Pathology. 35 (5): 504–7. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0560.2007.00833.x. PMID 17976209. S2CID 32569686.
- Winkelmann RK, Harris RB (1979). "Lichenoid delayed hypersensitivity reactions in tattoos". Journal of Cutaneous Pathology. 6 (1): 59–65. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0560.1979.tb00306.x. PMID 438395. S2CID 36559020.
- Verdich J (1981). "Granulomatous reaction in a red tattoo". Acta Derm Venereol. 61 (2): 176–7. PMID 6165203.
- Cairns RJ, Calnan CD (1962). "Green tattoo reactions associated with cement dermatitis". Br J Dermatol. 74 (8–9): 288–94. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2133.1962.tb13513.x. PMID 13875622. S2CID 29755573.
- Balfour E, Olhoffer I, Leffell D, et al. (2003). "Massive pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia: an unusual reaction to a tattoo". Am J Dermatopathol. 25 (4): 338–40. doi:10.1097/00000372-200308000-00010. PMID 12876493. S2CID 23062278.
- Schwartz RA, Mathias CG, Miller CH, et al. (1987). "Granulomatous reaction to purple tattoo pigment". Contact Dermatitis. 16 (4): 198–202. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0536.1987.tb01424.x. PMID 3595119. S2CID 7894209.
- Morales-Callaghan AM Jr; Aguilar-Bernier M Jr; Martínez-García G; et al. (2006). "Sarcoid granuloma on black tattoo". J Am Acad Dermatol. 55 (5 Suppl): S71-3. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2005.12.022. PMID 17052538.
- Cui W, McGregor DH, Stark SP, et al. (2007). "Pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia - an unusual reaction following tattoo: report of a case and review of the literature". Int J Dermatol. 46 (7): 743–5. doi:10.1111/j.1365-4632.2007.03150.x. PMID 17614808. S2CID 25994313.
- Biro L, Klein WP (1967). "Unusual complications of mercurial (cinnabar) tattoo. Generalized eczematous eruption following laceration of a tattoo". Arch Dermatol. 96 (2): 165–7. doi:10.1001/archderm.1967.01610020057017. PMID 6039153.
- Antal AS, Hanneken S, Neumann NJ, et al. (2008). "Erhebliche zeitliche Variationsbreite von Komplikationen nach Tätowierungen". Der Hautarzt. 59 (10): 769–71. doi:10.1007/s00105-008-1631-y. PMID 18773181. S2CID 24464853.
Toxins in inks
edit- Civatte J, Bazex J (2007). "Piercing and tattooing: regulation is needed to reduce complications". Bull Acad Natl Med. 191 (9): 1819–38. PMID 18663977.
- Hannuksela M (2005). "Tattoo pigments contains toxic compounds, but legislators do not pay attention". Duodecim. 121 (17): 1802–2. PMID 16262117.
- Möhrenschlager M, Worret WI, Köhn FM (2006). "Tattoos and permanent make-up: background and complications". MMW Fortschr Med. 148 (41): 34–6. doi:10.1007/bf03364782. PMID 17190258. S2CID 79090296.
- Poon, Kelvin Weng Chun (2008), In situ chemical analysis of tattooing inks and pigments: modern organic and traditional pigments in ancient mummified remains, University of Western Australia
- Wollina U, Gruner M, Schönlebe J (2008). "Granulomatous tattoo reaction and erythema nodosum in a young woman: common cause or coincidence?". J Cosmet Dermatol. 7 (2): 84–8. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2165.2008.00368.x. PMID 18482009. S2CID 24012924.
Other dermatological reactions
edit- Kazandjieva J, Tsankov N (2007). "Tattoos: dermatological complications". Clin Dermatol. 25 (4): 375–82. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2007.05.012. PMID 17697920.
- Kluger N (2012). "Acute complications of tattooing presenting in the ED". Am J Emerg Med. 30 (9): 2055–2063. doi:10.1016/j.ajem.2012.06.014. PMID 22944541.
- Müller KM, Schmitz I, Hupe-Nörenberg L (2002). "Reaction patterns to cutaneous particulate and ornamental tattoos". Der Pathologe. 23 (1): 46–53. doi:10.1007/s00292-001-0507-z. PMID 11974503. S2CID 429363.
- Papageorgiou PP, Hongcharu W, Chu AC (1999). "Systemic sarcoidosis presenting with multiple tattoo granulomas and an extra-tattoo cutaneous granuloma". J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 12 (1): 51–3. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3083.1999.tb00809.x. PMID 10188151. S2CID 27466431.
- Schmitz I, Müller KM (2004). "Elemental analysis of tattoo dyes: is there a potential risk from tattoo dyes?". J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2 (5): 350–3. doi:10.1046/j.1439-0353.2004.04755.x. PMID 16281523. S2CID 70579019.
MRI
edit- Klitscher D, Blum J, Kreitner KF, et al. (2005). "MRT-induced burns in tattooed patients: Case report of a traumatic surgery patient". Unfallchirurg. 108 (5): 410–4. doi:10.1007/s00113-004-0877-9. PMID 15909207. S2CID 810578.
- Stecco A, Saponaro A, Carriero A (2007). "Patient safety issues in magnetic resonance imaging: state of the art". Radiol Med. 112 (4): 491–508. doi:10.1007/s11547-007-0154-4. PMID 17563855. S2CID 11373808.
- Wagle WA, Smith M (2000). "Tattoo-induced skin burn during MR imaging". AJR Am J Roentgenol. 174 (6): 1795. doi:10.2214/ajr.174.6.1741795. PMID 10845532.
- Vahlensieck M (2000). "Tattoo-related cutaneous inflammation (burn grade I) in a mid-field MR scanner". Eur Radiol. 10 (1): 197. doi:10.1007/s003300050034. PMID 10663745. S2CID 38034579.
- Franiel T, Schmidt S, Klingebiel R (2006). "First-degree burns on MRI due to nonferrous tattoos". AJR Am J Roentgenol. 187 (5): W556. doi:10.2214/AJR.06.5082. PMID 17056894.
Lymph nodes and melanoma
edit- Gutermuth J, Hein R, Fend F, et al. (2007). "Cutaneous pseudolymphoma arising after tattoo placement". J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 21 (4): 566–7. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3083.2006.01964.x. PMID 17374006. S2CID 384155.
- Gall N, Bröcker EB, Becker JC (2007). "Particularities in managing melanoma patients with tattoos: case report and review of the literature". J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 5 (12): 1120–1. doi:10.1111/j.1610-0387.2007.06386.x. PMID 17919304. S2CID 7154910.
- Chikkamuniyappa S, Sjuve-Scott R, Lancaster-Weiss K, et al. (2005). "Tattoo pigment in sentinel lymph nodes: a mimicker of metastatic malignant melanoma". Dermatol Online J. 11 (1): 14. doi:10.5070/D31B43M26H. PMID 15748555.
- Hannah H, Falder S, Steele PR, et al. (2000). "Tattoo pigment masquerading as secondary malignant melanoma". Br J Plast Surg. 53 (4): 359. doi:10.1054/bjps.2000.3346. PMID 10876271.
- Kluger N, Jolly M, Guillot B (2008). "Tattoo-induced vasculitis". J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 22 (5): 643–4. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3083.2008.02729.x. PMID 18384545. S2CID 9318323.
- Sperry K (1992). "Tattoos and tattooing. Part II: Gross pathology, histopathology, medical complications, and applications". Am J Forensic Med Pathol. 13 (1): 7–17. doi:10.1097/00000433-199203000-00003. PMID 1585890. S2CID 12596869.
- Zirkin HJ, Avinoach I, Edelwitz P (2001). "A tattoo and localized lymphadenopathy: a case report". Cutis. 67 (6): 471–2. PMID 11419018.