by Jaime Heidel
(Health Secrets) It is estimated that about ¼ of people under the age of 30 have at least one tattoo. Tattoos are part act of rebellion, part rite of passage but can they do any serious harm? Studies say yes. Before you go out and get inked, learn the hidden health risks of tattoos and how to avoid them.
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Hidden Health Risks of Tattoos
Allergic Reaction
The most common health risk associated with tattoos is allergic reaction. A common carrier solution called propylene glycol has been known to cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Within a few minutes to a few hours of getting a tattoo, you may notice itching, burning, rash, and blisters. When it comes to ink, both black and green pigments have been known to cause allergic reaction because they are metal-based. Red pigments made from mercury sulfide have also been strongly associated with severe allergic reaction.
Skin Infection
Topical skin infections are another common health concern associated with tattoos. Staph infections, impetigo, cellulitis, mycobacterium, and viral warts may be noticed within days of receiving ink and may be difficult to treat due to growing antibiotic resistance.
Melanoma
While the FDA has never been able to directly link the development of melanoma to tattoos, many tattoo inks contain known carcinogens that might increase your risk. Also, if you get a large tattoo that goes over a mole, you might not notice the minute changes associated with this most deadly form of skin cancer. Being unaware of the changes taking place on your skin can leave you more vulnerable to developing metastatic disease.
HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can be transferred during tattooing if the artist does not use fresh needles and ink. Because of this critical risk factor, blood banks and hospitals will not allow you to donate blood within 12 months of getting a tattoo.
Hepatitis
If the tattoo artist does not use clean needles and fresh ink, you run the risk of contracting hepatitis C. Those with tattoos have a two-three fold increased risk of developing this viral disease. Symptoms usually appear anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months after infection. Since some people with hepatitis develop no symptoms, you could be a carrier, infecting others without realizing it.
Removing a Tattoo May be More Dangerous Than Getting One
When you get a tattoo, your body creates a protective barrier around the ink as it comes in contact with your skin. The pigment stays in a dense clump of skin that keeps any toxins in the ink from spreading to your lymph nodes and organs. However, if you change your mind about the tattoo and decide to have it removed, you greatly increase your risk of developing cancer.
According to the National Center for Toxicological Research, some tattoo pigments contain carcinogens. When they are removed using a laser, these pigments are blasted from their protective layer, which increases the spread of toxic molecules throughout your body 70-fold!
How to Reduce Your Risk of Adverse Tattoo Reaction
Just because there are some health risks associated with tattoos doesn’t mean you have to completely give up the idea of having one. There are a few things you can do to protect yourself. First and foremost, never get a tattoo spontaneously, especially if you’ve been drinking or using recreational drugs.
You may go to bed thinking you got this really awesome dragon tattoo only to wake up to find some lizard-moth hybrid on your arm. Not cool and now you’re stuck with it. Not only do spontaneous tattoos make for quick regrets, you won’t have enough time to inspect the tattoo parlor or the artist to be sure you’re safe from infection and disease.
Read more, http://alignlife.com/articles/toxicity/hidden-health-risks-of-tattoos/