Tattoos; Know The Risks

May 10, 2014 Samuel Health News 0

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You could be the proud owner of a new tattoo in a matter of hours but don’t let the ease of getting tattoo stop you from making thoughtful decision about permanent body art. Before you get a tattoo, make sure you know what’s involved. Also, be certain that tattooing is the right decision for you.

Tattoos might be more common than ever, but don’t take tattooing lightly, know the risks and understand basic safety precautions and after-care steps.

ALLERGIC REACTIONS

Tattoo dyes especially red, green, yellow and blue dyes can cause allergic skin reactions. Such as an itchy rash at the tattoo site. This can occur ever years after you get the tattoo.

SKIN INFECTION

A skin infection which might cause redness, swelling, pain and a pus like drainage is possible after tattooing.

Other skin problems, sometimes bumps, called granulomas, form around tattoo ink. Tattooing can also lead to keloids – raised areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue.

BLOOD BORNE DISEASES

If the equipment used to create your tattoo is contaminated with infected blood, you can contract various blood borne diseases including tetanus, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

M.R.I. COMPLICATIONS

Rarely tattoos or permanent make up might cause swelling or burning in the affected areas during magnetic resonance imaging exams. In some cases, tattoo pigments can interfere with the qualities of the image such as when a person who has permanent eye liner has an MRI of the eye.

Medication or other treatment including possible removal of the tattoo might be needed if you experience an allergic reaction to the tattoo ink or you develop an infection or other skin problem near a tattoo.

By: Michael Onwordi

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