Tattoos have been around since 3000 BC. They serve as a form of identity and creative expression. According to Forbes, an estimated 1/3rd of the country is inked, and the tattoo industry is worth $4 billion.
If you, like many Americans today, are considering getting a tattoo, there are a few things you should be aware of.
This article aims to detail the medical risks associated with tattoos, including the symptoms of a tattoo infection. It will also cover the basic laws surrounding tattooing in the US.
Medical Risks Associated with Tattoos
Tattooing involves injecting ink into the dermis layer of the skin using needles. As ink is a foreign body, the immune system can have allergic reactions to it. For most people, this results in reddened skin that lasts a couple of hours. However, if the ink or the equipment used isn’t properly sterilized, it can lead to infection or the transmission of diseases.
Here is a list of the common medical risks associated with tattoos:
Allergic Reactions
The ink used in tattoos is known to cause allergic reactions. Colored ink causes more reactions than black ink. Red ink has the highest number of allergic reactions. You should talk to your tattoo artist about the type of ink they use and get an allergy test to ensure you’re not allergic to any of the ingredients.
A typical allergic reaction involves rashes or bumps around your tattoo. This can happen even years after getting your tattoo. Be sure to follow your tattoo artist’s advice to avoid the risk of infection.
Skin Infections
Tattoos can also cause skin infections. The most common sign is a rash or bumpy skin around the tattooed area. You should visit a doctor if you experience a fever or see pus coming out of the tattoo.
It is important to note, however, that most people do have red skin immediately after tattooing. These symptoms go away after a few hours and typically don’t last longer than a week. If your symptoms persist, however, you should seek medical attention. Antibiotics are usually prescribed for these infections, which should alleviate the symptoms.
Diseases that Spread through the Blood
If the equipment used for tattooing isn’t sterilized, it could result in the spread of infectious diseases. This includes hepatitis C, hepatitis B, tetanus, and HIV. You can minimize the risk of infection by getting vaccinated before getting a tattoo.
Your tattoo artist is required by US law to follow certain regulations, which include using clean and sterile equipment. Be sure to check that the equipment used for your tattoo is sterilized. If you’re not sure, don’t be afraid to double-check with the tattoo artist.
Reactions to an MRI
MRIs use magnetic and radio waves to produce detailed images of the body. Sometimes, tattoos can react to the magnetic field because the ink has metal particles in it. This can cause the skin to burn. Tattoos are also known to lower the quality of an MRI.
It is recommended to wait around 6 weeks after getting a tattoo to get an MRI. You can talk to your tattoo artist about the metallic composition of their inks.
If you ever get an MRI, you can talk to the MRI technician about your tattoos. Be sure to let them know if you experience any burning sensations during a scan.
Tips on Getting a Tattoo
Never get a tattoo unless you’re absolutely sure you want to. Tattoos are expensive, not to mention painful and permanent. It can be difficult to remove a tattoo if you don’t like it later on, so be sure to mull your decision over before deciding on a design.
Be sure to check the credentials of your tattoo artist. Look at their work and talk to people who’ve gotten their tattoos. Do your research on tattoo ink composition and check if you’re allergic to any of the ingredients. You could think of alternatives like a temporary tattoo or tattoos with different ink compositions if you’re not sure.
Make sure you follow your tattoo artist’s instructions and get a checkup if you have any severe reactions to your tattoo.
Conclusion
Tattooing is a form of self-expression. However, it is not without risks. If you’re planning on getting a tattoo, you should educate yourself on the risks associated with tattooing and the options available. The US does have stricter laws around tattooing that ensure a level of safety for those who wish to get inked.
Get immediate medical attention if you have any adverse reactions to a tattoo. Stay informed and make well-thought-out decisions!