A tattoo is a permanent mark or pattern on the skin that is produced by pricking pigments into the top layer of the skin. The tattoo artist usually uses a hand-held machine that works similarly to a sewing machine, with one or more needles constantly piercing the skin. The needles inject tiny ink droplets into each puncture.
The procedure, which is performed without anaesthetics, results in minor bleeding and minor to moderate discomfort. For more info about tattoos click here.
Understand the dangers.
Since tattoos pierce the skin, they can lead to skin infections and other complications, such as:
Allergic reactions are common. Tattoo dyes, especially those in the colours red, green, yellow, and blue, can cause allergic skin reactions such as an itchy rash at the tattoo site. This can happen even years after the tattoo is applied.
Infections of the skin It’s possible to get a skin infection after getting a tattoo.
Some issues with the skin A granuloma is a type of inflammation that can develop around tattoo ink. Tattooing can also cause keloids, which are raised areas caused by scar tissue overgrowth.
Diseases transmitted through the bloodstream. Various bloodborne diseases, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, may be contracted if the equipment used to produce the tattoo is contaminated with infected blood.
Complications from an MRI During magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams, tattoos or permanent makeup can cause swelling or burning in the affected areas. Tattoo pigments can, in some cases, degrade the image’s quality.
If you have an allergic reaction to the tattoo ink or develop an infection or other skin condition around a tattoo, you will need medication or other care. For more info about equipment click here.
Make certain you’re prepared.
Consider your options carefully before getting a tattoo. Give it more time if you’re uncertain or afraid you’ll regret it. Allowing yourself to be coerced into having a tattoo is not a good idea, and getting a tattoo when under the influence of alcohol or drugs is also not a good idea. For religious related issues click here.
Carefully choose the tattoo’s spot. Consider if you’d like to be able to conceal your tattoo with clothes. Also keep in mind that weight gain, including pregnancy weight gain, can distort or affect the tattoo’s appearance.
Insist on safety measures.
Ask the following questions to ensure that your tattoo can be applied safely:
- Who is the tattoo artist? Visit a respectable tattoo parlour with only professionally qualified staff. Keep in mind that regulations and licencing requirements differ from state to state. Check with your city, county or state health department for information on local licensing and regulations.
- Is it true that the tattoo artist wears gloves? For each operation, make sure the tattoo artist washes his or her hands and puts on a new pair of protective gloves.
Is the tattoo artist using the right tools? Before your treatment starts, make sure the tattoo artist removes the needle and tubing from the sealed packets. Any pigments, trays, or containers that haven’t been used should also be discarded.
Is the tattoo artist’s non-disposable equipment sterilised? Make sure the tattoo artist sterilises all non-disposable equipment between customers using a heat sterilisation system (autoclave). After each use, clean instruments and equipment that can’t be sterilised with an autoclave, such as drawer handles, desks, and sinks, with a commercial disinfectant or bleach solution.
Keep your tattoo in good condition.
The type and amount of work done on your new tattoo will determine how you care for it. However, in most cases, you’ll need to:
- Maintain the cleanliness of the tattooed skin. Use a soft touch and simple soap and water. Stop direct streams of water on the freshly tattooed skin when showering. Pat the region dry rather than rubbing it.
- Make use of a moisturiser. Apply a light moisturiser to the tattooed skin on a regular basis.
- Sun exposure should be avoided. For at least a few weeks, keep the tattooed area out of the light.
- Swimming should be avoided. Although your tattoo is healing, stay away from pools, hot tubs, rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water.
- Carefully choose your clothes. Wearing something that could stick to the tattoo is not a good idea.
- Healing will take up to two weeks. Picking at scabs raises the risk of infection, as well as damaging the design and causing scarring.
Contact your doctor if you suspect your tattoo is contaminated or if you’re worried that it isn’t healing properly. If your tattoo isn’t what you wanted and you want it removed, talk to your dermatologist about laser surgery or other tattoo removal options.