Contributed by Harleen Kaur
Introduction
Getting tattoos is currently the most fashionable trend, with people irrespective of age group, occupation and lifestyle opting for it. It’s not very simple to get a tattoo. In addition to being a painful process, it is a choice you make to keep an artwork on your body permanently. Making sure you are prepared for such a process is important. You must be prepared to not only spend money on the procedure but also to take proper care of the tattoo if you are considering having one.
A tattoo is a permanent mark or design that is made on your skin by inserting pigments through small punctures into the epidermis. Typically, a hand-held device similar to a sewing machine is used by the tattoo artist to repeatedly pierce the skin with one or more needles. The needles inject little ink droplets with each puncture.
However, we pretty much ignore the hygienic aspect in favour of the tattoo’s design and colour.
People still get tattoos, and they do it for a variety of reasons. However, it’s important to be aware of all the dangers before deciding to ink your skin.
Allergic reactions
Even if you’ve had tattoos in the past, dyes or tattoo ink could make your skin react allergically. It appears as an itchy rash. For sensitive adults, it poses a serious risk. It is best to test the ink on a tiny skin area and let it sit for 30 minutes before getting a tattoo. You are safe to go if there is no allergic reaction.
Complications with MRIs
There is a minor possibility that the MRI exam could interfere with your tattoo if your doctor authorises one. The consequences include itching and swelling. If your tattoo was inked using inferior pigments or if it is an older tattoo, your likelihood of experiencing such responses may be higher.
If you’re worried that your tattoo will interfere with an MRI scan, it is recommended to tell a doctor first.
It could affect how you sweat
Tattoos may interfere with how your skin sweats – compared with non-inked skin. Tattooed skin releases about 50% less sweat. Some of the studies also found that the sodium in sweat was more concentrated when released from tattooed skin.
Can hide skin cancer
The potential for concealing evidence of skin cancer or other skin conditions is another concern associated with getting tattoos. These include revealing moles, red spots, and other indications that a skin problem might exist but go unnoticed.
Precautions you need to take after getting a tattoo
- Do not touch the tattooed skin. Use mild cleaning products, water, and a soft touch. Avoid using direct streams of water in the shower on freshly tattooed skin. Dry the area with a pat, not a rub.
- Getting a tattoo is similar to having cosmetic surgery. You must follow whatever a tattoo artist advises you to do in order to recover as quickly as possible, just as you would listen to your doctor’s recommendations about aftercare. If you ignore his or her directions, you may suffer complications.
- Avoid getting into contact with water.
- Consult a doctor right away if you get an allergic response, a skin infection, or a blood-borne infection after a tattoo so that it may be treated as soon as possible.
Final thoughts
Despite the emergence of modern technology in the tattoo procedure, it is still important to research properly and get in touch with an expert tattoo artist. To lessen the risks of scarring and other side effects, you must follow proper aftercare and precautions.
While tattoos do carry any risk, the likelihood of adverse consequences can be decreased by being aware of them beforehand.
Getting a tattoo can be stressful for some people so it is important to take a proper meal before getting inked.
Furthermore, you should also undergo preventive health checkups. These health checkups give a complete report about your health, allowing you to take necessary precautionary measures to improve your well-being and keep a host of ailments at bay.
FAQ frequently asked questions
Q Do tattoos have long-term effects?
Tattoos can cause autoimmune and inflammatory skin disorders.
Q Do tattoos affect your blood?
Bloodborne illnesses such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), hepatitis B, and hepatitis C might be acquired if the tattooing equipment was contaminated with infected blood.
Q What are the benefits of Tattoos?
Ink has been shown to boost self-esteem and confidence. Some people believe that having tattoos makes them better able to express their inner selves.
Q What is the right age to get a tattoo?
The best option is to postpone having tattoos until you are 18 years old, but if you simply cannot wait, there are various ways to still acquire one with your parent’s consent.
