The dangers of tattooing on health

The dangers of tattooing on health

Considering a tattoo? The US Food and Drug Administration wants you to think before you write.

Mania body United States are not without risk, the agency said. From 2004 to 2016, he received about 400 reports of problems with tattoos, such as infections of contaminated tattoo inks or allergic reactions.

Possible consumer concerns are unsafe practices and the ink itself, "said Dr. Linda Katz, director of the Cosmetics and Color Bureau of the FDA.

"While you can get serious infections unhygienic practices and the team are not sterile, infections can also result from the ink has been contaminated with bacteria or mold," Katz said in a news release from The agency.

Insecure ink

"The use of non-sterile water to dilute pigments (ingredients that add color) is a common culprit, but not the only one," he said.

Katz added that there is no surefire way to know if the ink is safe. "An ink can be contaminated, even if the container is sealed or the label says the product is sterile," he says.

Research shows that some tattoo inks contain pigments used in toner from the printer or automotive paint. No pigment for injection into the skin for cosmetic applications have approval from the FDA.

Alarming reactions

A series of reactions can occur after obtaining a tattoo.

"You may notice a rash - redness or bumps - in the area of ​​your tattoo, and may develop a fever," Katz said.

"More aggressive infections can lead to high fever, tremors, chills and sweating, and the treatment of these infections may require a variety of antibiotics, perhaps for months, or even hospitalization and / or surgery ", he said.

A rash may also mean you have an allergic reaction. "And because the inks are permanent, the reaction can persist," he said.

"Contact your health care provider if you have any concerns," advised Katz.

Other problems may occur later. After obtaining a tattoo, the scar tissue can develop. O tattoos can lead to swelling and burns when subjected to MRI. If your doctor wants to plan an MRI, make sure to reveal that he has a tattoo, says Katz.

Agency

Avoid inks and tattoo kits do it yourself. They have been associated with infections and allergic reactions, and users do not know how to control and avoid all sources of contamination.

Note that removing a tattoo is difficult, and complete removal without leaving a scar can not be possible.

If you decide to do a tattoo, make sure the salon and the artist comply with national and local laws.

If an infection or other reaction develops after obtaining a tattoo, contact your healthcare provider and "inform the artist of tattoo so that he can identify the ink and avoid using it again, "Said Katz. She suggested to ask for the mark, color and a lot number or ink or thinner to help determine the source of the problem and how to treat it.

In this case, the consumer, tattoo artist or health care professional must inform the FDA and provide as much detail as possible about the ink and reaction.