Nowadays, tattooing has become a trend. Youngsters tattoo their bodies to look cool and stylish. But have you ever thought that tattoos can cause many serious health problems. It can cause skin infections and allergic reactions.
A few months ago, 40 people in 10 districts of Purvanchal in Uttar Pradesh were infected with HIV after getting tattoos.
Not only that, tattoos can also cause blood cancer. Recently a study was conducted to understand the connection between tattoos and cancer. In this study from Lund University in Sweden, researchers have found that tattooing increases the risk of lymphoma, or blood cancer, by 21%.
In the study, data was collected from several people between the ages of 20 and 60 who were diagnosed with lymphoma between 2007 and 2017. The study found that 21% of people with lymphoma had body tattoos. The study is published in the journal Clinical Medicine.
Another study was conducted in July this year. The study examined 75 samples of tattoo and permanent makeup ink used in the United States. In the investigation, the researchers found that 26 of the 75 samples contained bacteria that spread the infection. The study is published in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology.
So today in health water We will talk about the dangers of tattoos. You will also learn that-
- What dangerous chemicals are found in tattoo ink?
- What diseases can be caused by tattoos?
Tattoo ink can contain dangerous chemicals The ink used in tattoos can contain many chemicals that are carcinogenic. Carcinogenic means substances that can cause cancer.
Some tattoo inks may contain a chemical called azo. This is the chemical used in car paint.
A few years ago, in a study on rats, scientists found that rats exposed to red ink developed liver cancer. It is clear that it is very dangerous for humans too.
An Australian government report in 2016 found that black ink used in tattoos contains 83% polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are carcinogenic. Here are some other dangerous chemicals that tattoo ink can contain, see the graphic below-
Tattooing is hazardous to health Tattoos are not beneficial to our health in any way. But people do it for hobby. Many times tattoo artists use old ink, which may contain bacteria, which can cause infection.
Unprofessional tattoo artists are at increased risk of infection because sometimes they use old needles to save money. In May this year, 40 people in Purvanchal contracted AIDS after getting tattoos because the tattoo artist used an old infected needle. Understand how dangerous tattooing is to our health from the graphic below.
Symptoms of tattoo infection Skin infections and allergic reactions are possible due to tattoos. If the skin is sensitive, the risk of allergy increases. Some symptoms may appear around the part of the body where the tattoo is done. These include itching or swelling. Apart from these, what other symptoms can there be, understand it from the graphic below-
There is no direct link between tattoos and skin cancer Dr. Sushant Mittal, Medical Oncology Director of Delhi's Action Cancer Hospital says, 'Tattoos do not cause skin cancer. However, not being careful while getting a tattoo can be dangerous. Avoid tattooing on areas of the skin that are prone to moles or warts. Always get tattooed by an artist who maintains hygiene.
Tattoo ink is also harmful to kidneys and liver Tattoo ink is also dangerous for kidneys and liver. According to a study published in the science journal 'Journal of Analytical Chemistry', dangerous chemicals present in tattoo ink can cause inflammation in the skin, lungs and liver. Apart from this, they can also damage the nervous system.
What types of allergies do tattoos cause? Allergy to the dye and some other chemicals found in tattoo ink is possible. Some people may develop allergies when exposed to sunlight after getting a tattoo. Sometimes this allergy can occur even after years. Symptoms of a tattoo allergy include itching, redness, swelling, and pus.
What to do if you get an infection after getting a tattoo? If an infection or allergic reaction occurs after getting a tattoo, don't ignore it. Contact a doctor immediately and get treatment to prevent the infection from progressing. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics to prevent the infection from progressing. Always keep in mind that in case of infection or allergic reaction, do not try any home remedies on your own. Doing so may worsen the condition.
Who is more at risk of tattooing? Dr. Sushant Mittal says that people who have sensitive skin should not get tattooed. Apart from this, children and pregnant women should also avoid it. These people are at higher risk of getting tattooed.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
