Tattoos have been in the world for ages. Before, tattoos were only used for cultural, religious, and curative purposes. But today, tattoos have become more creative in any way that symbolizes self-love and discovery. Tattoos cannot only express art, but they can represent love, joy, strength, and remembrance.
People choose to cover their bodies with ink to express their values in an inventive fashion. Tattoos have become a trend from small to custom designs like full-back or tattoo sleeves. Interestingly, people with breast cancer have tattooed their chest after going through mastectomy.
But if you have a tattoo or plan to get one, knowing the potential health risk is a thing to consider. That includes whether the ink could lead to skin cancer or not. This post will explain how tattoos and skin cancer may be relatable to one another. Learn more in this section below.
Tattoos: Can it cause Skin Cancer?
In general, getting a tattoo will not cause you to have skin cancer. But there are some risks with few ingredients in the tattoo ink. Colors are made with variations in pigment and dilution. Others have materials that you can consider carcinogenic.
For instance, there are tattoo inks that have an element called azo. This substance is also used in car paints. Red ink has been around for decades, with researchers studying that it increases the risk of liver cancer in rats.
Black inks also have a higher risk. A study made in 2016 revealed that 83 percent of black inks tested has a carcinogen called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or PAHs. Other than that, different colors may have harmful components like:
- Barium
- Cadmium
- Alcohols
- Lead
- Mercury
- Minerals
- Copper
- Plastics
- Nickel
- Vegetable Dyes
All in all, tattoo inks are safer than the ones people had before. But it is still best to ask your tattoo artist what kind of ink they use. Moreso, what ingredients they have and where did it come from. It’s also essential to note that the Food and Drug Administration approves no tattoo inks.
Health risk linked with Tattoos
Ensuring that you get the best quality ink design for tattooing is the key. It can help you protect against the possible causes of cancer risk in the future. It’s also worth noting to be aware of other factors and health risks linked with tattoos.
Again, talking with your doctor and tattoo artist is best to avoid the possible risk. Here’s another health risk related to Tattoos.
Scarring
The first effect might be scarring. Tattooing creates a wound deep within the middle layer of your skin. It’s essential to take care of your new tattoo so that the scars will heal faster. This factor will also help you get the best ink and tattoo art you can be proud of.
But, tattoos that don’t heal correctly can result in scarring. Allergic reactions, skin infections, and scratching at your tattoo wound can also increase potential risks.
If your tattoo scars, you may have uneven ink and bumps called keloids. This side effect can take 3 to 12 months to occur. And depending on their severity, you may need to seek treatments. Worse, it can cause you to go under surgery to remove your scars.
Infectious diseases
A thing that you wouldn’t wish to have is an infectious disease. If things do not go well, you may get a critical problem. But with the guidance of professional tattoo artists, you are safe with their sterilized needles in their studios. Using an unsterilized hand is linked to increased risk of infectious diseases like:
- HIV/AIDS
- Hepatitis C
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
While there is no definite relationship between cancer and tattoos, both HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C have an increased risk of various types of cancer.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions are possible to have a tattoo. Unlike skin infection, this kind of reaction may start with the ink used in the session. The probability of developing an allergic reaction may be higher if you have sensitive skin or a history of allergies. Here are the symptoms of allergic reaction to tattoos:
- Swelling
- Redness
- Hive or rash
- Blistering
- Itchiness
It would be best to know that allergic reactions may occur right after getting a tattoo. Symptoms may happen within weeks or after. Consult your dermatologist or tattoo artist if you feel anything worse than these signs.
Skin Infections
Skin infections may grow as a result of contamination from unsterilized materials. The conditions can also happen if you don’t care for your fresh tattoo wounds.
The following signs of a skin infection may include:
- Redness
- Itchiness
- Discharge
- Swelling
- Open sores
- Pain
- Fever
- Chills
Any of these symptoms might be alarming if not taken care of. See your doctor right away after the treatment. Following your tattoo artist’s recommendation with aftercare treatment can also help you prevent scars.
Avoid the risk of Skin Cancer with a Tattoo.
Look for a reputable, licensed provider to ensure that you’ll get the best tattoo experience. Ensure that before going through those needles, search for the highly suggestible tattoo artist and ask about the following:
- Sanitation Practices
- Licensing and experience
- The policy of wearing gloves
- Process for handling and disposing materials
- Portfolio of work
- Inks and what types they use
Also, consider getting skin checks from doctors and your trusted healthcare provider before having a tattoo. There are cases where tattoos can cover up skin issues, making it possible for skin cancers challenging to detect. And remember, don’t get a tattoo over moles.
Once you receive a tattoo, it’s best to follow the needed routine after the session. This process will help you reduce the risk of scars and infections. Check all the things you can do to avoid having skin cancer or any disease after a tattoo.
You can speak with medical professionals here at ENT Allergy and Sinus Center. Seek assistance to help you get the best art for your body. It’s still your safety that matters, after all.
Good luck with your tattoo journey!
