Tattoos are becoming more and more common among the youths. However, did you know that there are a number of risks associated with body tattoos? When it comes to body tattoo or any other cosmetic procedure, it is important that you understand how the procedure works, the risks as well as the precautions that you should put in place. Some of these cosmetic procedures are dangerous and can lead to some types of diseases or cancers. In this article, we focus on tattoos to help you understand what this procedure is all about, the risks as well as the precautions.
Tattoo Procedure
A tattoo is semi-permanent or a permanent design or mark applied on your skin. Some types of pigments are inserted into your skin by use of pricks. Usually, your tattoo artist will use a hand machine, similar to a sewing machine. The machine has several needles that repeatedly pierce your skin inserting the ink pigments.
Risks Associated With Tattoos
- Allergic reactions– One of the common risk associated with tattoos is the allergic reactions that most people experience. Remember that foreign pigments or dyes are being introduced into your body. Your body may not relate well to such foreign items, and as such may react aggressively leading to allergic infections. In some cases, allergic reactions have been experienced several years after the procedure. It is important that you understand your body, know what it can handle and what it can’t. This will help with the choice of the dye that you will pick.
- Skin infections– Sometimes, you may develop some skin infections immediately after tattooing. In some instances, you can develop some inflammation in the area around your tattoo. Tattooing can also cause keloids. Keloids refer to the raised areas that come as a result of overgrown tissue. In some severe cases, tattoos have been said to be a cause of some types of cancer such as the skin cancer. It is very important that you understand these risks before deciding to tattoo your body. It is also important that you choose someone who is qualified and experienced enough to do the job.
- Blood diseases– In some cases, it is possible to contract some blood-borne diseases especially when the piercing equipment is used on more than one person. Imagine a case where an equipment is used on someone suffering from hepatitis B or even HIV. If the same equipment is used to you without proper precautions or sterilization, then you are likely to contact such diseases. It is important that you go to an artist that you can trust to ensure that all the necessary care or precautions have been considered.
As it is clear from the above points, there are a number of risks associated with tattoos. Remember that a tattoo will be a permanent mark on your body and it is therefore very important that you think clearly about it before deciding to undertake this procedure. It is also important that you evaluate the skills, integrity and honesty of your artist to minimize the risks.