Cynthia Gutierrez
The Dangers of Tattoos.
The number of teens and adults who are getting/want tattoos is massively increasing.
There are multiple risks to getting a tattoo that can affect your body after getting one. This is
why many people say it’s best to get a tattoo with a meaning behind it and not just for the heck
of it. If done wrong, getting a tattoo can be very harmful. Getting a tattoo can effect your life in a
huge way. They can not only jeopardize future jobs you may have or want, but they can harm
your body. Before getting a tattoo done, it is smart to know all the harms and complications it
can lead to and to know exactly what is in a tattoo; And to look up the tattoo artist to make sure
he/she is legitimate. Many negative effects that tattoos prevent are allergic reactions, skin
infections and some diseases.
Researchers have shown that many of todays tattoos “contain an unknown
conglomeration of metallic salts (oxides, sulphides, selenides), organic dyes or plastics
suspended in a carrier solution for consistency of application” (Julie Genser, 2007). It is also
found that in Europe 40 % of the colorants in tattoos are not even approved on ones skin as a
cosmetic ingredient and that many of the chemicals in it were originally used for ink in printers,
which can cause allergic reactions, along with skin infections. Here in the United States, the
FDA regulates ingredients that go on to the skin, but they cannot get rid of the toxics that are in
the ink.
Although millions of people get tattoos every day without any problem at all, there are
still others out there who aren’t as lucky. Allergic reactions is one of the main reasons why
knowing the risks of getting a tattoo is important. Allergic reactions are mainly from not cleaning
the needle properly. There are actually many types of allergic reactions a person can get from
getting a tattoo that can be caused by colors of ink and the needle. Some are worse and more
dangerous than others. One allergic reaction is “Acute inflammatory allergic reaction”. This is a
less serious reaction where the skin becomes red on the outside of the tattoo and can turn slightly
swollen. This reaction happens because of the needle and the ink. There are also reactions that
are more uncommon than others, for example, the “granulomas” reaction is when you will
experience red bumps around the tattoo and is most commonly caused by red ink more than any
other color. Some allergic reactions can cause more harm to a person’s body and add on to the
social issue that tattoos can be the cause of.
It is shown today that infections from tattoos have been seen more than from in the past.
Most likely because things weren’t as advanced as there are today. Many harmful, even deadly
infections can occur by getting a tattoo. What researchers have found is that many of the
infections today are caused by the ink and dirty, unsanitary needles. Fox news reporter states
“Infections from tattooing are nothing new. Hepatitis, staph infections and even the superbug
known as MRSA have been tied to tattoos. Dirty needles and unsanitary conditions are often to
blame.” (Fox News, 2012). Serious infections can be caused by one tattoo. “Scattered reports of
the illness in tattoo customers have been reported over the past 10 years. But they may be
growing more common as more people get tattoos, experts said. An estimated 1 in 5 U.S. adults
have at least one tattoo, an increase from years past, according to polls.” (Fox News, 2012). They
say the illness was caused by bacteria and that it can cause itchy and painful, pus-filled blisters.
All this can be caused by someone using an unsanitary needle or the wrong kind of ink. There
are many dangerous side effects to getting a tattoo done improperly. Making sure the needle is
clean, and checking the tattoo shops history is always a smart thing to do.
Along with infections, diseases can occur too. An unsanitary needle can once again be the
cause of a disease. If someone has an infected tattoo, it is possible to get HIV, Hepatitis,
Syphilis, Tuberculosis, and other diseases caused by infection. Although there is no indication of
anyone getting HIV from a tattoo, it is still possible and people should still be aware. Just
because it has never happened, doesn’t mean that it can’t or won’t. An unsanitary needle once
again can cause major damage to one’s body and can add on to the social issue that is being
created. Getting HIV from a tattoo has never been reported, but Dr. Haley asserts, "We found
that commercially acquired tattoos accounted for more than twice as many hepatitis C infections
as injection-drug use” (Terry Watkins, 2001). Although HIV has never been reported, other very
harmful illnesses can be experienced if being careless takes place while or before getting a
tattoo.
Tattoos are a beautiful form of art to many people in the world and to me as well. It
doesn’t matter what kind of tattoo you get, or where you get it, it is always assured that you
know the side effects if done wrong. People don’t seem to realize the harm behind tattoos, if
done wrong that is. Researchers have found that an unsanitary needle or the wrong ink can harm
a human’s body just as fast as somebody else can get a disease. There are many precautions that
people need to know before getting a tattoo. Tattoos if done improperly, can cause allergic
reactions, skin infections and harmful diseases, serious as HIV or AIDS. That is why before
getting a tattoo people should know the precautions and dangers toward getting a tattoo.
Works Cited
. "Adult Health." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research ,
19 2011. Web. 7 Dec 2012. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tattoos-andpiercings/MC00020>.
Genser, Julie. "The Truth About Tattoos: Health risks, Toxicity, and more." Natural
News. Truth Publishing International, 28 2007. Web. 7 Dec 2012.
<http://www.naturalnews.com/022073_tattoos_health_skin.html>.
Healy, Bernadine. "The Dangerous Art of The Tattoo." Health.usnews. U.S News and
world report, 25 2008. Web. 7 Dec 2012. <http://health.usnews.com/health-news/familyhealth/articles/2008/07/25/the-dangerous-art-of-the-tattoo>.
Rodriguez, Diana. "Tattoo Ink: Allergic Reaction Warnings." Everyday Healt. About
Everyday Health, 10 2010. Web. 7 Dec 2012. <http://www.everydayhealth.com/skin-andbeauty/tattoo-ink-allergies.asp&xgt;.