Clive Anderson
TATTOOS HAVE become the fashion accessory of the 21st century. No longer are these markings to be found only on the bodies of seamen, soldiers, prisoners and other unsavoury characters. It is reported that one in eight Americans has a tattoo. Among the age group 20 to 25, nearly 40 per cent are sporting tattoos.
The big question is: Are tattoos safe? The answer is yes ... and no.
Spokespersons for the tattoo industry assert that the process of tattooing is unlikely to transmit disease because operators are careful to adhere to hygienic standards. Although tattoo establishments are unregulated and there are no standard guidelines governing their practice, the operators insist that they use sterile, disposable needles for each client and give clear instructions for the care of the tattoo.
Infectious disease specialists are in agreement that it is possible for tattoos to transmit disease but hygienic procedures minimise the risk. After all, a tattoo has been described as simply a coloured wound, and any wound can allow micro-organisms to enter the body. Any procedure in which the skin is broken and the equipment used may become contaminated with blood, has the potential to facilitate the transmission of blood borne diseases including HIV and viral hepatitis.
There is little evidence of transmission of these diseases as a result of tattooing. In fact, the preponderance of studies indicate that commercial tattooing is not a significant source of infection for HIV or hepatitis B or C. This is not the case for home-made tattoos where it is felt significant disease transmission takes place.
AMATEUR TATTOOS DANGEROUS
It appears that commercial tattooing is safe, providing basic precautions are taken, but amateur tattoos are dangerous.
The other aspect of tattooing is the ink and pigment used. These are not regulated by any health authority. Of the 50-odd pigments used in tattoos, none have been formally approved for tattoos. Adverse events such as allergic reactions to the dye are not uncommon. Other adverse reactions to the tattoo pigment include swelling, peeling, blistering, and scarring of the skin.
A recent news story out of California dated September 22, 2005, reports that a California Supreme Court Judge has ordered two major tattoo-ink manufacturers to carry warning labels citing the health risks of lead and arsenic in tattoo ink. The judge ordered that " the warning must tell customers that tattoo inks and pigments contain heavy metals, including lead and arsenic, which have been scientifically determined to cause cancer or birth defects".
As dermatologists, the biggest problem we see in our patients with tattoos is the so-aptly-termed 'remorse' factor. Tattoos are permanent, passion fades. The current love interest may object to being reminded of their predecessor in indelible ink on a body part. The tattoo may not reflect the current lifestyle or may be placed in a position that makes certain styles unwearable. In these cases, the laser may be used to smash the cells containing the pigment, allowing it to be removed from the body. Laser treatment is expensive and may leave other unwanted signs, such as discoloured skin. Some colours are more difficult to remove, for example, greens.
Follow these safety tips if you do decide to get a tattoo:
Ensure that gloves are worn throughout the procedure; - a new pair for each client.
The operator must have an autoclave - an instrument for sterilising equipment.
All needles should be new, disposable and for single use
All dressings must be sterile.
The dyes and ink used must also be sterile, packed and unopened.
Get clear instructions for wound care.
Dr. Clive Anderson is a dermatologist and venereologist; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
