Tattoos Effects Your Skin

A tattoo is a marking made by inserting indelible ink into the dermis layer of the skin to change the pigment. Tattoos on humans are a type of decorative body modification, while tattoos on animals are most commonly used for identification purposes. The first written reference to the word, "tattoo" (or Samoan "Tatau") appears in the journal of Joseph Banks, the naturalist aboard Captain Cook's ship the HMS Endeavour in 1769: "I shall now mention the way they mark themselves indelibly, each of them is so marked by their humor or disposition". Although more and more people these days seem to have tattoos, getting one carries some risks. courtesy:Perry Piekarski, ehow.com



Infection: One of the biggest concerns with a tattoo is the risk of disease or infection. Tattoos are applied using sharp needles and other equipment that injects the ink directly into your skin. If these supplies are unsterile, you run the risk of a serious infection. It's essential that you follow the instructions given to you by your tattoo artist or doctor when caring for the tattooed area in the weeks after getting it. According to WebMD, "The risk of infection is the reason the American Association of Blood Banks requires a one-year wait between getting a tattoo and donating blood."

Allergic Reaction: Although seldom a problem, it's possible for an individual to have an allergic reaction to the ink in their tattoo. WebMD states that "occasionally, people may develop an allergic reaction to tattoos they have had for years." Talk with your doctor if you're concerned about having an allergic reaction to tattoo ink.

Permanence: Tattoos are permanent--well, almost. While it is possible to remove the tattoo medically using laser technology, the process is both incredibly expensive and could take years. WebMD warns that "complete removal without scarring may be impossible." Make sure that your tattoo is something you're willing to live with, because otherwise you're likely stuck with it for life.

Temporary Swelling: In the weeks after getting your tattoo, you can expect the area to swell up and turn slightly red. However, according to DermNet NZ, this "is an expected side effect of the tattooing process" and "disappears within two to three weeks." As mentioned, proper care of the tattooed area is crucial to a healthy recovery.