Tattoos are increasingly common artistic / body expressions, and it is normal to think that because of their growing popularity, they pose no health risk. Well ... Apparently, this is not the case. Live Science has released a list of bizarre ways in which skin designs affect our health - these issues were raised during a congress on the subject in Ecuador.

Dermatologist Dr. Marie Leger of New York University Langone Medical Center, who was heard by the Live team, has been studying the adverse reactions of tattoos for some time: “I love tattoos, but it's important to know about the risks associated with being tattooed, ”she said. Check out the following risks:

1 - Infections

It is not exactly a surprise to imagine that some people may have infections after tattooing some region of the body. Fortunately, this is not a rule, and it has a lot to do with the tattoo parlor's sanitary conditions and / or the lack of attention after the job is done - there are a lot of precautions to take, from the ideal form of cleanse the area until some healing ointment is used.

According to Leger, infections can also be caused by the ink used by the tattoo artist. The doctor exemplifies this risk by talking about the case of a bacterium found in a type of gray ink in 2012, which caused infections that lasted for months.

The most common infections are those caused by bacteria, but it is possible to get viral and fungal infections. To prevent more serious problems from happening, it is best to be aware of the persistence of signs such as redness, pain, swelling and irritation.

2 - Allergies

As bizarre as it sounds, people can become allergic to their own tattoos, according to Leger. The thing is so crazy that even those who have multiple tattoos who have never had any allergic reactions may ever have it.

The dermatologist says one of her patients got a red tattoo and had no problem. Ten years later, she got another tattoo, and the red pigmentation of both the new and old designs began to cause itching and irritation.

Leger explains that this type of reaction may be difficult to treat, but that medicines and injections usually resolve. In more extreme cases, the skin of the region needs to be surgically removed.

3 - Hide evidence of skin diseases

Covering the whole body with tattoos may be a great way to express one's identity, but experts warn of the risk that designs could disrupt the identification of skin conditions such as cancer.

A 2013 case very well exemplifies this risk: A man was only diagnosed with melanoma after removing a laser tattoo (image below) - the cancer growth was not seen in time because the stain was covered with black ink.

In this case, the disease was only diagnosed after removal of the design.

4 - Sun exposure

It is obvious that we should all wear sunscreen and other protective accessories, such as glasses and hats, when exposed to the sun. Unfortunately, the presence of tattoos, according to the dermatologist, can make the tattooed person more likely to suffer from the risks of such exposure.

Leger explains that some people have itching on their tattoos or feel that they are bulging when they spend more time in the sun. A survey conducted in Denmark in 2014 that took into account the responses of tattooed and often sunbathing tattooed reveals that 42% of these people have experienced sun-related discomfort - symptoms such as itching, redness and swelling. .

The expert states that the yellow paint is one of the most causing reactions under these conditions. According to Leger, this paint has cadmium in its composition, which favors irritation. She explains, however, that other colors can cause the same problems - in the Danish study, for example, reactions were reported more by people with black, red and blue tattoos.

5 - Burns on imaging

If, for some reason, the tattooed person needs an MRI, they may have some problems. In 2011, a football player who had a black tattoo said he felt his skin was burning while undergoing the same exam.

For Leger, this case is symbolic for research that relates the presence of tattooing with the performance of this type of imaging exam. Studies indicate that in these situations, burns are caused by the formation of electric currents that react with the iron oxide of the ink on the skin. Therefore, the risks of this type of burn are higher in patients with more black ink on their tattoos.

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Sad news, we know. Anyway, it is always worth remembering that, at the sign of any strange symptoms about a tattoo, it is crucial to seek medical help.

* Posted on 11/11/2015