Tattoos have become an increasingly popular type of self-expressive body art, from tiny single-line images to large and detailed sleeves. While getting a tattoo can be an exciting (and sometimes spontaneous) experience, it does help to think a bit further ahead before going under the needle. The process of getting a tattoo is a traumatic one for the skin, and while we're not saying to not get one, it pays to be mindful of the potential impacts on skin health before getting a tattoo. From infection, irritation and inflammation to the risk of reaction and scars forming, there are ways you can enjoy your ink without putting your skin at unnecessary risk. Anyone who's had a tattoo before can tell you that the process of getting one can be far from a comfortable experience. Tattooing is painful because it involves injecting tattoo ink below the surface of the skin with multiple, fast needles (a standard tattoo gun has between 6 and 10 needles). Tattoo pigments are injected into the dermis, the second layer of skin beneath the surface level of the skin. The dermis is where the blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatic vessels are, and its depth is the reason for a tattoo's longevity: unlike the epidermis, the dermis doesn't shed skin cells.The Tattooing Process and Its Impact on Skin
Most people can expect to experience immediate skin reactions, such as redness, swelling and irritation. However, these usually heal without problems provided the patch is treated with proper, diligent care.
Potential Skin Health Risks of Tattoos
There are several potential skin health risks when it comes to tattooing. The risk increases the larger the tattoo, but even small pieces can cause problems, so precautions should be taken both before and after the procedure.
Potential for Skin Cancer Complications
Believe it or not, that new piece of ink might increase your risk of developing skin cancer. While there has not yet been any direct link established that tattoo inks have caused a case of cancer, it has been found that some tattoo inks do contain carcinogenic (cancer-causing) substances.
An Australian study in 2016 found polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, a known carcinogen, in a fifth of all samples tested but in 83% of black inks tested (by far the most commonly used ink colour).
Tattoos can also make it harder to detect early signs of skin cancer, such as changes in moles or the emergence of new and irregular pigmentation.
Infections
In Australia, we have one of the highest standards of cleanliness in the world, but that does not mean the risk of bacteria or infection is gone entirely. Unsterile equipment or contaminated ink are still risks to consider when getting a tattoo. Even with clean equipment, your immune system races to the area to try to identify and counter the pigment, but if an infection is injected directly into your dermis, a full immune reaction can occur.
Symptoms to watch out for include redness, pain, or pus in and around the tattoo area. If this happens, contact your doctor immediately, as dermal infections can get worse very quickly. If you're going to get a tattoo, remember to only use a licensed, reputable tattoo artist with good hygienic practices.
Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to tattoo inks are reasonably common, especially in certain colours like red. If you're new to tattoos, consider getting a much smaller piece first as a test, either something stand-alone or something that can be incorporated into a larger idea later.
If you experience symptoms of allergic reactions, such as itching, rashes, or raised bumps, it may be time to revise your plan. Talking to tattoo artists and your doctor can help you formulate a new and allergy-free design.
Aggravation of Pre-existing Skin Conditions
Depending on the size of the design and your skin's sensitivity, injecting ink may trigger or worsen conditions like psoriasis, eczema, and lichen planus. If you have one of these conditions, it is always best to talk to your doctor before getting a tattoo.
Avoid getting ink in locations of the most common flare-ups and have a treatment plan in place to reduce the effects of those skin conditions if you do experience one. This strategy is also important for your vigilance towards skin cancer, as these conditions are often confused with skin cancer.
Scarring and Keloids
Tattoos are an injury to your skin, and improper tattooing or insufficient aftercare can lead to scarring or keloid formation, causing raised ridges of tissue that disrupt the design. The best way to minimise scarring is to follow your tattoo artist's aftercare instructions to the letter. This can include keeping the area clean and sterile, moisturising the skin, and avoiding sun exposure until it has fully healed.
It also helps to stay hydrated and get enough sleep to give your body the best opportunity to heal as quickly as possible.
Tattoo Aftercare and Skin Health Maintenance
Sun safety is an important part of skin health and the more information you are equipped with, the greater your chances of enjoying optimal skin health well into old age.
Sensitivity to the Sun After a Tattoo
The tattooed area of skin will be extra sensitive in the hours and days after getting it done. It's best to avoid sunlight during this time as the needles will have interrupted the structural integrity of your epidermis so harmful UV rays can penetrate deeper.
That's not to say you have to lock yourself inside, but consider wearing a long-sleeve top or long pants (depending on the tattoo's location) and avoid being out in the sun any longer than necessary, especially during peak UV times.
Unfortunately, sunscreen is not advised while the area is healing as you want to keep the tattooed skin clean, so picking the best sun-safe clothes is the best thing you can do.
Proper Aftercare Steps
Keep the tattoo clean, moisturised, and protected from the sun. These three tips will go most of the way to ensuring your tattoo heals cleanly and safely and comes out looking its best. Depending on the size of your tattoo and how much shading it needs, your tattoo artist will be in the best place to answer your questions about how often you should clean the area and moisturise the skin.
Proper aftercare helps reduce the risk of infections and scarring, but if you notice any bumps, redness or itching, or see even a hint of pus, see your doctor immediately, as infections can spread quickly and compromise both your tattoo and, more importantly, your overall health.
Skin Monitoring After a Tattoo
Regularly check the tattooed area for changes in appearance or texture. Look for both abnormal colour changes and raised edges, as both may be an indication that the tattoo is not healing properly and seek medical help if you have any concerns.
Consulting a Professional Before Getting a Tattoo
Before you decide to get a tattoo, it is important to discuss any possible allergies and pre-existing skin conditions with both a skin doctor and a tattoo artist. Both experts will be able to give you advice about how to best protect yourself and your body art.
Consider getting a skin check to get a clean bill of health and explore any pre-existing skin conditions before you go for your first (or next) tattoo. Your skin health records are so vitally important, especially as you get older and your skin changes. Regular skin checks also mean that your doctor knows your skin baseline and can keep a professional eye on any skin changes before they can become problematic.
Book a consultation at your nearest SunDoctors today and let our professional and experienced team take care of your skin, now and in the future.
