Signs of a Tattoo Allergy & Tattoo Infections
It's well know that tattooing has evolved in terms of fashion,
style, and self-expression. People are tattooing their bodies at a
growing rate but there are still some risk factors that we should
take care off.
It is not necessary that every person, who gets a tattoo, has to
suffer from infection, but the risk factor cannot be completely
ignored as well.
What are the Risks?
Some of the skin infections that can be caused, as a result of
tattooing, are impetigo, cellulites, herpes simplex, tetanus, staph,
fungal infections, transmission of syphilis, leprosy and viral
warts.
Hepatitis B, a dangerous liver infection, and HIV/AIDS are two of
many diseases that can be passed along through bodily fluids. This
means you can catch these diseases if you get a tattoo from someone
who uses a dirty needle.
Aids
Hepatitis C infection, a deadly blood disease that attacks liver
function. The disease is typically transferred from one person to
another when proper sterile procedures aren't followed. This can
include reusing needles between clients, and reusing inks.
There is no known cure for hepatitis C, and the disease can be fatal
unless it goes into remission. Even then, stress and other illnesses
can trigger its renewed attack on the liver, leading to eventual
death.
HIV-HIV infections can lead to full blown AIDS, a deadly disease for
which there is currently no known cure. The virus is mainly passed
through improperly sterilized tools, but can also be transferred if
an infected artist accidentally prick his hand while working on a
tat.
What to do?
Familiarize yourself with basic sterile procedures to be followed
when creating tattoos.
Take a look around the shop to make sure they have an autoclave and
that they are using it.
Sharps bin for Used Needles.
Watch your artist to make sure he/she properly disinfects before
donning plastic gloves and a surgical mask.
Insist your artist uses a brand new needle rather than one that has
been run through an autoclave. Although a properly operated
autoclave forces sterilizing steam through very tiny spaces, there's
still a chance that a pocket of infection could survive in the
hollow.
Follow all aftercare instructions to the letter.
How to Recognize an Infection or Improper Work:
The most common symptoms of the skin infections caused, due to
tattooing, are inflammation on and around the tattooed part of the
body. Usually, the skin near the area becomes tender to touch. There
may even be a swelling or discharge of blood from the spot. It is
not common that after undergoing the process of tattooing, a person
falls sick. Continuous pain even after 48 hours, can lead to skin
infection.
Signs of a Tattoo Allergy
Swelling
Every new tattoo will have a certain amount of swelling during the
healing time. But if your tattoo is swollen and very tender to the
touch, you might have a tattoo allergy. If you can't change out your
bandage without extreme pain, you should see a doctor right away.
Bumps and Hives
If you have raised bumps all along the edges of the tattoo or are
developing hives around the tattoo area, you may be having an
allergic reaction. A slight amount of redness is normal for new
tattoos, but if your redness is accompanied by bumps and sores, you
may have an allergy problem.
Oozing
An allergy to a tattoo can quickly become infected if not treated
properly with lotion or anti-allergy medication. If your tattoo
becomes infected, you will see oozing from sores on the tattoo and
puss around the area. See a doctor immediately if you are
experiencing an infection.
Allergic Reactions - Treatment
Most reactions to tattoos are relatively minor and do not require
medical attention. Applications of aloe vera or specialty products
made for tattoos can help relieve the discomfort of the reaction.
Rarely, severe reactions, such as anaphylactic shock, can occur at
the time the tattoo is being applied; in those cases, treatment
should be administered immediately by a medical professional.
Who Should Avoid Getting a Tattoo?
It is important for anyone who is considering getting a tattoo to
know what they are going to get. People with sensitive skin or
allergies to some metals need to know what is in the tattoo inks the
artist will be using. Anyone who has a history of severe allergic
reactions to metals or any other ingredient that may be contained in
tattoo ink should avoid getting a tattoo, or should find an artist
who uses hypoallergenic pigments.
Inform Your Artist
Before getting a tattoo, you MUST inform the tattoo artist of any
diseases that you may have, such as: hemophilia (difficult blood
coagulation), hemorrhage? (quick appearance of bruises due to
rupture of blood vessels), diabetes, allergy to iodine, creams,
metals, blood pressure problems, pregnancy (possible skin problems,
dizziness, inability to endure the tattoo process, droop). In the
case of pregnancy, consulting a doctor is highly recommended. You
must not be hungry, sleepy tiredness and lack of energy may cause
nervousness, uncontrolled movements of the body, increased
sensitivity and, in some cases, fainting.
You Should Know:
During the healing time after a tattoo, some people experience what
seems like could be a reaction to the ink in the tattoo. Sometimes
the reaction is related to the aftercare ointments, soaps or lotions
being used. Anyone experiencing issues with their tattoo as it is
healing should contact their artist who may have suggestions to help
ease discomfort.
CHECK OUT:
Tattoos & Tanning
Tattoo Scarring
Tattoo Scabbing
Tattoo Fading
Sweating & Tattoos
Itchy Raised Tattoos