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Health effects of tattoos: Difference between revisions

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In the United States, the ] prohibits a person who has received a tattoo from ] for 12 months (FDA 2000), unless the procedure was done in a state-regulated and licensed studio, using sterile technique.<ref></ref> Not all states have a licensing program, meaning that people who receive tattoos in those states are subject to the 12-month deferral regardless of the hygienic standards of the studio. Similarly, the UK does not provide certification for tattooists, and blood donations are prohibited without exception for six months following a tattoo.<ref></ref> In the United States, the ] prohibits a person who has received a tattoo from ] for 12 months (FDA 2000), unless the procedure was done in a state-regulated and licensed studio, using sterile technique.<ref></ref> Not all states have a licensing program, meaning that people who receive tattoos in those states are subject to the 12-month deferral regardless of the hygienic standards of the studio. Similarly, the UK does not provide certification for tattooists, and blood donations are prohibited without exception for six months following a tattoo.<ref></ref>


Infections that can theoretically be transmitted by the use of unsterilized tattoo equipment or contaminated ink include surface infections of the skin, ], ], ], and ].<ref name="mayoclinic"/> However, no person in the United States is reported to have contracted HIV via a commercially-applied tattooing process.<ref> July 1999, CDC</ref> Washington state's OSHA studies have suggested that since the needles used in tattooing are not hollow, in the case of a needle stick injury the amount of fluids transmitted may be small enough that HIV would be difficult to transmit. ] risk is reduced by having an up-to-date tetanus booster prior to being tattooed. According to the ] no data indicates an association between tattooing in the United States and increased risk for ] infection.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tattooartist.com/health.html|title=Tattooing and Health Risk: Statistics Show Lower Hepatitis Risk in Tattoo Shops than in Dentists' offices|year=2007|publisher=Tattooartist.com}}</ref> Infections that can theoretically be transmitted by the use of unsterilized tattoo equipment or contaminated ink include surface infections of the skin, ], ], ], and ].<ref name="mayoclinic"/> However, no person in the United States is reported to have contracted HIV via a commercially-applied tattooing process.<ref>[http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/factsheets/transmission.htm.
However,there are several anecdotal reports of HIV transmission from unhygenic tattoo parlours in South East Asia, particularly in Bangkok. HIV and Its Transmission] July 1999, CDC</ref> Washington state's OSHA studies have suggested that since the needles used in tattooing are not hollow, in the case of a needle stick injury the amount of fluids transmitted may be small enough that HIV would be difficult to transmit. ] risk is reduced by having an up-to-date tetanus booster prior to being tattooed. According to the ] no data indicates an association between tattooing in the United States and increased risk for ] infection.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tattooartist.com/health.html|title=Tattooing and Health Risk: Statistics Show Lower Hepatitis Risk in Tattoo Shops than in Dentists' offices|year=2007|publisher=Tattooartist.com}}</ref>


In 2006, the CDC reported 3 clusters with 44 cases of methicillin-resistant ] traced to unlicensed tattooists<ref></ref> In 2006, the CDC reported 3 clusters with 44 cases of methicillin-resistant ] traced to unlicensed tattooists<ref></ref>

Revision as of 00:39, 7 December 2009

A variety of medical issues, though uncommon, can result from tattooing. Because it requires breaking the skin barrier, tattooing may carry health risks, including infection and allergic reactions. Modern tattooists reduce such risks by following universal precautions, working with single-use items, and sterilizing their equipment after each use. Many jurisdictions require that tattooists have bloodborne pathogen training, such as is provided through the Red Cross and OSHA.

Dermatologist have observed rare but severe medical complications from tattoo pigments in the body, and have noted that people acquiring tattoos rarely assess health risks prior to receiving their tattoos. Some medical practitioners have recommended greater regulation of pigments used in tattoo ink. The wide range of pigments currently used in tattoo inks may create unforeseen health problems.

Infection

Since tattoo instruments come in contact with blood and bodily fluids, diseases may be transmitted if the instruments are used on more than one person without being sterilised. However, infection from tattooing in clean and modern tattoo studios employing single-use needles is rare. In amateur tattoos, such as those applied in prisons, however, there is an elevated risk of infection. To address this problem, a programme was introduced in Canada as of the summer of 2005 that provides legal tattooing in prisons, both to reduce health risks and to provide inmates with a marketable skill. Inmates were to be trained to staff and operate the tattoo parlours once six of them opened successfully.

In the United States, the Red Cross prohibits a person who has received a tattoo from donating blood for 12 months (FDA 2000), unless the procedure was done in a state-regulated and licensed studio, using sterile technique. Not all states have a licensing program, meaning that people who receive tattoos in those states are subject to the 12-month deferral regardless of the hygienic standards of the studio. Similarly, the UK does not provide certification for tattooists, and blood donations are prohibited without exception for six months following a tattoo.

Infections that can theoretically be transmitted by the use of unsterilized tattoo equipment or contaminated ink include surface infections of the skin, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tuberculosis, and HIV. However, no person in the United States is reported to have contracted HIV via a commercially-applied tattooing process. Washington state's OSHA studies have suggested that since the needles used in tattooing are not hollow, in the case of a needle stick injury the amount of fluids transmitted may be small enough that HIV would be difficult to transmit. Tetanus risk is reduced by having an up-to-date tetanus booster prior to being tattooed. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention no data indicates an association between tattooing in the United States and increased risk for HCV infection.

In 2006, the CDC reported 3 clusters with 44 cases of methicillin-resistant staph infection traced to unlicensed tattooists

Reactions to inks

Perhaps due to the mechanism whereby the skin's immune system encapsulates pigment particles in fibrous tissue, tattoo inks have been described as "remarkably nonreactive histologically". However, some allergic reactions have been medically documented. No estimate of the overall incidence of allergic reactions to tattoo pigments exists. Allergies to latex are apparently more common than to inks; many artists will use non-latex gloves when requested.

Allergic reactions to tattoo pigments, while uncommon, are most often seen with red, yellow, and occasionally white. Reactions can be triggered by exposure to sunlight. People who are sensitive or allergic to certain metals may react to pigments in the skin with swelling and/or itching, and/or oozing of clear fluid called serum. Such reactions are quite rare, however, and some artists will recommend performing a test patch. Because the mercury and Azo-chemicals in red dyes are more commonly allergenic than other pigments, allergic reactions are most often seen in red tattoos. Less frequent allergic reactions to black, purple, and green pigments have also been noted.

Traditional metallic salts are prevalent in tattoo inks. A 3x5 inch tattoo may contain from 1 to 23 micrograms of lead; lead exposure has been linked to birth defects, cancer, and other reproductive harm. Organic pigments (i.e., non-heavy metal pigments) may also pose health concerns. A European Commission noted that close to 40% of organic tattoo colorants used in Europe had not been approved for cosmetic use, and that under 20% of colorants contained a carcinogenic aromatic amine.

MRI complications

Tattoo-induced skin burns during MRIs are rare occurrences, but several such cases have been documented. Although most burns are due to pigments containing iron, non-ferrous pigments have also been known to cause burns during an MRI. Tattoo-related burns have been known to necessitate the cessation of MRI diagnostics.

Dermal conditions

The most common dermal reactions to tattoo pigments are granulomas and various lichenoid diseases. Other conditions noted have been cement dermatitis, collagen deposits, discoid lupus erythematosus, eczematous eruptions, hyperkeratosis and parakeratosis, and keloids.

Delayed reactions

Hypersensitive reactions to tattoos are known to lay latent for significant periods of time before exhibiting symptoms. Delayed abrupt chronic reactions, such as eczematous dermatitis, are known to manifest themselves from months to as many as twenty years after the patient received his or her most recent tattoo.

Azo-type pigments used in tattoos tend to cleave through enzymatic catalysis of redox reactions, resulting in highly electrophilic aromatic amine by-products capable of covalently binding with DNA. Napthol and Azos break down in sunlight exposure into toxic and/or carcinogenic aromatic amines. As with heavy metals, these by-products of the pigments’ decomposition accumulate in the lymphatic system. Plastic-based inks (e.g., glow-in-the-dark ink) are known to lead to polymerisation under the skin, where the tattoo pigment particles converge into one solid plastic piece under the skin.

Other adverse effects

Other documented conditions caused by tattoo pigments have been carcinoma, hyperplasia, tumours, and vasculitis. Keratoacanthoma may also occur, which makes excision of the affected area mandatory.

Haematoma

Occasionally, when a blood vessel is punctured during the tattooing procedure a haematoma (bruise) may appear. Bruises generally heal within one week. Bruises can appear as halos around a tattoo, or if blood pools, as one larger bruise.

Burden on lymphatic system

Some pigment migrates from a tattoo site to lymph nodes, where large particles may accumulate. When larger particles accumulate in the lymph nodes, inflammation may occur. Smaller particles, such as those created by laser tattoo treatments, are small enough to be carried away by the lymphatic system and not accumulate.

Interference with melanoma diagnosis

Lymph nodes may become discoloured and inflamed with the presence of tattoo pigments, but discoloration and inflammation are also visual indicators of melanoma; consequently, diagnosing melanoma in a patient with tattoos is made difficult, and special precautions must be taken to avoid misdiagnoses.

References

  1. ^ Tattoos: Risks and precautions to know first - MayoClinic.com
  2. Canada to open prison tattoo parlors May 4, 2004, CNN.com
  3. American Red Cross of Tattooing
  4. National Blood Service FAQ
  5. [http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/factsheets/transmission.htm. However,there are several anecdotal reports of HIV transmission from unhygenic tattoo parlours in South East Asia, particularly in Bangkok. HIV and Its Transmission] July 1999, CDC
  6. "Tattooing and Health Risk: Statistics Show Lower Hepatitis Risk in Tattoo Shops than in Dentists' offices". Tattooartist.com. 2007.
  7. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MMWR 55(24)
  8. Tattoo lasers / Histology, Suzanne Kilmer, eMedicine
  9. Sewak S, Graham P, Nankervis J (1999). "Tattoo allergy in patients receiving adjuvant radiotherapy for breast cancer". Australas Radiol. 43 (4): 558–61. PMID 10901983.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  10. Metal Toxicity: Tattoos: Safe Symbols?, Environmental Health Perspectives, retrieved 19 October 2009
  11. Tattooed Greenies – What’s Really Lurking Under Your Skin?, retrieved 19 October 2009
  12. Workshop on "Technical/scientific and regulatory issues on the safety of tattoos, body piercing and of regulated practices", European Commission, 2003
  13. All Experts, New Tattoo - Bruising or Leaking, retrieved 2009-10-08
  14. Think Before You Ink: Are Tattoos Safe?, FDA, retrieved 19 October 2009

Case studies

Reactions to inks

  • Mortimer NJ, Chave TA, Johnston GA (2003). "Red tattoo reactions". Clin Exp Dermatol. 28 (5): 508–10. PMID 12950341.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  • Lubeck G, Epstein E (1952). "Complications of tattooing". Calif Med. 76 (2): 83–5. PMID 14905289.
  • Engel E, Santarelli F, Vasold R; et al. (2008). "Modern tattoos cause high concentrations of hazardous pigments in skin". Contact Dermatitis. 58 (4): 228–33. PMID 18353031. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  • Steinbrecher I, Hemmer W, Jarisch R (2004). "Adverse reaction to the azo dye Pigment Red 170 in a tattoo". J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2 (12): 1007–8. PMID 16285314.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  • Kleinerman R, Greenspan A, Hale EK (2007). "Mohs micrographic surgery for an unusual case of keratoacanthoma arising from a longstanding tattoo". J Drugs Dermatol. 6 (9): 931–2. PMID 17941365.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  • Pauluzzi P, Giordani M, Guarneri GF; et al. (1998). "Chronic eczematous reaction to red tattoo". J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 11 (2): 187–8. PMID 9784053. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  • Kluger N, Minier-Thoumin C, Plantier F (2008). "Keratoacanthoma occurring within the red dye of a tattoo". J Cutan Pathol. 35 (5): 504–7. PMID 17976209.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  • Winkelmann RK, Harris RB (1979). "Lichenoid delayed hypersensitivity reactions in tattoos". J Cutan Pathol. 6 (1): 59–65. PMID 438395.
  • Verdich J (1981). "Granulomatous reaction in a red tattoo". Acta Derm Venereol. 61 (2): 176–7. PMID 6165203.
  • Cairns RJ, Calnan CD (1962). "Green tattoo reactions associated with cement dermatitis". Br J Dermatol. (74): 288–94. PMID 13875622.
  • Balfour E, Olhoffer I, Leffell D; et al. (2003). "Massive pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia: an unusual reaction to a tattoo". Am J Dermatopathol. 25 (4): 338–40. PMID 12876493. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  • Schwartz RA, Mathias CG, Miller CH; et al. (1987). "Granulomatous reaction to purple tattoo pigment". Contact Dermatitis. 16 (4): 198–202. PMID 3595119. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  • Morales-Callaghan AM Jr, Aguilar-Bernier M Jr, Martínez-García G; et al. (2006). "Sarcoid granuloma on black tattoo". J Am Acad Dermatol. 55 (5 Suppl): S71-3. PMID 17052538. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  • Cui W, McGregor DH, Stark SP; et al. (2007). "Pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia - an unusual reaction following tattoo: report of a case and review of the literature". Int J Dermatol. 46 (7): 743–5. PMID 17614808. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  • Biro L, Klein WP (1967). "Unusual complications of mercurial (cinnabar) tattoo. Generalized eczematous eruption following laceration of a tattoo". Arch Dermatol. 96 (2): 165–7. PMID 6039153.
  • Antal AS, Hanneken S, Neumann NJ; et al. (2008). "Erhebliche zeitliche Variationsbreite von Komplikationen nach Tätowierungen". Der Hautarzt. 59 (10): 769–71. PMID 18773181. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

Toxins in inks

  • Civatte J, Bazex J (2007). "Piercing and tattooing: regulation is needed to reduce complications". Bull Acad Natl Med. 191 (9): 1819–38. PMID 18663977.
  • Hannuksela M (2005). "Tattoo pigments contains toxic compounds, but legislators do not pay attention". Duodecim. 121 (17): 1802–2. PMID 16262117.
  • Möhrenschlager M, Worret WI, Köhn FM (2006). "Tattoos and permanent make-up: background and complications". MMW Fortschr Med. 148 (41): 34–6. PMID 17190258.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  • Poon, Kelvin Weng Chun (2008), In situ chemical analysis of tattooing inks and pigments: modern organic and traditional pigments in ancient mummified remains, University of Western Australia
  • Wollina U, Gruner M, Schönlebe J (2008). "Granulomatous tattoo reaction and erythema nodosum in a young woman: common cause or coincidence?". J Cosmet Dermatol. 7 (2): 84–8. PMID 18482009.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

Other dermatological reactions

  • Kazandjieva J, Tsankov N (2007). "Tattoos: dermatological complications". Clin Dermatol. 25 (4): 375–82. PMID 17697920.
  • Müller KM, Schmitz I, Hupe-Nörenberg L (2002). "Reaction patterns to cutaneous particulate and ornamental tattoos". Pathologe. 23 (1): 46–53. PMID 11974503.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  • Papageorgiou PP, Hongcharu W, Chu AC (1999). "Systemic sarcoidosis presenting with multiple tattoo granulomas and an extra-tattoo cutaneous granuloma". J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 12 (1): 51–3. PMID 10188151.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  • Schmitz I, Müller KM (2004). "Elemental analysis of tattoo dyes: is there a potential risk from tattoo dyes?". J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2 (5): 350–3. PMID 16281523.

MRI

  • Klitscher D, Blum J, Kreitner KF; et al. (2005). "MRT-induced burns in tattooed patients: Case report of an traumatic surgery patient". Unfallchirurg. 108 (5): 410–4. PMID 15909207. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  • Stecco A, Saponaro A, Carriero A (2007). "Patient safety issues in magnetic resonance imaging: state of the art". Radiol Med. 112 (4): 491–508. PMID 17563855.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  • Wagle WA, Smith M (2000). "Tattoo-induced skin burn during MR imaging". AJR Am J Roentgenol. 174 (6): 1795. PMID 10845532.
  • Vahlensieck M (2000). "Tattoo-related cutaneous inflammation (burn grade I) in a mid-field MR scanner". Eur Radiol. 10 (1): 197. PMID 10663745.
  • Franiel T, Schmidt S, Klingebiel R (2006). "First-degree burns on MRI due to nonferrous tattoos". AJR Am J Roentgenol. 187 (5): W556. PMID 17056894.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  • Kreidstein ML, Giguere D, Freiberg A (1997). "MRI interaction with tattoo pigments: case report, pathophysiology, and management". Plast Reconstr Surg. 99 (6): 1717–20. PMID 9145144.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)

Lymph nodes and melanoma

  • Gutermuth J, Hein R, Fend F; et al. (2007). "Cutaneous pseudolymphoma arising after tattoo placement". J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 21 (4): 566–7. PMID 17374006. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  • Gall N, Bröcker EB, Becker JC (2007). "Particularities in managing melanoma patients with tattoos: case report and review of the literature". J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 5 (12): 1120–1. PMID 17919304.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  • Chikkamuniyappa S, Sjuve-Scott R, Lancaster-Weiss K; et al. (2005). "Tattoo pigment in sentinel lymph nodes: a mimicker of metastatic malignant melanoma". Dermatol Online J. 11 (1): 14. PMID 15748555. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  • Hannah H, Falder S, Steele PR; et al. (2000). "Tattoo pigment masquerading as secondary malignant melanoma". Br J Plast Surg. 53 (4): 359. PMID 10876271. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)</ref>
  • Kluger N, Jolly M, Guillot B (2008). "Tattoo-induced vasculitis". J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 22 (5): 643–4. PMID 18384545.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  • Sperry K (1992). "Tattoos and tattooing. Part II: Gross pathology, histopathology, medical complications, and applications". Am J Forensic Med Pathol. 13 (1): 7–17. PMID 1585890.
  • Zirkin HJ, Avinoach I, Edelwitz P (2001). "A tattoo and localized lymphadenopathy: a case report". Cutis. 67 (6): 471–2. PMID 11419018.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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