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Ummm, maybe stick to temporary tattoos for now.
By Nicole Weaver — Written on Mar 12, 2018
Tattoos are a great way to express yourself and stand out. Science even says that tattooed men can make great husbands. But there still are negatives to getting them, like always getting a lecture from grandma about how bad they are. Tattoos can also negatively affect your health.
A new study published in NYU Langone Medical Center looked at 300 New Yorkers between the ages 18 and 69 who experienced a rash, itching or swelling that lasted anywhere from four months to several years after getting a tattoo.
The study found that even if your tattoo artist makes sure the tools used are clean, your health could still be at risk.
"The skin is a highly immune-sensitive organ, and the long-term consequences of repeatedly testing the body's immune system with injected dyes and colored inks are poorly understood," explains Marie C. Leger, MD, PhD, study lead, and assistant professor at the Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology. "Some of the reactions appear to be an immune response, yet we do not know who is most likely to have an immune reaction to a tattoo."
So, if your body doesn't get along with the ink or is worn down by it, be prepared for things to backfire. "Given the growing popularity of tattoos," says Leger, "physicians, public health officials, and consumers need to be aware of the risks involved."
You should really weigh the risk in your head before making your next tattoo appointment.
