May 12/2008

Tattoo Complications.

No matter what type of tattoo, there are always risks and possible adverse reactions that may require treatment. Infections may occur directly after tattooing. Impetigo, a staph infection, or cellulitis, a deeper skin infection, may develop. There is also a risk of bloodborne diseases such as hepatitis and HIV, although there has been no documented spread of HIV by a professional tattoo artist with experience. Universal precautions should be used by tattoo studios. Look for inspection certificates to be certain.

Hypersensitivity (allergies) may also develop to tattoo pigments. An allergy to mercury in the red color pigment called cinnabar was very common, but is no longer used. A chemical called para-phenylenediamine, which is applied to the skin in temporary henna tattoos, frequently causes contact dermatitis.

Tattoos may interfere with proper medical tests like an MRI; misdiagnoses could be made due to the iron oxide and heavy metal pigments in the tattoos. 

Tattoo Removal.

With time, many patients decide they no longer want to have a tattoo. Although there are many improved methods for the removal of tattoos like laser surgery, excision, dermabrasion, salabrasion, and cosmetic over-tattoo, it is still time-consuming, expensive, and may leave scars or discolorations. The treatment of tattoos with laser may entirely remove the pigment or only bring fair results. The skin is rarely as perfect as it once was prior to getting the tattoo.

Font:  http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/cosmetic_tattoos.html
National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides
© 2004 American Academy of Dermatology
American Academy of Dermatology

May 5/2008

The Five Major Tattoo Types.

Tattoos, body piercings, and other skin adornments have become quite popular in modern society. These practices date back almost 5,300 years and may be fascinating as a part of many cultural rituals, or as signs of beauty; however, they may lead to problems such as keloids (thick scars), infections, allergies, growths, or permanent holes when people want them removed.

Traumatic tattoos

Are caused by the unwanted imbedding of dirt or debris beneath the skin which leaves an area of pigmentation after healing. This commonly occurs in "road rash" after a bicycle or motorcycle accident, or a puncture injury from a pencil known as a "graphite or pencil-point" tattoo. 

Amateur tattoos

Are placed by the people themselves, or by their friends, and often show very little artistry or detail. The most common method involves placing India ink beneath the skin with a pin. Pen ink, charcoal, or ashes are also used as the pigment.

Professional tattoos

Take two forms: cultural and modern. Cultural tattoos are placed using the time-honored methods of a certain cultural ethnicity or heritage such as the South Pacific Islands. Modern tattoos are performed using the "tattoo gun" and are placed by "artists" who are paid for their work. A variety of pigments for different colors are used and their artistry varies from poor to fantastic.

Medical Tattoos

Are commonly used to delineate permanent landmarks for radiation therapy and is placed by a physician.

Cosmetic Tattoos

Are used for permanent make-up such as eyeliner, lip liner, lipstick, blush, hair, and eyebrows. Cosmetic tattooing is also used to replace a nipple after breast surgery, to camouflage vitiligo (the absence of pigment color), or to cover an undesired tattoo.

Font:http://www.aad.org/public/publications/pamphlets/cosmetic_tattoos.html      By National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides
© 2004 American Academy of Dermatology
American Academy of Dermatology
930 E. Woodfield Road
P.O. Box 4014 Schaumburg, IL 60168-4014