Beauty

Is a tattoo or permanent makeup bad for your health?

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You want to get a tattoo or permanent makeup and you're in doubt: could it harm your health, that ink forever on your body? Or is that nonsense?

Well, it's a bit of both. It is basically safe, but do be careful. A tattoo can carry certain health risks, but most of these risks can be minimized by choosing a trained and certified tattoo artist who works in a clean environment and uses safe, sterile techniques.

Here are a few of the main health risks associated with getting a tattoo:

  • If the tattoo artist uses non-sterile equipment or if aftercare instructions are not properly followed, bacterial infections can occur. Symptoms of an infection include redness, swelling, pus, and fever.
  • Some people may be allergic to certain pigments in tattoo inks, which can lead to itching, rashes, and swelling. This can even occur years after getting the tattoo.
  • Scarring can occur if the skin does not heal properly. Keloids are thickened scars that are larger than the original wound and can occur in people who are prone to them.
  • If the equipment is not properly sterilized, there is a risk of bloodborne diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. This is therefore very important to inquire about.
  • In rare cases, people with tattoos may experience discomfort or swelling during an MRI scan. This is due to the metal particles in some inks. Ask before getting anything done if this may be in the ink they use in this salon.
  • And yes, do you ever want to get rid of it? Tired of that butterfly on your hip? Removing a tattoo is a complex and sometimes painful process that may require multiple treatments. It can also leave scars and is not always completely successful.

So those are definitely handy things to keep in mind. And it is strictly monitored in the Netherlands. The Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority checks with random samples from Dutch importers and suppliers whether tattoo inks meet legal requirements. So don't worry too much in advance, and check carefully where you get it done. Oh yes, and green and blue are considered the most dangerous colors.