Tattoos may be infected with Hepatitis B and AIDS
Tattooing is the process of injecting external color into the skin. Whether the tattoo ink is natural or contains chemical ingredients, there are health risks.
Inadequate tattoo paraphernalia and improper post-tattoo care can cause allergies and bacterial infections, and even infectious diseases such as Hepatitis B and HIV.
Many people regard tattoos as a symbol of fashion, and may leave a memorable pattern or text on their body. Some people also choose cosmetic tattoos, such as eyebrow bleaching, eyeliner and lip tattoos, to save time on daily makeup.
Redness and swelling after tattoo heals in two weeks
The principle of tattooing is usually based on the use of a device (needle) that repeatedly pierces the surface of the skin to create small holes, and then injects ink into the dermis layer of the skin to leave a permanent color mark.
Dr. Lam Ka Man, a dermatologist and venereologist, pointed out that the dermis is the middle layer of the 3 layers of skin, between the epidermis and the subcutaneous tissue, and the ink left in the dermis cannot be metabolized, so the tattoo pattern will not disappear. Depending on the degree of piercing and the composition of the ink, some people may experience fading or spreading of the tattoo.
Rose, who has been involved in tattooing for four years, pointed out that what is commonly referred to as semi-permanent tattooing is actually eyebrow bleaching and eyebrow misting that evolved from cosmetic tattooing such as eyebrow tattooing, using natural pigments that can be absorbed by the body, and the color will fade or peel off over time, but will not disappear completely.
According to the Consumer Council, in the first nine months of 2023, 29 complaints about tattooing or cosmetic tattooing services were received, 80% more than in the previous year; among them, 24 cases involved eyebrow tattooing, eyebrow bleaching, lip tattooing, etc., and there was no lack of reactions such as fever, inflammation, redness, swelling, and pain, and there was even a case in which the cornea of the eye was injured when tattooing the eyeliner to affect the eyesight.
Rose pointed out that tattoos basically have wounds, usually redness, swelling and scabs. Usually the redness and swelling will be eliminated in one to two days, and the wounds will be healed in two weeks or so, and it will take longer if the area is larger or the tattoos are more complicated. “If it persists and doesn’t get better, it could be an infection.”
Do not swim or sunbathe after tattooing.
Tattooing is a permanent, invasive procedure that involves piercing the skin and injecting ink. Be careful to choose a professional and hygienic tattoo parlor, and pay attention to whether disposable items such as gloves and needles are used, whether the tattooing materials are up to specification and whether the equipment is thoroughly sterilized before tattooing.
Tattoo artist Rose pointed out that after the tattoo is completed, a layer of tattoo tape is usually applied to prevent the wound from being irritated, and can be torn away after a few hours to three days, cleaned with lukewarm water or mild soap, and then gently blotted dry with a paper towel.
“You can also apply a thin layer of tattoo repair ointment, which contains naturally derived ingredients such as shea butter and nut seed oil that help moisturize and speed up healing.”
She suggests filling up your stomach before getting a tattoo, as low blood sugar makes you prone to dizziness or vomiting during the process.
