Complications of a Tattoo
This body modification is always nice to see, but if not done properly, it leads to infections. However, different complications also arise from getting a tattoo, such as:
- Skin cancer: discoloration of certain areas of the skin is one of the earliest signs of skin cancer. If there are dark tattoos all over the body, it won’t make it easy to notice these signs. It is therefore advised not to get a tattoo over a mole or birthmark.
- Keloid scarring: a keloid is a raised scar caused when the skin undergoes any trauma. Therefore before getting a keloid make sure to ask the tattoo artist to test the skin to know how the skin will react.
- MRI complications: the presence of a tattoo on the body may lead to swelling and burning of the skin when an MRI scan is done on the body. It may also affect the image seen by the doctor. It is therefore advised to tell the doctor about any tattoo before the scan.
- Blood-borne disease: if the needles or any other equipment used is contaminated with infected blood, it is possible to transfer blood diseases to other people. Bloodborne diseases include hepatitis B [8], hepatitis C [9] and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) [10].
- Allergic reactions: some allergic reactions are noticeable shortly after getting a tattoo while some take a longer time to develop. The dyes used for tattoos are the major cause which leads to an itchy rash on the tattooed area.