Dangers of Tattooing?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Does anyone know what the potential health risks of getting a tattoo are? Someone told me that if you get one, it makes it dangerous to get an MRI or Cat-Scan later on, or other such thing. Is this true? Is there anything else about it that is unhealthy?

Tattooing is a trend that has been "in style" for years. But like everything, it has it's dangers. Some of the risk involved with tattooing are HIV, Tuberculosis, and Hepatitus B. These diseases are highly contagious through contact with blood. It is important that people choose tattoo artist who properly sterlize their equipment. The American Academy of Dermatology says that non-sterile tattooing practices have also led to the transmission of Syphilis. On rare occasions, people get a nervous stomach while getting tattooed and sometimes even pass out. The same thing happens when people give blood. After all -- you do bleed when you get tattooed. Some people are natural bleeders and bleeding does occur during tattooing. Certain people who are Hemopheliacs don't even need to consider getting tattooed. It is extremely dangerous on their part. Some times after being tattooed people have regrets -- especially if they were tattooed on the "spur of the moment." Lazer Surgery is the only way to successfully remove a tattoo. Although it is a solution, just like everything -- it comes with a high price. It can cost over $100,000! Tattoo removal is considerably more painful and more expensive than getting a tattoo. The process usually takes several sessions and offers varying results. Doctors say that tattoos can always be lightened, but not completely removed. Besides the possibility of killing you with fatal diseases such as AIDS and hepatitis, the "harmless" tattoo provides an arm-load of other ailments. Tattoos can cause chronic skin disorders such as sarcoid, keloid scarring, allergic dermatitis, photosensitivity reactions, psoriasis, and benign or malignant tumors. (www.saintmarys.edu/~health/dyk0010.html) Many people experience infection and allergic reaction to the tattoo ink. Also, the pigments in tattoo ink contain small metal fibers such as iron oxide. These metal fibers can cause intense burning pain during an MRI procedure. Some medical institutions refuse to perform MRIs on people with tattoos. The MRI is an important medical procedure and this risk should not be taken lightly. (www.ezpermanentmakeup.com/IronOxideLetters.htm) And every prick is an invitation for blood-bourne diseases such as hepatitis and AIDS. Think before you get that tattoo. . . A tattooing machine can puncture the skin 3,000 times a minute. And every one of those thousands of punctures creates a hole 1/64 to 1/16th of an inch into the dermis that literally invites infection and disease. Every single puncture of the tattoo needle opens up the real possibility of AIDS, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, tetanus, tuberculosis and about any other blood-borne disease. With the average tattoo taking about 60 minutes that equals 180,000 tiny "Russian Roulette" puncture wounds providing a potential path to a very deadly infectious disease.

The authors of "Reefer Madness" present....

Wow that is about the most alarmist thing I've ever read. JOE

Never heard that, how old r u, that sounds like something ny kid would ask.

What a very interesting post that was, it amazes me how we never got infected in the 70's when the artist used the same machine and needles as well as the ink pots on every customer on that day only rinsing in between use in the ultrasonic cleaner. I once went to a tattooist at an holiday resort in 1982 and he washed the machine under the tap in between customers, thinking back now , how scary was that. How did we get away with not been infected? Despite the above, even after 28 years I am still getting tattoed.

Wow, that was amusing...very illustrative of how a little bit of knowlege is a dangerous thing... Getting tattooed by a non-professional, or "scratcher" is the most risky thing you can do concerning getting a tattoo. These risks have less to do with tattooing than with your decision to go with a non professional. Having a tooth pulled by a dentist may carry some risk, having your neighbor do it for $10 in his kitchen carries more... The other "danger" is not thinking about the content of the tattoo. Again, not so much a danger of tattooing per-se as a danger of going with a non pro, or acting impulsively or with little reflection. So, bottom line, you as the customer are in control / responsible for all of the major "dangers" involved in getting tattooed. With freedom comes responsability.

Please allow that not every tattoo artist has just stepped out of the middle ages and is just pointing a random piece of metal at every person who walks into a tattoo studio! No, the fact of the matter is when you ask about the dangers of getting tattooed, some people will give you the scary answer, that every time you get tattooed you are putting yourself in front of a figurative speeding train. Though there are dangers in the form of blood born pathogens, even bad tattooers are aware of the risks and take precautions against spreading them. There are just as many inherent dangers to the artists, as to the client. Let's take into consideration the artist first.... they are proud of the work they do, and do not want to see the work massacred by infection and or scarring. They will use the most updated pigments and procedures to avoid these problems. A good tattooer will talk to you about the dangers before you get tattooed as well as any potential for allergy or keloid. Also giving proper aftercare information so you can avoid infection. Yes, those things do occur but they are not as common as an alarmist will have you believe. And usually the fault of the client taking poor care of there tattoo. There was a time when heavy metals and even mercury were present in tattoo pigment but now as this is such an enormous industry, people are more educated than ever and more aware of the dangers and work hard to eliminate those dangers. After all if even a tenth of the people who got tattooed ended up with a disease or massive problem, we thousands of tattooers would be out of a job. Every time you get tattooed you should ask if the needles are new and equipment sterile. Look around the shop you are in ... is it clean? Is there an autoclave on the premises? If not then leave. Anyone who is proud of their work, will work hard to make sure that work surfaces are disinfected and that there has been no cross contamination between clients. I would like to say that many medical professionals, I have spoken to, have given me outright false information about tattoo procedures. I have been told with absolute certainty by one doctor, that EVERY tattooer reuses ink that has been sitting around all day. I don't know how any person who considers themselves a professional can spread hearsay like that without ANY evidence. I have never seen, in my fifteen years since I first saw a tattoo preformed to the last tattoo I put on the skin ( not to mention the many countries I have visited tattooers in or the thousands of tattoo procedures I have seen done at conventions or various shops), any tattooer reuse pigment. I have seen artist use pigment on a single tattoo throw all evidence of that tattoo away ( including disposing of needles in a biohazard container) disinfect (with byrex or some other heavy duty disinfectant) surfaces, wipe down chairs and then put a barrier of some sort down on the counter , chairs and whatever else the blood from the client might come in contact with, and set up for the next tattoo. THIS IS COMMON PRACTICE, it's called universal precautions, and are a necessity in this and many other businesses. I would like to say that I have seen plenty of cross contamination at hospitals ( where I witnessed recently a doctor put gloves on removed some stitches that bled and then pick up his pen with the same dirty gloves to write down on his pad. The pen went in the pocket the gloves went in the trash. I wonder when he will touch that pen again? Before pulling someone else's stitches out? Guess what, that person is now at the same risk that the alarmist would have you believe you are, when you enter a tattoo shop). fact is anyone can spread a rumor or tell you a scary story and it is in your best interest to do as much research as possible before you get tattooed. Yes you can get an infection if proper aftercare is not taken, you are in danger of tetanus but no more so then if you fall and scrape your knee, you are at risk of melanoma whenever you open the skin but that dose not stop the medical profession from doing nonessential elective surgery. Like plastic surgery. I would like to add that I agree that most people do make bad tattoo decisions and I believe that most people who get tattooed are not ready for the commitment. I've talked as many people out of getting tattooed as I have tattooed . think before you get inked! As for getting an MRI I would like to say that I am heavily tattooed and have had an MRI without incident. Ask other people with tattoo's about this before making your decision. look I'm not calling out the medical profession, in this post but I am saying that the same risks are present in tattoo chairs as ANY dentists chair or surgery room. if you educate yourself as to what can happen you can make the EDUCATED decision whether you want that tattoo. Or at least if you want the tattoo from the artist you are considering. All of the dangers the alarmist outlined, are more present to THE PERSON PREFORMING THE PROCEDURE in the form of needle sticks, than to the person getting the procedure done. same as a phlebotomist. And yet here we all are still going to work every day without fear. Because we know we have taken every precaution possible to insure our safety and that of our clients. If new procedures become available to us, that will be more advantageous, then we will implement those as well. In the end you should be more afraid of how bigoted people treat you, after you get tattooed. Apologies for the long post, just needed to say what had to be said. A. Bauer New Haven CT

Well, If I may throw in my two cents...Go to the CDC (Center for Disease Control)wesite and you can read as much permanently archived info on the dangers of tattooing as you want. One interesting note : The CDC consistently states "No case of HIV transmission through tattooing" anywhere in this country since it began collecting data in 1985. By comparrison,there have been at least 7 cases of HIV infection associated with Dentists and Dental Workers. Hepatitus is the one to be careful of. I think if your tattoo artist is licensed, reputable,and can intelligently tell you about his/her sterilization procedures, and you are comfortable with the cleanliness of the shop, then you probably don't have a lot to worry about. If your in your friends garage and he's "tattin' up" all your buddies with the same needle...well, then you probably got whatever they got. So, this can only lead me to the conclusion that , AIDS isn't a big worry if the shop/tools are clean, you shouldn't get a tattoo in someone's garage, and for God's sake, stay away from the Dentist!

Don't know where mopete got his 'info' but as a professional tattoo artist w/over 40 years experience, I get a bit irratated when I see comments stating tattooing can cause HIV. As someone else already stated, the CDC says otherwise, there's not been a single case of HIV transmitted by tattoos, so mopete, kindly check your facts before posting them on any tattoo forum, mis-information doesn't help anyone but it can sure hurt.

RE: MRI... I would say that I have about 25% of my body tattooed. Last year I went for 2 seperate MRI'S (and bone scans etc etc.. due to a shattered wrist)..anyways.. When I went in the "MRI TUBE" (not sure what it actually is refered to, but anyone that has had an MRI knows what I mean) for the MRI, they warned me about my tattoo's, and the effect the MRI may have on them. While in the "MRI TUBE" I found my Tats gettin warm. Not to the point where it was burning and painful... but I could definitly feel them warming up. Hope this helps! Baker

Dr John, it is entirely possible for HIV to be spread through tattooing. The CDC does not know of any cases yet. But I will give you 5 to 1 odds that with the thousands of new scratchers getting into it recently, that will indeed change within the next 2 years. These dangers are why people should not get into it without formal training from a legit mentor.

Need to say said, "you are at risk of melanoma whenever you open the skin but that dose not stop the medical profession from doing nonessential elective surgery. Like plastic surgery. " Just curious, Melanoma is a skin cancer from a malignant mole, not sure the connection to the above quote? Otherwose you posted a lot of interesting points. Here's my question to tattoo artist in the biz. I noticed on one shop window there was a sign that said, in no uncertain terms NO HIV. I suppose it would be hard to look at a person and know they were infected (unless they were in sick AIDS stage?) My question is, how do you ummm..politely (lol for some on you) tell the person you do not want to work on them? That must be an awkward moment? Someone who is sickly or weird/dirty looking? I know I sound anal retentive, but do you turn away people who look like they have not showered in a week?

There is an article in the spring issue of Alternative Trends re: Lower back tattoos and epidurals (spinal anesthesia a common in childbirth).Interesting food for thought I suppose since lower back tats have been all the rage these past few years and it also happens to be the exact point of entry for an epidural. Anyone interested and can't find mag email me and I can fax you a copy of the article (2-3 pages).

Mamacat..a few years back a client came into a shop I do not remember where ..told the artist he was hiv positive...the artist refused to tattoo him and was sued by the infected guy..the artist lost the suit and was nearly bankrupt...I am sure if you search the net you will find this sad case somewhere ...I know it was in all the trade mags for months Just a little tid bit...TAz

are you serious? guess it's like the woman who sued McDonalds and won for HOT coffee that she spilled on HERSELF!. Argggg. I have no idea how you can npt be allowed to refuse service to someone with a contagious disease?

The ACLU got involved if that tells ya anything!!!

Bullshit ....................we reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason!!! And it does not matter the reason ,you dont have to give one. But i suppose if you do give the reason ,then you may open yourself up. ie; no blacks and aids patients.

Yeah it IS bullshit but it happened!..T

Someone once pointed out that nowhere in the constitution did it say that anyone has the right to not be offended. Somewhere along the way america has forgotten that! That's why the mickey d's lady won her case the aids guy and most of the other shit that law suits are started over. I say lawsuits are for pussies without the ability to fight for themselves. Remember the rule of honor.

Wow,I had an MRI 2 weeks ago,and during the MRI my tattoos got warm...wammer....hot...then burning hot..I said get me the fuk outta here!!! I started crawling out.He had no idea why my arms were so hot.But I plan to go back and tell him. Great Info here.

Thats funny, I had an MRI done last January and I didn't feel anything on my tattoos (I have a few). I've been collecting for over 10 years, I have many different inks in me (Starbrite, Unique, Voodoo (or DooDoo as we call it now, haha), Pelican Green Label, Pelican Yellow Label, Kiru Sumi, Talens, Soba, homemade powders) and it all went fine.

Huh? Did he say something about 'no blacks'?? Are there seriously tattoo shops out there that wont tattoo blacks? I'm sure there probably are... AIDS positive clients i can understand...

would find that hard to beliece EVEN in Alabama,Mississippi.

I will not tattoo anybody named PALEOJOHN!!! Now sue me!!!!!! LMAO!!!!!!!!!!! And we do not tattoo green people!!

What a shame, and I've been saving my pennies.:(

Fuggin Greenies!!!!

Hey! watch the name calling! Im Italian! so thats OLIVE! well.........KINDA green?

YEAH WELL i'M Sicilian! So what!! we are wops!!!! FAGIDABOWDIT!!!!!

I had a MRI too a few years ago. Didnt burn up but the idiot neurologist doped me up for 3 months on a misdiagnosis... fucking pill pushing doctors... I was lucky, though, I just signed up to insurance 5 days previously!

5 days? Talk about cutting it close!!!

I had cancer. I went throught about 3 years of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. I can say with certainty two things- I am way cleaner than the registered nurses who attended me (they cross contaminated everything), and in the 20+ full body MRIs I had, I never felt a tattoo getting even warm, and I'm covered. The nurses would put on one pair of gloves, and touch everything. They would take my blood, put down the bloody needle on the desktop in front of me (and it was bare, no plastic cover), and if a blood drop dripped off the needle, they would wipe it up with tissue paper. This was in NYU medical center, in New York city. It takes 8 full drops of blood to get aids, which is why there is no record of a tattoo ever transmitting it. I have no problem tattooing a person with aids, I am certain I am more sterile than the doctor's offices I've seen, and all tattoo artists have probably tattooed someone HIV posative at some point, they just didn't know it. Nurses make the worst tattoo clients, they are always pushy and think they know everything, and are usually wrong.

Hey Dan...I agree 100%...I have NO problem tattooing clients with HIV or hep or anything else...HOWEVER...I believe any artist should have the option to refuse service to ANYONE. As for the nurses....my ex wife is a nurse...she had to take the state nursing board exams 6 thats right SIX fuckin times before she passed...Now she and I are friends and this was not a bitter divorce...so I am not sayin this because I am mad at her...she is a lovely blood suckin snake from HELL ( I'm just kiddin!!!!) WE are best friends...but she is a REGISTERED NURSE certified by the state who performs invasive proceedures every day and does not have a clue about cross contamination......It took her SIX tries to get her license!!! Now does that tell you anything about the training nurses get? Told me everything I needed to know! If ya ain't sick goin in to a hospital ya will be once the nurses get through wuth ya! Now as a disclaimer and before all you dedicated nurses get on here and ream not only me, but Gabe too, for lettin such a lowlife nurse hatin asshole post on this forum...I will state unequivocally that I am certain that there are those nurses out there who are knowledgeable and dedicated professionals and who are not only familiar with but are well trained in and practice religiously all aspects of cross contamination and blood bourne pathogen control and containment...so there! Besides I really love it when one of the TAZETTES dons the "Naughty Nurse Nancy" outfit from Fredericks and tells me that I am a very sick Taz and need an enema!!!...WHOOP!!!!!!...TAz

In our field, we have to treat EVERYONE as if they have Hepatitis, HIV, or other communicable diseases because the bottom line is, we just don't know, many people carrying it don't know that they have it, and some people that do know don't disclose it, so for the sake of maintaining a sterile environment and reducing any chance of cross contamination and preventing disease transmission, it would be silly of me to refuse service for fear of catching it since I treat everyone the same and take a worse case scenerio situation at hand at all times. I do strongly feel that if someone is HIV positive or carrying Hepatitis, I suggest that they check with their physicians first to see if their body can handle the trauma of receiving a tattoo. Such diseases put alot of pressure on the bodies immune systems and a tattoo isn't something that is needed, so the unnecessary stress on the body won't do them any good. Also, the healling process can be hindered with someone in such a condition, so these are things that they need to recognize prior to receiving any body modification.

Yeah sure Krystof but how bout that Naughty Nurse Nancy?????

People ask me all the time whether i've tattooed anyone with HIV as yet and i tell them that i'm damn near certain that i have at least once or twice. But we do treat everyone like they're carrying something and dont let our guard down. Its all about being careful and concentrating on the task at hand.

I've yet to meet Naughty Nurse Nancy, unless it was that girl that I vaguely remember at my friends Stag Party about 15 years ago.

**In our field, we have to treat EVERYONE as if they have Hepatitis, HIV, or other communicable diseases** GAWD, I HATE THAT! It sounds so insulting. Why not just be accurate and professional and say, "We must follow universal precautions." That sounds far more professional and knowledgable and a lot less insulting than "I have to treat you like you have AIDS" Sorry, that is high up there on my list of pet peeves. When I read it or hear it I cringe. It is quite simple...the use of universal precautions will negate any risk to anyone involved. PERIOD. Hence the word UNIVERSAL. There is no need to go into who has what, or to make a single assumption about any client or treat anyone in any special manner.

One of the idiots in my town was interviewed in the newspaper a while back and when they asked him about cross contamination, his quote was, "We treat everyone like they have AIDS." *shaking my head* Wonderful! First, our job is not to "treat" anyone, so it sounds misleading. Second, why bring AIDS (something which has never been associated with tattooing) into the discussion if it isn't necessary? Third, he would have sounded a hell of a lot more intelligent and professional and not offended as many intelligent people had he simply and proudly proclaimed, "We use universal precautions and a thorough cross contamination prevention protocol." And I am not jumping on anyone in particular. I just think that saying it that way makes us sound like a bunch of uneducated paranoid hicks.

Valid points Keeps!! If only we all were as thoughtful as you seem to be...and that is not sarcasm...I just really never thought of it in those terms before... well my eyes are open now!!! Thanks!...TAz

Hey. Of course only go to a professional,clean place w/a good rep., if you MUST have a tattoo! BUT: re: risks: -Migration of inks to different body tissues, as lungs; Allergic reactions(may not even occur right away...); Hep. B. Hep.C, HIV-- you're at potential risk for transmission esp. if needles are shared. The MRI thing is a problem if "inks" used are metallic... Look it up! See for yourself! Don't be so quick to mutilate your body. It's really NOT "a canvas"!

Stupid should hurt! And I bet this asshole is in a lot of pain!!! Moron!

About the MRI's...I'm not sure how many of you guys have ever seen the show "myth busters" but they actually had an episode about this one! If I remember right they called this one busted. But some of you guys on here have mentioned having reactions, so I dunno. From what I know about it, some inks have certain metals in them. And I would only assume that if there's enough of that metal, and it happens to be magnetic, it's going to be affected by an MRI. I spose that's just one more reason to be aware of the kind of ink being used on ya eh?

On the MRI/Cat Scan thing. Modern tattoo inks contain little to no magnetic particles in them. Older tattoos may "only a slight possible" experience a tingle or warm sensation, this may be slightly painful to sensitive individuals. I have had, X-ray and MRI since getting my color arm tattoo and felt nothing busy a slightly queasy stomach and a slight headache. The is generally (unless your anemic???) not much more metal in pigment than in your blood. You tattoo may be irritated, but won't bubble, burn or explode. Second all the infectious dangers stated above are 100% possible. However if an artist that tattoos under the proper conditions, the incedence of infection is extremely low. If it wasn't tattoo studios would be going out of business left and right. Finally you are more likely to get an infection from improper after care than from your artist. Follow proper aftercare procedure which should be given to you before you get a tattoo to see if you have any questions.

According to the CDC ( Centers for Disease Control) in Atlanta Georgia there has NEVER been a DOCUMENTED case of the contraction of ANY communicable disease transmitted by any PROFESSIONAL tattoo or piercing studio...There HAVE been however a multitude of serious disease transmissions by tattoo and piercing proceedures done in NON PROFESSIONAL settings. Yes people DO get infections in their tattoos and piercings but it is almost ALWAYS because of situational contaminations, unknown preexisting conditions or inadequate aftercare. No...you will not blow up if you have tattoos and get an MRI ( magnetic resonance imaging)

Knew incedence was extremely low.... wow, guess NEVER is pretty low...