What’s in your Tattoo ?
by Cindy Stiteler
Thinking of getting tattooed ?
The practice or art of tattooing has been around for thousands of years. Tattooing instruments have been discovered at several archaeological sites dating back to the Upper Paleolithic Period. (10000BC to 38000 BC). Original tribal tattoo inks were made from dyes from the natural environment, often soot. The world’s oldest tattoo, dating back 5300 years, was found in 1991 on Ozti, the Tyrolean Iceman. He sports 57 tattoos consisting of parallel and intersecting lines. Some believe the bar code like marks found on or near acupuncture points were therapeutic and not decorative.
Historically, tattoos produced a mark of royalty, religious devotion, manhood, warrior status, love, slave ownership, convict status etc. The recent surge in tattoos in this country can be seen in numerous works of art from the” basic” heart, MOM, ankle butterfly to elaborate full body art. There are several TV shows dedicated to the art. Tattooing is no longer for the margins of society. Approximately 1/6 of all Americans sport some form of tattoo.
A tattoo is created by piercing the skin with a needle or sharp object and embedding a pigment mixed with a carrier into the dermis. The carrier is usually a form of alcohol. It’s purpose is to keep the pigment evenly distributed in a fluid solution to inhibit the growth of pathogens, prevent pigment clumping and aid application to the skin. Alcohol also makes the skin more permeable allowing more chemicals to cross into the bloodstream.
Pigments are incredibly varied and may contain many substances such as metallic salts, oxides, sulphides,selenides and plastics. Some pigments that contain metal ores can leave metal filaments under the skin. Some say hospitals have refused MRI’s to heavily tattooed individuals because the procedure may heat up the metal filaments causing extreme burning under the skin. Some manufacturers are now making organic tattoo inks but it is still not known if they are any safer than metal based inks. Some tattooists are reluctant to use them because they don’t stay in the skin as long as metal based inks..
A study done in Europe found that many of the chemicals used in permanent tattoo inks were originally intended for use in writing, auto parts and printer inks. Tattooists either mix their own ink ingredients or use predispersed or premixed inks. Since tattoo inks are not regulated, the ingredients need not be disclosed. According to the FDA website, they have not traditionally regulated tattoo inks because of other public health priorities and previous lack of evidence. Tattooing is sometimes regulated by state and local authorities. From 2003-2006, the FDA did report more than 150 complaints of skin irritation tied to “permanent cosmetic” tattoos.
Complications do arise including but not limited to the following:
Infections, allergies which may appear years after the original tattoo, granulomas (nodules that form when the body perceives foreign material), keloids (scars that grow beyond normal boundaries).
Hepatitus B & C. Some doctors claim that Hep C is twice as prevalent in people receiving tattoos than in injection drug users.
Other blood born diseases such as AIDs, tetanus, TB and syphilis. The first case of syphilis from being tattooed was reported in 1853. NewYork City outlawed the “deadly tattoo” from 1961 to 1977.
If you are thinking of getting a tattoo, do your research. Go to a reputable tattooist who has been in business long enough to have many healthy satisfied customers. Ask about ink ingredients. Make sure your tattooist is passionate about sterile tools and equipment. Talk to tattooed people about their experiences. Get inked and make it extraordinary!
For more interesting historic facts check out: /www.nmm.ac.uk/explore/sea-and-ships/facts/ships-and-seafarers/amazing-facts-about-tattoos