However, evidence does show that some tattoo inks contain carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) – chemicals that have been classified as known or possible carcinogens by the WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Over the years, the FDA has received reports of people developing infections from contaminated tattoo inks, as well as allergic reactions to the inks themselves. In 2019, the FDA issued a safety alert about certain tattoo inks contaminated with microorganisms.
There is also some evidence to suggest that tattoo ink particles can travel through the blood and become lodged in the liver. So, next time you opt for a tattoo, remember that it might not just grace your skin; it may also impart your internal organs with a unique color display.
Q: Are tattoos bad for your liver? A: Tattoo ink may get accumulated in the liver and kidneys over a prolonged period of time but as such does not directly affect the liver. Indirectly, tattoos may cause severe liver damage due to hepatitis infection.
Infections are rare with tattoos—at most, they happen 5 or 6 percent of the time—and when they do occur, they're most commonly bacterial. But in very, very rare cases, body-art aficionados can end up with dangerous viruses, including hepatitis C.
Colored inks can contain lead, cadmium, chromium, nickel, and titanium. These metals can trigger allergic reactions and potentially lead to disease.
Researchers have known that immune system cells are involved in helping the body take up tattoos. The ink doesn't simply stain skin cells, because these cells die over the years and are replaced.
Load up on detoxifying foods like leafy greens, antioxidant herbs and spices, vitamin C foods, garlic and onions, flax, chia seeds and lots of water. Avoid foods made with additives, potential food allergens and non-organic foods. Use supplements that help to break down heavy metals to promote expulsion from the body.
Black ink is a particular concern because it contains a high level of benzo(a)pyrene, which is listed as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), according to the American Cancer Society. Allergic Reactions Some people can have allergic reactions to the dyes used in tattoos.
Exposure to heavy metals in bad ink, as well as toxins in colorants, can create a burden for the kidneys and the liver and contribute to cognitive issues like fatigue or brain fog, according to Brooke Schneller, doctor of clinical nutrition.
However, tattoo complications can occur, such as allergic tattoo reactions, infections, and manifestations of autoimmune dermatoses.
Surgeons doing biopsies have noted that nearby lymph nodes are sometimes stained with tattoo ink that has been absorbed and then carried off by immune cells. It's possible that, if ferrous particles are present, the migrated ink can affect the appearance of a lymph node in an X-ray.
A tattoo is acceptable if the tattoo was applied by a state-regulated entity using sterile needles and ink that is not reused. Cosmetic tattoos (including microblading of eyebrows only) applied in a licensed establishment in a regulated state using sterile needles and ink that is not reused is acceptable.
When it comes to cancer, black ink can be especially dangerous because it contains a very high level of benzo(a)pyrene. Benzo(a)pyrene is currently listed as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
The reds are perhaps the worst, because they also contain the highly toxic iron oxide and cadmium. * If you really want to get a permanent tattoo, stick with the basics. Black remains safest.
Older tattoos may be raised due to scar tissue
Thicker lines, and more pressure applied during tattooing, can cause some scarring. It's nothing to be concerned about, but it can sometimes raise up, and this is generally caused by changes in body temperature or weather conditions, as well as general health.
Do Tattoos Shorten Your Life? No, tattoos do not take years off your life.
They postulated that the allergic contact dermatitis to the red dye of his tattoo initially resulted in a pseudolymphoma. However, the chronicity of the immune response subsequently caused a transformation of his benign pseudolymphoma into a malignant, large B-cell monoclonal lymphoma [14].
Medical Implications or Risk of Tattoos for those with lupus
As mentioned earlier, for those living with lupus or other autoimmune conditions, tattooing has the possibility of triggering an immune response and could possibly lead to a lupus flare or other reactions.
If you over treat that, you risk overloading the lymphatic system and as a result overloading the liver and kidneys. If your tattoo was done with really dodgy ink, this can then either move you into blood poisoning or infection.
The tattoo process causes trauma to your body along with stress on your body and your brain. Your immune system will start to fight back. This is sometimes called “tattoo flu” as you may feel sick. This is normal, especially with your first tattoo as your body is in shock and is trying to heal itself.
Drink plenty of water
It increases your kidney function, allowing them to flush out toxins such as broken-down ink more quickly. It also helps in the production of lymph, which is what carries your white blood cells through the body, allowing them to break down foreign bodies and remove toxins from your blood.
People with more tattoos appear to have higher levels of immune molecules, including antibodies. However, researchers point out that more antibodies don't always translate into better immunity and no one knows how long the effects really last.
Other pigments are similar to clothing and leather dyes called azo pigments. Many of these have been shown to be carcinogenic or genotoxic (damaging to DNA). These substances can eventually enter the bloodstream.
The constant needle pricks can be physically draining for the body. As a result, the body can go into “fight or flight” mode and release adrenaline, which can cause feelings of fatigue and exhaustion. This adrenaline rush is a natural response to stress and pain, and it can have a significant impact on the body.