If the equipment used to create your tattoo is contaminated with infected blood, you can contract various bloodborne diseases — including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), hepatitis B and hepatitis C.
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.
Some people, however, develop infections or allergic reactions in the days, months or even years after getting a tattoo, the AAD says. Watch for symptoms that can suggest a larger problem, including worsening pain; a rash, blisters or bumps on the skin; fever; chills; and pus or fluid coming from the tattoo.
Sarcoidosis, an autoimmune disease that can affect the skin and other organs, sometimes first appears with bumps at the site of a tattoo, she says. Infections are more common within the first couple of days or weeks of getting a tattoo, Dr.
The particles of ink injected into the skin can travel through your lymphatic system and into the bloodstream. Not all of the ink particles make their way here, but enough to cause some concern. Some of the ink that finds its way into your bloodstream is broken down by the immune system.
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.
The toxic contaminants like Titanium Dioxide (TIO2) in the ink of tattoos can travel inside the body in the form of nano particles and cause chronic enlargement of the lymph nodes causing severe damage to the immune system.
If you have a medical problem such as heart disease, allergies, diabetes, skin problems like eczema or psoriasis, a weak immune system, or a bleeding problem, talk to your doctor before getting a tattoo. Also, if you get keloids (an overgrowth of scar tissue) you probably should not get a tattoo.
This “tattoo flu” is pretty common and should fade into memory in a few days (unlike your new tattoo). Your body's immune system is making you feel wiped out while it attacks potential threats to your bod. Be on the lookout for a mild fever, chills, fatigue, and some tummy discomfort.
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.
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.
So although tattoo ink travelling to your lymph nodes does not lead to any known health complications, they aren't completely without risk. To make sure all goes well, use a reputable tattoo artist, get references from other clients, and check that they use disposable needles and unopened ink to prevent infections.
The side effect is that the lymph nodes take on the same color as your tattoo. There is also some evidence to suggest that tattoo ink particles can travel through the blood and become lodged in the liver.
So, while tattoos seem only “skin deep,” research continues to show us that they affect numerous body systems, including the immune, lymphatic, and endocrine systems.
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.
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.
Risk of Infection
Infection is the most significant risk of getting a tattoo before plastic surgery since tattoos are made by depositing ink into the skin via needles. An active skin infection can create complications leading to more severe conditions and needing revision surgery.
Benefits the Immune system
Research has proven that multiple tattoos boosts the immune system. When the tattoo ink enters the body, the immune system attacks the ink. Each time that person goes for a new tattoo, the more their body undergoes that same process again and again, improving the immune system each time.
Thanks to modern technology and knowledge, most patients have a simple and painless MRI procedure. However, in rare cases, a patient with tattoos may experience discomfort. If you have tattoos and need an MRI, you can still get the scan in most situations.
Tattoo inks are not classified as pharmaceutical or cosmetic. The body is directly exposed to the toxic substances contained in the ink due to the injection of tattoo ink into the skin. Pigments may accumulate in the lymph nodes or other organs as they are in direct contact with the skin tissue and lymphatic system.
Symptoms of a tattoo infection include: a rash, redness, or bumps in the tattoo area. a fever. worsening swelling.
It is generally considered nonpoisonous.
If you're planning to donate blood and just recently got a tattoo, you may have to wait until 6 to 12 months. This is to make sure your tattoo doesn't put you at risk for any infections that could be transmitted through blood transfusions.