Researchers from the NYU Langone Medical Center have discovered that up to six percent of adults in New York who get inked or tattooed experience some form of allergic reaction like a rash, some swelling or severe itching that can last for months and sometimes years.
Marie Leger, M.D., Ph.D., a dermatologist from NYU Langone and the study's senior investigator, said the researchers were quite alarmed to find out that such a high rate of chronic complications occur when an individual gets tattooed. Given how popular tattoos are, Leger said that doctors and public health officials should also be more aware of the risks associated with getting one.
According to Leger, some skin reactions can be treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, but others may sometimes require surgery involving lasers. When laser surgery is needed, it is usually to remove a tattooed portion of the skin as well as granular skin lesions or built-up scar tissue that can rise a few millimeters on the skin and lead to considerable emotional distress and itching.
Currently, it is estimated that one out of every five American adults have at least one tattoo. The study's results were based on a survey interview carried out with 300 adults in Central Park in New York in June 2013 and reflect what European countries have come up with given the recent decision to monitor complications arising from tattoos.
The researchers noted the weakness in requirements that get in the way of standardization. It is not yet clear though if reactions are due to chemicals in the tattoo or other sources.
"The lack of a national database or reporting requirements also hinders reliable monitoring," said Leger.
Some of the short-term complications reported by the study include swelling, pain, delayed healing and infections within weeks of getting a tattoo. Up to 10 percent of subjects reported the complications, but only a third of that number sought medical attention. Instead of going to the doctor, some subjects simply opted to go back to their tattoo parlor or artist for advice.
Most of the long-term complications reported occurred in tattoos with red and black colors. About 44 percent of chronic reactions were due to red tattoo ink, while a third of the cases were associated with black ink.
The research work received funding support from NYU Langone. Other researchers include Bobbi Georgia Brad, M.D. and Heidi Gold, M.D. Future research on the topic may involve determining which dye components are responsible for adverse reactions and exploring other factors that could contribute to increased risks for tattoo complications.
Photo: Lindsay Dee Bunny | Flickr
