Complications of tattooing

Question 1

complications of tattooing

Answer 1

local infections with
staph aureus
mycobacterium chelonae
pseudomonas species

Question 2

systemic complications wiht amateur tattoos

Answer 2

Hep B and C infection (reused or inadequately sterilized needles)
generalized skin reactions (acquired hypersensitivity reactions, keloid)
delayed hypersensitivity skin reactiosn

Question 3

how many people have tattoos?

Answer 3

10-15% of american adults have >1 tattoo

Question 4

how does the tattoo get done?

Answer 4

electromagnetic coil causes needle to oscillate to puncture the skin to 1-4 mm and deposit pigment ink in the superficial dermal fibroblasts

inks are classified as cosmetics but pigments are color additives that need premarket approval

FDA does not have authority to require premarket safety data for inks so complications from ink are seen retrospectively

Question 5

non infectious tattoo skin reactions are result of

Answer 5

hypersensitivity reactiosn to inks with mercury, chromium, cadmium, cobalt and iron oxide

Question 6

reddish papules around area of tattoo is

Answer 6

non tuberculous mycobacterial outbreak from ink

needs 6 weeks to culture

Question 7

tetanus from tattoos?

Answer 7

rare but can happen

recommend tetanus immunization prior to getting it.