Trending with tattoo in a safe way

Inking the skin with a fashionable tattoo is one of the hottest trends, particularly among the youth, going by the number of people who are sporting it. It is mostly boys who take to this fad.

But, how aware are the youngsters about the health hazards associated with tattooing if it is done without adopting the required safety precautions? Street-side tattooing, a dangerous trend, is now commonly seen at Marine Drive.

Street-side tattoo ‘artists’ could expose the young to blood-borne diseases like HIV or Hepatitis B, just like drug abuse through injectibles, where many users share needles, said Dr. Anuradha K. B, secretary, Cochin Dermatology Society.

Neither the ones who are getting a tattoo nor those who are on the job are probably aware of the hazards of using unsterilised needles. The unsuspecting clients could also be exposed to Hepatitis C, tuberculosis, mycobacterium syphilis, malaria or even leprosy

Those indulging in street-side tattooing are mostly migrants. And the migrant workers are among the clients too. The attraction is the low cost for getting a trendy tattoo. It is also suspected that cheap fabric inks and devices meant for printing on clothes are used on the skin of their clients. The fabric ink is also said to a cancer causing agent.

District Medical Officer N. K. Kuttappan told

The Hindu that no one has complained about the unhygienic activities yet.

Professionals who have set up joints for tattoo claim that their clients need to undergo allergy tests before getting inked. There are also medical conditions like being diabetic or being underage - below 18 years that need to be taken into consideration.

Tattoo artist Anandhu at Body Art Estudio, Oberon Mall, says that the clients are counselled and told about the precautions to be taken. Limiting sun exposure and giving details on how to take care of the tattoo immediately after it is done are among the important points, he adds.

Allergic reactions may also arise if the ink contains dyes with heavy metals. However, the allergy is subjective and so is the treatment, said Anuradha K. B., secretary of the Cochin Dermatology Society. Allergy could range from rashes to eczema or even headaches.

(With inputs from Athulya Lakshmi Sajith and Renju Abraham)