Pace Paw Print

Media Credit: Michelle Callender Some tattoos that Pace University students have.

Media Credit: Michelle Callender

Tattoos are very popular among both men and women. One fear that both sexes have or believe is true is the idea that they can eventually receive ink poisoning.

Tattoos work in a way that permanently applies dyes to the second layer of skin, or the dermal layer, with the use of needles. More often than not electrical needles are used. The needles are dipped in colored ink and then transferred into a layer of skin through various puncture wounds.

This process has alarmed many people into believing that they can acquire ink poisoning. These people who are concerned are correct. However, the odds of getting infected are rare.

In order to become infected, the ink must get into the bloodstream. Since tattoo pigments come out of the body during the four to six week healing process, risk of poisoning is minimal. In addition, tattoo ink is not being applied directly into the blood stream. As stated before, it is only getting to the dermal layer of skin.

Even though ink poisoning is rare, there are precautions that should be taken in order to prevent other serious complications.

For example, if a tattoo artist does not change his or her needles between customers, their likelihood of contracting HIV or Hepatitis B increases substantially. Other infectious diseases are also at high risk of being transmitted between customers, such as the "superbug" or MRSA that has been popular in the last few months in communities.

Also, many people are not aware that they are allergic to the ink used for tattoos until it is applied to the skin. For others, they do not receive an allergic reaction until years after the tattoo has been prescribed into their skin. Remember, tattoo ink is not approved by the FDA. As a result it can contain ingredients that may trigger unpleasant adverse effects.

Tattooing isn't something someone should be afraid of if they go to the right place and make sure the tattooist is licensed and uses proper sterilization between customers. However, customers should always remember that there is always a risk, whether it is minor or severe, and should be taken very seriously.

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