Tattoo Problems

Topic Overview

Tattoos and permanent makeup have been used by most cultures for centuries and recently have become very popular with both men and women. Most people who have a tattoo do not develop any problems. Home treatment can help speed healing and prevent problems.

A tattoo is a series of puncture wounds that carry dye into the different levels of the skin. At first, the tattoo may be swollen and there may be some crusting on the surface. It is normal for the tattoo to ooze small amounts of blood for up to 24 hours, and it may ooze clear, yellow, or blood-tinged fluid for several days.

Problems with tattoos include:

• Infection at the tattoo site.
• Minor skin reactions (contact dermatitis) or serious allergic reactions to the tattooing method or dye.
• Scarring, which can include raised scar tissue (keloids).
• Spread of infectious disease, such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, tuberculosis, tetanus, or HIV, if a dirty method or equipment is used.

It is important to consider all aspects of getting a tattoo. A tattoo should be considered permanent. Tattoo removal is difficult and may cause scarring. It may not be possible to completely remove a tattoo and restore your normal skin colour and texture. If you have not yet made a decision about tattooing, see the Prevention section for information about tattooing.

Temporary tattoos, such as henna tattoos (mehndi), may also cause problems. Although most of the ingredients in temporary tattoos are safe for application to the skin, there have been reports of allergic skin reactions (contact dermatitis) to the ingredients in some of the tattoos. Health Canada recommends that you avoid black henna dyes and pastes for henna tattoos that contain para-phenylenediamine (PPD) because of the risk of an allergic reaction.

Health Canada encourages everyone to report adverse reactions to permanent and temporary tattoos to the Department of Health.

Review the Emergencies and Check Your Symptoms sections to determine if and when to see a health professional.

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Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: November 9, 2006
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
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