It happens again and again: those in love want to have the name of their loved one immortalized on their own body. Then love disappears – but the tattoo remains.
“Decades ago, I pointed out that later you could no longer be an apprentice, but maybe a bank director. However, with a clearly visible tattoo, this career path is often self-inflicted,” says OÖN doctor Johannes Neuhofer, dermatologist and specialist group representative Skin and venereal diseases in the Medical Association for Upper Austria.
toxins in the colors
There were even worse dangers to come. “You have to imagine it like this: heavy metals are often contained in paints and paints that you spray on cars. And something like that pierces your skin,” warns the expert. “Only the skin isn’t a low-reaction sheet,” says Neuhofer and adds: “If the tattoo is also applied densely over a wide area, the health risk increases.”
For this reason, the EU banned a total of 4,000 dangerous substances in 2022 that were previously contained in tattoo inks, but also in permanent make-up: These include azo dyes, metals and methanol.
“Even if the tattoos lose their shine due to the elimination of these substances, health is still more important than a colorful picture on the stomach,” says expert Johannes Neuhofer.
Not everything can be removed
He also has bad news for all those who want to get rid of their old tattoo. “There are modern devices, such as the “Pico Laser”, which can now also remove paler colors. But one problem has not been solved: the laser bursts the pigment lumps in the skin during removal and thereby releases the poison contained in the color The finely dispersed toxins are then flushed into the bloodstream via the skin’s lymphatic vessels and distributed throughout the body,” says Neuhofer.
In any case, be careful with color injections on vacation: In some countries, the hygiene regulations are not sufficiently observed. This means there is a risk of viruses being introduced with the tattoo – which can cause hepatitis, for example. Tattoos often cause allergies. “In some cases, a tattoo can also trigger an immunological reaction, so that the skin protrudes like a relief. This is difficult to improve even with strong cortisone therapy,” says Neuhofer. Another tip from the doctor for parents: “Try not to point your finger at your child who insists on a tattoo. Show understanding, but objectively point out the dangers to your child.”
Source: Nachrichten
