Spirit of Tattoos

Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions to tattoo pigments are uncommon except for certain brands of red and green. People who are sensitive or allergic to certain metals may react to pigments in the skin by becoming swollen and/or itchy, oozing of clear fluid called sebum is also common. People who are allergic to green soap should let their tattooist know before being tattooed, because the area is cleaned before and during the tattoo with green soap and it will ultimately get into the tattoo. A reaction to the green soap will result in itchy redness that may swell. It should go away with time, but can be very uncomfortable, so one should still consult a doctor. Allergic reactions to latex should also be stated before being tattooed or pierced.

People with allergies should think carefully about getting a tattoo because of the risk of anaphylactic shock (hypersensitive reaction), which can be life threatening. Some tattoo artists do small test patches of pigments to be used allowing a week or two for the client to develop a negative reaction before proceeding with the actual tattoo. This is not necessarily useful, however, because it may take years of exposure before an allergic reaction occurs.

There are cases of people coming down with adverse reactions to the pigment in the ink such as Arsenal's Fredrik Ljungberg's career in football.

How so? Tests revealed Ljungberg, 28, had experienced a severe allergic reaction to the ink used in his tattoos.

The Swedish forward has two tattoos of panthers - on his back and side.

The ink from the one on his back caused a lymphatic gland to inflame, which was pressing on a nerve on his side. He is one of thousand of stars with a penchant for body art. England captain David Backham has 10. Teen striker Wayne Rooney has one on his arm. In Singapore, hundred of teens are making similar fashion statements.

Ljungberg's ailment began as a mystery. He went in for a battery of tests, including some to check whether he suffered from Aids or even cancer.

British newspapers reported that after two weeks of examinations, doctors realised that the player was experiencing a rare allergic reaction to the ink used in his tattoos.

'I was very worried. I did not feel sick or ill, but of course I was injured and we did not know why. Eventually the doctors worked out that it was something in the tattoos.

'I was relieved that they had found out the problem. I am fine now,' he told The Sun.

Ljungberg had to have surgery on the hip to remove the inflamed gland and missed four weeks of the English football season. He said the ordeal had placed him under a great deal of strain.

'First of all, we thought it was an old injury. But they didn't find anything wrong. Then they realised the glands in the hip had caused it by swelling up but, still didn't know why I had the infection.

'I had to have tests for cancer and other diseases - as you can guess, it wasn't much fun,' he said.

Thus, the best bet to know if you have any allergic reaction to tattoo ink is to do a patch test by getting a qualified tattoo artist to mark a small amount of ink behind the ear to determine if you suffer from an allergic reaction.

What's In Tattoo Ink?

Getting a Tattoo

Excerpts :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tattoo

http://newpaper.asia1.com.sg/printfriendly/0,4139,88729,00.html