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TATTOO OR NOT TO?
Several celebs have been inspiring people with their new tattoos. But a recent study suggests that getting inked may interfere with how the body sweats
Recently, Brooklyn Beckham got his firstever tattoo — a replica of a Native American (inset) — just like the one his father David Beckham has. He followed it with another tattoo of a camera on his arm. Other celebrities who made news for their new tattoos include Zayn Malik and Selena Gomez.
However, a recent study by Alma College, Michigan, USA, stated that tattoos affect the sweat glands in the skin. Therefore, heavily tattooed people may face health issues. We spoke to city doctors to understand the concerns with regards to tattoos.
“Whether the long-term health is affected by tattooing is unclear. However, if a large area of the body is tattooed — affecting the secretion of the sweat glands — there may be thermoregulatory problems when exposed to high heat and heavy work. This is because sweat glands help in balancing thermoregulation,” says Dr Apratim Goel, dermatologist and laser surgeon, Cutis Skin Studio. She adds, “This study is based on data from just 10 people and more research needs to be done on the subject.”
Dr Anand Mishra, internal medicine specialist, Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi – A Fortis Network Hospital, suggests that those who wish to get a tattoo, “must weigh in the pros and cons” that come with tattooing. He elaborates, “Tattooing involves permanently placing ink around 3 to 5mm under the skin, the same depth as our sweat glands, hence destroying them. This causes a person to sweat less. As far as possible, permanent tattoos should be avoided, as there is a risk of transmitting dangerous diseases if appropriate aseptic precautions are not taken.”
As per experts, people in the following categories must steer clear of tattoos:
Those with high blood pressure, as the pain can raise the blood pressure temporarily The blood sugar level may rise as the tattoo is being done. Those with diabetes should avoid certain areas of their body such as buttocks, and common insulin injection sites including arms, abdomen, thighs, feet and ankles. For them, healing can be a long process Those who are allergic to makeup such as eyeshadow and lipstick. They should consult their dermatologist before getting tattooed as they are likely to be allergic to the dye Those under the influence of alcohol or drugs or have put on weight during pregnancy, as it can affect the appearance of the tattoo Those on anticoagulants (blood thinners) or longterm use of aspirin or ibuprofen, which can reduce clotting time. This can cause increased bleeding and bruising, while getting tattooed. It may affect the implantation of the pigment and the healing time Individuals with hypertension, heart conditions and on immune-suppressive medication should also seek medical advice first Individuals with chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema and vitiligo (leucoderma) should also be cautious and seek advice from their dermatologist Those who have blood disorders such as haemophilia, sickle-cell anaemia or any platelet disorder Keloid or hypertrophic scarring — any person who has a tendency for this type of scarring should also first consult a doctor Pregnant and lactating mothers Those who have any active infection Checklist before tattooing: The tattoo studio and its staff should be very clean and should practice strictest measures of asepsis and hygiene at all times The studio should have an autoclave for sterilisation of instruments All disposable items like needles should be opened from their seal packs in front of you Procedure should be performed with sterile gloves “One should make sure that the quality of the tattoo dye is good because few tattoo dyes can cause skin reactions that can occur even after many years of getting inked,” says functional medicine expert Seema Saadikha.
Post-tattoo care: Do not scratch the tattooed area or pull the scabs off Apply an antibiotic cream on the area with clean hands Remove the bandage after 24 hours. Keep the tattooed area clean. Use plain water and soap to clean the tattoo. Pat it dry Keep the area sun protected Avoid tight-fitted clothes Do not swim or take steam until the area heals completely Avoid heavy workouts and stretching of the tattooed skin until it has healed fully.