Concern after tattoo causes tissue death in Dubai resident’s arm
SCAN ME
■ put his arms down. I told myself: ‘I will treat this boy for free’,” the Brazilian based in Dubai said.
Teixeira also took the two to a dermatologist at AIG Clinics Jumeirah, in Dubai, where the therapist works.
DANGEROUS CONDITION
He explained that Kumar and his friend had necrosis on the infected area, which can be a very dangerous condition. It causes the death of tissue resulting in inflammation and scars. The concerned beauty therapist said that it was due to the artist failing to take proper hygienic measures when using the tattooing equipment on Kumar and possible cross contamination.
“At the clinic, we gave them antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medicines, bandages and ointments to bring down the inflammation and pain,” he said.
Teixeira said that the two are “out of risk” in terms of the infection they got on the tattoos but other serious consequences of cross contamination are still a threat.
“It is a very serious issue that needs to be looked at. Dangerous illnesses like HIV, tetanus and herpes, amongst others, can be transferred from needles to skin,” he said.
Teixeira explained that the two are not completely out of danger. “They must get blood tests for a long list of diseases to make sure that they have not gotten them and after a few months, they must repeat the tests to be sure,” he said.
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SCARRED FOR LIFE
Despite the inflammation reducing, Kumar and his friend now have permanent scars on the areas they got tattooed.
Teixeira was so concerned for the youngsters that he contacted the man who tattooed them. “He was completely guilt-free and had no concerns for the damage he has caused. He said that they developed the issues due to washing the area with water. That is not true, I believe,” he said.
He urged people to be extremely cautious of getting tattoos done illegally.
Gulf News spoke to another youngster based in Dubai who chose to get a tattoo from an unlicensed ‘tattoo artist’.
The 24-year-old based in Dubai chose to remain anonymous. She told Gulf News that despite her not getting an infection, she would warn people if they are thinking of getting one from an unlicensed artist in the UAE.
“The artists are not licensed, and because of that, their tools are not checked by any authority, it’s very risky if you’re not aware of how a tattoo is properly done in a licensed salon. Proper sanitation and after care are extremely important,” she said.
In the past, authorities have repeatedly cautioned UAE residents of getting tattoos from unlicensed artists and the danger it puts people’s health in.
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DUBAI MUNICIPALITY COMMENTS:
A representative from the Dubai Municipality said: “Kindly note that tattooing services are not legal in the salons and personal care centres according to unified health guidelines for practicing beauty, personal care and massage activities.”
The authority has published a document stating the unified health guidelines for practising beauty, personal care and massage activities. One of the clauses reads: ‘It is not allowed to use permanent tattoos devices and services related’.
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