Tattoos have become very popular nowadays and people get them done to express their identity and emotions. But do you know that tattoos increase the risk of blood or skin cancer? Recently some research has made shocking revelations about this. According to a study conducted by Lund University in Sweden, getting a tattoo can increase the risk of blood cancer by 21%. Apart from this, it can also be difficult to detect the symptoms of skin cancer from a tattoo. Let’s know what else the research says about this.
Risk of blood cancer (lymphoma)
A study conducted by Lund University in Sweden found that tattooing increases the risk of blood cancer, especially lymphoma. The study took data of people aged 20-60 years suffering from lymphoma between 2007 and 2017. The results found that people who had tattoos had a 21% higher risk of lymphoma. The study was published in the journal EClinical Medicine. This finding helps in understanding the long-term effects of tattoos on health.
Risk of skin cancer
There is no direct link between tattoos and skin cancer. But, having a tattoo can make it difficult to recognize the symptoms of skin cancer. For example, the early symptoms of skin cancer – spots and lesions – can be hidden under the tattoo. This does not allow the disease to be detected on time and the problem can increase. If you notice any unusual symptoms in your tattooed area, get it checked by a doctor immediately. It is very important to take precautions before and after getting a tattoo, so that any serious health problem can be avoided in the future.
Harmful bacteria in tattoo ink
In a study published in July 2024 in ASM Journals, samples of 75 tattoo and permanent makeup inks commonly used in the US were tested. Infectious bacteria were found in 26 of these samples. The two major bacteria were:
- Staphylococcus epidermidis: This bacteria can cause serious health problems, such as skin infections and other complications.
- Cutibacterium acnes: This bacteria causes acne, which can form painful and swollen patches on the skin.
This study made it clear that tattoo ink may contain harmful bacteria, which can increase the risk of infection. Therefore, it is very important to take special care of cleanliness before and after getting a tattoo. Make sure that the tattoo artist’s equipment and working area are completely clean and safe. If any unusual symptoms appear on the skin after the tattoo, such as redness, swelling, or pain, contact a doctor immediately.
Disclaimer: Some of the information given in the news is based on media reports. You must consult the concerned expert before implementing any suggestion.
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