Take Care Health Effects of Tattoos

Four patients developed contact dermatitis to black henna tattoos on holiday in the Middle East and Asia. Two to ten days after skin painting an itchy, reddish swelling developed at the site of the tattoo exactly following its sharply demarcated borders.

Histological investigation of the lesions revealed spongiotic dermatitis with dense lymphohistiocytic infiltrates. Patch testing in all patients showed a strong reaction to p-phenylenediamine (PPD). The other tests, including standard series and henna powder, were all negative.

Healing time after application of topical class III and IV steroids was prolonged. These reports show an impressive side effect of temporary tattoos with possible long-term damage. Rather than henna, the causative agent in the pastes used for temporary tattoos appears to be PPD, a widely used dye that is added to the pastes in high concentrations to produce a darker shade.


The growing incidence of this comlication requires close observation, while practitioners should be aware of this sensitisation and of possible subsequent allergic reactions, especially after hair colouring with dyes based on PPD. (abstract of a scientific paper)

Important Questions to Ask Your Tattoo Artist Before Getting Tattooed DO YOU:

- Thoroughly wash your hands with antibacterial solution immediately before and after each tattoo application?
- Wear latex gloves during the tattooing procedure?
- Use single service materials and equipment (i.e., each needle and tube set is individually packaged, dated and sealed, and autoclave sterilized), and set up and open them in front of the client?
- Use sterile disposable needles?
- Have an FDA-regulated autoclave on site?
- Sanitize your work space with an EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)-approved viricidal disinfectant, preferably one that kills tuberculosis, before and after each client?
- Thoroughly rinse tube/needle set from tattoo machine using an ultrasonic tank before discarding?
- Properly dispose of contaminated materials?

Measure how the person who you talk with answers your questions -- are they considerate and thorough, or are they annoyed by your inquisitiveness?

You have a right to have your questions answered thoroughly in advance. When you get there, check out the studio -- make sure it looks and feels clean. If you get there and you're uncomfortable, you can leave.