Researchers have known that immune system cells are involved in helping the body take up tattoos. The ink doesn't simply stain skin cells, because these cells die over the years and are replaced.
Tattoos breach the skin, which means that skin infections and other complications are possible, including: Allergic reactions. Tattoo dyes — especially red, green, yellow and blue dyes — can cause allergic skin reactions, such as an itchy rash at the tattoo site. This can occur even years after you get the tattoo.
However, evidence does show that some tattoo inks contain carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) – chemicals that have been classified as known or possible carcinogens by the WHO's International Agency for Research on Cancer.
Upon tattooing, pigment particles (green) are captured by dermal macrophages. With time, macrophages laden with tattoo pigment particles die and release the tattoo pigment particles.
Tattoo Ink Placement
The tattooing process causes damage to the epidermis, epidermal-dermal junction, and the papillary layer (topmost layer) of the dermis.
Presumably, ink particles are moved into the deeper dermis over time due to the action of mobile phagocytic cells (think immune cells), causing the tattoo to look bluish, faded and blurry. Examination of older tattoos (e.g. 40 years) shows that the ink is in the deep dermis, and also found in local lymph nodes.
Surgeons doing biopsies have noted that nearby lymph nodes are sometimes stained with tattoo ink that has been absorbed and then carried off by immune cells. It's possible that, if ferrous particles are present, the migrated ink can affect the appearance of a lymph node in an X-ray.
Researchers from the University of Alabama found that people who have extensive tattoos appear to have a higher amount of immune cells, such as antibodies, in their blood. They then concluded that frequent tattooing could act as training for the immune system.
The particles of ink injected into the skin can travel through your lymphatic system and into the bloodstream. Not all of the ink particles make their way here, but enough to cause some concern. Some of the ink that finds its way into your bloodstream is broken down by the immune system.
It's unknown exactly how long it takes for all of the ink particles to be removed from the body, but it is thought to be a process that could take years. In the meantime, the ink particles that do circulate through the body are believed to be harmless.
Q: Are tattoos bad for your liver? A: Tattoo ink may get accumulated in the liver and kidneys over a prolonged period of time but as such does not directly affect the liver. Indirectly, tattoos may cause severe liver damage due to hepatitis infection.
This “tattoo flu” is pretty common and should fade into memory in a few days (unlike your new tattoo). Your body's immune system is making you feel wiped out while it attacks potential threats to your bod. Be on the lookout for a mild fever, chills, fatigue, and some tummy discomfort.
When it comes to cancer, black ink can be especially dangerous because it contains a very high level of benzo(a)pyrene. Benzo(a)pyrene is currently listed as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
However, tattoo complications can occur, such as allergic tattoo reactions, infections, and manifestations of autoimmune dermatoses.
Older tattoos may be raised due to scar tissue
Thicker lines, and more pressure applied during tattooing, can cause some scarring. It's nothing to be concerned about, but it can sometimes raise up, and this is generally caused by changes in body temperature or weather conditions, as well as general health.
Improves One's Self-Esteem
People who feel good about themselves are more likely to want to express themselves through their appearance, and tattoos are a popular way to do that. For many people, getting a tattoo is a way to show the world that they are confident and proud of who they are.
The side effect is that the lymph nodes take on the same color as your tattoo. There is also some evidence to suggest that tattoo ink particles can travel through the blood and become lodged in the liver.
The ink is trapped underneath, in the top layer of the dermis, which is where it will stay. This depth allows the tattoo to stay permanent, while also allowing bodily functions like hair growth and sweat to continue. The depth a tattoo needle goes to is very precise and important!
The constant needle pricks can be physically draining for the body. As a result, the body can go into “fight or flight” mode and release adrenaline, which can cause feelings of fatigue and exhaustion. This adrenaline rush is a natural response to stress and pain, and it can have a significant impact on the body.
It also important that you eat healthier foods, especially the kind that help boost your immune system, such a garlic, ginger, spinach, yogurt, and naturally fermented foods. You might also want to reconsider your tattoo removal start date if you feel like you are getting sick.
Additionally, tattoos are known to have cosmetic benefits such as improving physical appearance and increasing self-confidence. But recent studies have also found other surprising health benefits such as stress reduction and improved athletic performance.
Tattoo pigment can precipitate many inflammatory states. The skin is the most common site of inflammation, but tattoo ink can become disseminated and cause systemic inflammation. Granulomatous reactions are a rare type of tattoo reaction, often caused by black tattoo ink, and are challenging to manage.
Some people think about having a tattoo on their arm on the side of their surgery. It is not known if this increases the risk of developing lymphoedema. However, you may be more at risk of developing lymphoedema if you get an infection following your tattoo.
In addition, lymph nodes containing the various metal oxides in tattoo pigment can appear as hyperdense and mimic calcifications [12].