Much like an effective vaccine, it's a challenge to our immune system, with the goal of making it stronger. People with more tattoos appear to have higher levels of immune molecules, including antibodies.
Research has proven that multiple tattoos boosts the immune system. When the tattoo ink enters the body, the immune system attacks the ink. Each time that person goes for a new tattoo, the more their body undergoes that same process again and again, improving the immune system each time.
Know the risks
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.
Sarcoidosis, an autoimmune disease that can affect the skin and other organs, sometimes first appears with bumps at the site of a tattoo, she says. Infections are more common within the first couple of days or weeks of getting a tattoo, Dr.
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.
Because the cells cannot break down the particles, they become lodged there. 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.
Tattoo colorants also have by-products and impurities which can contribute to inflammatory states and hypersensitivity reactions.
The immune system may actually be slightly weakened following a new tattoo, potentially putting the body "at a disadvantage if a new tattoo ends up inflamed, infected, or triggering allergies," Wu writes.
If you have a medical problem such as heart disease, allergies, diabetes, skin problems like eczema or psoriasis, a weak immune system, or a bleeding problem, talk to your doctor before getting a tattoo. Also, if you get keloids (an overgrowth of scar tissue) you probably should not get a tattoo.
The research by three scholars from the University of Alabama said that people with multiple tattoos can build up a better immune system. Although, Sciencedaily reported that receiving a single tattoo can, at least temporarily, lower your resistance, says Dr. Christopher Lynn, UA associate professor of anthropology.
Some ink particles migrate through the lymphatic system and the bloodstream and are delivered to the lymph nodes. Research on mice suggests some particles of ink may also end up in the liver. To be clear, most of the tattoo pigment stays put after a person gets a tattoo.
Basically treat this sickness as if it is a regular flu. Your symptoms should pass in a day or two as your body's immune system calms down and gets to the proper work of healing the actual tattoo on your skin.
Still, the chance of tattoo ink causing health care issues is very, very low. Under 7% of people experience issues long-term. If you are worried about an allergy or other issue, it's best to talk to your doctor about your potential for health effects, your tattoo artist, and to try a skin test.
For many people, getting a tattoo is a way to show the world that they are confident and proud of who they are. For instance, people who have gone through a tough time in their lives often get tattoos as a way to show that they are survivors.
Self-Expression And Identity
One of the most common motivations for getting a tattoo is self-expression. Tattoos can be a way for individuals to showcase their personalities, beliefs, and values. For example, a person may get a tattoo of their favourite quote or symbol that holds personal meaning.
Some tattoos will not harm a person's profession. Indeed, many tattooed persons consider their tattoos significantly related to their career choice. A tattoo doesn't make you less eligible for a job than those without one. A tattoo doesn't make someone an evil or harmful individual.
Illness: If you are currently suffering from a contagious illness or have a weakened immune system, it is best to avoid getting a tattoo until you have fully recovered. This can help prevent the spread of illness and reduce the risk of infection.
Safety concerns: Tattooing and piercing break the skin and may cause bleeding. They cause open wounds and infection is possible. Infections at the site may cause permanent deformity, scarring, severe illness and even death.
The body's natural response to pain is to release endorphins, which can provide temporary pain relief. However, endorphins can also cause feelings of tiredness and drowsiness, which can make you feel even more fatigued after the tattoo process.
So although tattoo ink travelling to your lymph nodes does not lead to any known health complications, they aren't completely without risk. To make sure all goes well, use a reputable tattoo artist, get references from other clients, and check that they use disposable needles and unopened ink to prevent infections.
The outer layers of your skin will heal in about two to four weeks, while the deeper layers where the ink sits will take about 4 months to heal.
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.
Heavy Metals
As such, tattoo inks could be the greatest cause of potential risk to your liver's health. This is because, without standards, cheap inks can contain contaminants, heavy metals, and hazardous ingredients. Some of these dangerous ingredients include but are not limited to: Formaldehyde.