Structure of the Skin
During tattooing, ink is injected into the dermis.
The dermis contains many blood vessels, as well as sweat glands, sebaceous glands, hair follicles, and hair roots.
Because of these complex structures, it is also a layer where inflammation can easily occur.
Possible Inflammatory Reactions
1. Local Inflammatory Reaction
This refers to localized inflammation or infection at the site where the skin is wounded and foreign substances (ink) are injected.
In this case, pain rather than itching is common, and pus may appear after 2–3 days.
Antibiotic treatment is essential, and if appropriate care is not given promptly, scarring or even systemic infection may develop.
2. Infection
Since tattooing involves penetration into the dermis, there is always a risk of infection.
Although the probability of infection is not high, the potential complications can be serious and must be carefully considered.
It is advisable to check the client’s medical history for conditions such as hepatitis or HIV/AIDS prior to the procedure, as the tattooist may also be at risk.
Minor illnesses like the common cold are not major issues, but clients should be advised to wait until they are fully recovered, as their immune system may be more vulnerable to allergic or inflammatory responses after tattooing.
Bloodborne viruses such as HIV, HCV, and HBV are easily transmitted through blood and can cause life-threatening complications. Therefore, the use of disposable needles is absolutely mandatory.
3. Allergic Reaction
Allergic responses may occur due to the ink used or the physical injury caused by the needle.
Symptoms such as redness, itching, and swelling can appear immediately after the procedure and persist.
Allergic reactions may not only be localized but also systemic, such as airway constriction.
If severe itching and swelling (e.g., lips, eyes) occur, immediate medical attention is required.
Individuals prone to dermatographism (skin writing reaction) or other physical allergies may experience stronger redness, swelling, and itching at the tattoo site compared to others.
In such cases, 2–3 days of medical allergy treatment usually leads to rapid improvement.
However, if a severe allergic reaction to the ink occurs, the ink must be removed.
4. Scarring
Individuals who develop inflammation or allergic reactions may be left with scars in the tattooed area.
Clients must be informed about this risk beforehand.
Only appropriate medical treatment at the time of inflammation or allergic reaction can minimize scarring.
Precautions Before Tattoo Procedures
1. Disinfection Before Tattooing
Tattooing involves creating wounds in the dermis to inject ink, making it an invasive procedure.
Therefore, hospital-level disinfection is essential.
Disinfectants such as Betadine or alcohol act as sterilizers by evaporating after being applied to the skin.
It is important not to wipe them off immediately; instead, allow them to dry naturally for about 3–4 minutes before beginning the procedure.
2. Use of Disposable Needles
If a needle is contaminated, it can cause localized skin inflammation.
The greater risk, however, lies in reusing a needle on another client after tattooing someone with HIV/AIDS or hepatitis viruses (such as HCV).
This can transmit serious diseases to others.
Additionally, if the tattooist is pricked by a used needle, they are also exposed to the same risks.
For this reason, the exclusive use and proper disposal of disposable needles is absolutely essential.
