Tattoo has contraindication for individuals who have allergy to pigments used or have already had some skin disease (such as psoriasis and vitiligo). Tattooing is also contraindicated during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
The greatest risks of getting a tattoo are linked to local skin or systemic infections that involve the whole organism. Hypersensitivity to the skin or allergic reaction is common associated with the pigments that are used to color the tattoo. Although the effects between tattooing and cancer are not well established, some pigments and metals (mercury, cobalt, chromium, cadmium, manganese) have been linked to the possibility of causing cancer in the long term.
The use of contaminated needles and / or paints increases the possibility of contamination by the AIDS virus and hepatitis B and C. If the material is not well sterilized and the site or tattoo artist does not strictly follow hygienic conditions, there is a risk of skin infections caused by viruses, fungi or bacteria, allergies, abscess, erysipelas and even a generalized infection in the most severe cases. Paints can also be toxic and highly allergenic.
Tattooed people may feel a greater pain and local burning sensation while performing MRI.
In the case of pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding, the tattoo is not indicated to avoid that, in the event of contamination, the fetus or baby is not infected.
Before getting a tattoo, it is important to gather information about the sites and visit them, to make sure that the tattoo artists use disposable materials, to check how they sterilize these materials and to always work with gloves. In addition, it is essential to verify that the inks and equipment are approved by Anvisa on the label.
