Tattoos are associated with an increased risk of infectious lesions
Last reviewed: 07.06.2024
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Statistically, many cases of systemic microbial infection are associated with tattoos. Such complications can be avoided by following proper hygiene during the procedure.
The process of tattooing is quite painful: it involves the introduction of a special dye into the subcutaneous space. Ignoring the norms of hygiene when drawing can provoke the development of serious complications, including immune and inflammatory reactions, infectious lesions and skin defects, dermatoses. About 20% of people complain of some kind of uncomfortable sensations after tattooing, and in 1-6% of cases we are talking about the development of infectious complications.
Specialists have analyzed the frequency of unwanted consequences and identified the most frequent infectious agents that cause complex systemic reactions after an improperly performed tattoo procedure.
The researchers took into account the results of 17 expert works. Thus, in India, a number of cases of infection with bacillus acid-fast bacillus leprae, as well as lesions with nontuberculous mycobacteria provoking enlargement of lymph nodes were found. Mycobacteria chelonae, absceccus, and haemophilum were the most common. During eyebrow tattooing, such pathogens in 50% of patients caused the development of an inflammatory process, which eventually required parotidectomy - resection of the parotid gland.
There have also been reports of septic shock due to various pathogenic conditions, in particular necrotizing fasciitis. The development of septic shock in most cases was due to infection with festering microorganisms: the process formed during 10-14 days after the tattooing procedure. One person died of complications.
Another report is related to the development of bacterial toxic shock syndrome. The problem was caused by the application of traditional Samoan tattoos or when the procedure was performed in unsanitary conditions.
The incidence of infective endocarditis has increased in young men. The pathology presented with fever, respiratory or systemic embolic complications without local symptoms. Risk factors such as valve defects were present in half of these cases. Some clients were found to have dermatophytosis.
However, as researchers have noted, fatalities related to improper tattooing procedures are rare. Only one fatality has been reported in the last decade. However, it is impossible not to mention possible viral lesions. Thus, some reports contain information about the infection of clients with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), viral hepatitis.
Specialists draw attention to the need to carefully follow the rules of hygiene and sanitation when applying tattoos. In no case should not carry out the procedure in dubious establishments that do not have the appropriate conditions.
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