Tattoo epidemic?

The following are some of the results from The Harris Poll of 2,225 American adults surveyed online October 14-19, 2015 regarding Americans and tattoos.

• Tattoos are especially prevalent among younger Americans,
• Nearly half of Millennials (47%) have at least one,
• More than a third of GenXers (36%) are relieved to have at least one,
• Only 13% of Baby Boomers claim to have tattoos,
• Barely ten percent of matures are “inked,” and
• Millennials and GenXers are also exponentially more likely than their older counterparts to have multiple tattoos.

Geographically, rural people are just as likely as city dwellers to get tattooed, but suburbanites don’t share the same level of enthusiasm for the art form. However, suburban parents are apparently influenced by their children, as suburban adults with children are twice as likely as those without children to have at least one tattoo. Neither major political party seems to be more in favor of personal beautification than the other.

With tattoos on the rise, regrets have also increased. Regrets relate to the sometimes poor quality of the artwork, how the look and feel suits subsequent lifestyles and interests, and how the content, including the names of people, places, and events, is often best left alone. last. Of greater importance is the recognition that some diffuse past tattoo work may affect current social and financial opportunities and contribute to adverse health effects.

In the United States, we need to continue to study and publicly publish Chemical Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) related to inks commonly used in the tattoo industry. To produce tattoos, artists inject dye-filled needles into the dermis at speeds of up to 3,000 times per minute. Recipients should be aware that tattoo inks are placed in the dermal layer of the skin, not the already dead epidermis. Therefore, the inks are deposited in well-vascularized tissues, as evidenced by the minor bleeding that often occurs during their application. This also suggests that the application of these chemicals is not only local, but is subject to circulatory disbursement and related acute and chronic effects. Some ink materials that enter the microvasculature are deposited distally in the lymph nodes and liver as the body attempts to rid itself of foreign substances. Locally, tattoos produce permanent, even if unmeasured, microscopic scarring in surrounding tissues, particularly in dense areas of sweat glands. Therefore, the greater the surface area worked, the greater the potential for dysfunctional perspiration and overheating effects. Some people also experience infections due to suboptimal tattoo needle cleanliness and/or their own less than stellar personal hygiene while recovering from procedures.

Recipients volunteer for these procedures, and thus could be considered somewhat masochistic, as tattoos always cause injury. However, they deserve no more adverse labeling than people who consume too many calories, smoke, drink, or engage in the misuse of pharmaceuticals or any other unhealthy practice. Unfortunately, in addition to acquiring the initial or subsequent new tattoos, many tattoo enthusiasts have their art re-inked (to fade) or altered, constantly increasing their overall exposure. Tattoos are deeper than skin, and love (for them) should not be blind. Given the associated adverse health effects, is this a tattoo epidemic?