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Tattoo troubles 'common', survey suggests Tattoo troubles 'common', survey suggests
(about 11 hours later)
Troublesome skin reactions after getting tattoos are "relatively common", a small study from the United States suggests.Troublesome skin reactions after getting tattoos are "relatively common", a small study from the United States suggests.
Writing in the journal Contact Dermatitis, researchers asked 300 people if they had any unwanted side effects after getting inked.Writing in the journal Contact Dermatitis, researchers asked 300 people if they had any unwanted side effects after getting inked.
Ten per cent reported symptoms such as itching, pain and scarring. Some lasted longer than four months.Ten per cent reported symptoms such as itching, pain and scarring. Some lasted longer than four months.
Scientists are calling for monitoring to see how widespread the problem is.Scientists are calling for monitoring to see how widespread the problem is.
'Risky inks''Risky inks'
Researchers asked passers-by in New York's Central Park to complete surveys about their tattoos.Researchers asked passers-by in New York's Central Park to complete surveys about their tattoos.
They were asked if they had ever experienced an adverse reaction - any symptom that differed from what they considered a normal part of tattooing or healing.They were asked if they had ever experienced an adverse reaction - any symptom that differed from what they considered a normal part of tattooing or healing.
Examples included redness, skin infections, allergies, sensitivity to the sun and prolonged scabbing.Examples included redness, skin infections, allergies, sensitivity to the sun and prolonged scabbing.
And in 18 cases the symptoms lasted for more than four months.And in 18 cases the symptoms lasted for more than four months.
Researcher Prof Marie Leger from New York University, said: "I'm not against tattooing.Researcher Prof Marie Leger from New York University, said: "I'm not against tattooing.
"The majority of people had no problems but it is important to be aware these issues can occur."The majority of people had no problems but it is important to be aware these issues can occur.
"There are lots of different things that can go wrong - from unregulated contents in ink, to hygiene levels at the tattoo parlour."There are lots of different things that can go wrong - from unregulated contents in ink, to hygiene levels at the tattoo parlour.
"And in many cases no one is at fault. It is the body's immune reaction to the process.""And in many cases no one is at fault. It is the body's immune reaction to the process."
Now researchers are calling for more studies to understand how frequent these reactions are and exactly why they occur.Now researchers are calling for more studies to understand how frequent these reactions are and exactly why they occur.
Surveys in Europe suggest the number of people affected could be even higher.Surveys in Europe suggest the number of people affected could be even higher.
But most countries, including England, do not have national reporting systems.But most countries, including England, do not have national reporting systems.
In some parts of the UK businesses have to apply for licences from their local authorities before they can offer tattoos.In some parts of the UK businesses have to apply for licences from their local authorities before they can offer tattoos.
But there are no nationally enforced standards or mandatory courses for artists.But there are no nationally enforced standards or mandatory courses for artists.
NHS advice suggests people should check whether their studio has a licence, and that the premises is clean and well-maintained.NHS advice suggests people should check whether their studio has a licence, and that the premises is clean and well-maintained.
They should also make sure gloves are used and the instruments are sterile.They should also make sure gloves are used and the instruments are sterile.
Contaminated needles, for example, can carry the risk of passing on infections such as Hepatitis B.Contaminated needles, for example, can carry the risk of passing on infections such as Hepatitis B.
The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health has worked with Public Health England to produce guidelines for businesses and local authorities.The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health has worked with Public Health England to produce guidelines for businesses and local authorities.
Rick Stevens, president of the Tattoo and Piercing Industry Union, said: "Ideally accident and emergency departments would be able to report any bad reactions to local authorities and trace where they happened.
"But without an official tracing system some complications aren't being picked up properly.
"And there is a growing problem with unlicensed studios that operate underground.
"We would like to see an England-wide licence system so there are national standards in place for artists."