The Demographics and Rates of Tattoo Complications, Regret, and Unsafe Tattooing Practices

Liszewski, Walter; Kream, Elizabeth; Helland, Sarah; Cavigli, Amy; Lavin, Bridget; Murina, Andrea

doi:10.1097/dss.0000000000000500

Cited by 35 publications

(44 citation statements)

References 17 publications

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“…Despite this distinction, the Add Health survey asks only a single question in this area—whether the respondent has a permanent tattoo. Convenience samples are pervasive in the tattoo literature (e.g., 998 university students in King and Vidourek, 551 people walking through New Orleans).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Are tattoos associated with negative health‐related outcomes and risky behaviors?

2019

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Background Tattoos have reached broadening mainstream acceptance. Medical professional societies have noted that tattoos may co‐occur with high risk behaviors. Methods Using a variety of statistical models applied to a sample of 2,008 adults residing in the United States via Amazon's Mechanical Turk, we estimate the associations between tattoo characteristics, three health‐related outcomes (overall health status, ever diagnosed with a mental health issue, sleep problems), and three risky behaviors (current smoking, ever spent time in jail or prison, and number of sex partners). Results We find that the presence, number, and specific features of tattoos are positively correlated with two of the health‐related outcomes (ever diagnosed with a mental health issue and trouble sleeping) and all three of the risky behaviors (P < .05). Magnitudes are larger for those with multiple, visible, and offensive tattoos. Conclusions Our results suggest that individuals with tattoos are more likely to engage in risky behaviors relative to their non‐tattooed counterparts, which may lead to health consequences. Dermatologists, healthcare providers, and public health advocates should recognize that having a tattoo(s) is a potential marker for mental health issues and risky behaviors.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Are tattoos associated with negative health‐related outcomes and risky behaviors?

2019

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“…Not all tattoos have deep symbolic meaning . Some are obtained on a whim or a dare or while the person obtaining the tattoo is inebriated or otherwise impaired . Some images are chosen simply as a pleasing design, although even these reflect individual aesthetic and cultural values.…”

Section: Psychosocial Considerationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Regret is a common complication of tattooing . Up to 50% of individuals with a tattoo develop reservations about their art, and more than 20% desire removal but are inhibited by cost and potential side effects .…”

Section: Tattoo Techniquementioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although infectious complications are declining with regulation and professionalization of tattoo practice, concerns about allergic reactions and long‐term potential for harm from unregulated tattoo ink ingredients are growing . When complications of tattooing occur, individuals most frequently return to their tattoo artist for minor problems or visit emergency rooms for more compelling issues . Midwives and other clinicians commonly provide health care for individuals who have or are considering tattoos, yet tattoos as a health‐related concern are rarely addressed during health care visits.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Women and Tattoos: Fashion, Meaning, and Implications for Health

Farley¹,

Hoover²,

Rademeyer³

2019

J Midwife Womens Health

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Tattooing is a type of body modification that is both ancient and modern. Tattooing is rapidly increasing in popularity and prevalence, especially among younger people. Therefore, health care providers require knowledge about this form of artistic expression, including potential health implications and psychosocial significance. Tattooing is richly laden with cultural and personal meaning, but despite the increasingly mainstream status of this art form, individuals with tattoos may experience stigma, stereotyping, and discrimination in their personal and professional lives. The legal and regulatory aspects of tattoos have lagged behind the rapid growth of this art form, causing confusion and variation in practice. Particularly concerning is the multitude of largely unregulated tattoo inks marketed for human use but untested on humans. Common and uncommon side effects and complications of this procedure include hypersensitivity, infection, and regret. More women than men are now tattooed, and tattooing is associated with important implications for women's health care, including pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Because of the frequency of regret, many individuals wish to be rid of previously acquired body art. Therefore, health care providers also need to be conversant with tattoo removal: motivations, techniques, risks, and factors influencing success. Familiarity with the many dimensions of body art will facilitate safe, compassionate health care provision and will enhance the therapeutic relationship enjoyed by clinicians and the individuals they serve.

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“…Instead, people with tattoo-related complications often seek help from tattoo artists. A recent survey showed that approximately 93% of tattooed individuals perceived tattooists as either ‘knowledgeable' or ‘very knowledgeable' about tattoo-related infections and allergies [8]. A study of tattooed adolescents reported that teens prefer to seek tattoo-related medical advice from commercial tattoo artists rather than physicians [9].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Skin Care in the Tattoo Parlor: A Survey of Tattoo Artists in New York City

Rosenbaum¹,

Milam²,

Seo³

et al. 2016

Dermatology

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To understand the role that tattooists play in providing skin care advice, we conducted an online, survey-based study of 90 licensed tattooists in New York City. The survey asked tattooists about their exposure to adverse tattoo events, advising on tattoo removal/correction, behaviors regarding preexisting skin conditions and aftercare, confidence in addressing client questions about adverse events and preexisting conditions, and prior training about skin conditions related to tattoos. Most tattooists (92.8%) reported being asked by clients to evaluate adverse tattoo reactions, 85% were asked about tattoo removal, and 90% were asked about the safety of getting a tattoo with a preexisting skin condition. About half (56.1%) had received training about skin conditions related to tattoos. Tattooists with prior training reported higher rates of optimal skin care behaviors and higher confidence with tattoo-related skin conditions; 91.4% reported interest in skin care education. Tattooists play a major role in the skin health of their clients. Providing education for tattooists may improve skin care in populations less likely to see a dermatologist.

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The Demographics and Rates of Tattoo Complications, Regret, and Unsafe Tattooing Practices

Abstract: Given the rates of pruritic tattoos and tattoo regret, there is an opportunity, and trust among people with tattoos, for dermatologists to manage these complications.

Cited by 35 publications

References 17 publications

Are tattoos associated with negative health‐related outcomes and risky behaviors?

Are tattoos associated with negative health‐related outcomes and risky behaviors?

Women and Tattoos: Fashion, Meaning, and Implications for Health

Skin Care in the Tattoo Parlor: A Survey of Tattoo Artists in New York City

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