Most nations have no set standards for the safety of dyes used in body art. Carbon black, metal salts and other compounds more commonly used in printing or car paint are among those used. Heavy metals and other toxic chemicals in these pigments can seep into the lymph system causing damage to underlying tissue layers.
Dr. Kunin - a practiceing Dermatoligist offers the following warning on traditional metallic based dyes.
"The vast majority of tattoo pigments are derived from metals, which makes them a potential source for developing a skin reaction. Some pigments do have non-metallic options for those who have concerns or a past history of allergic reactions to these compounds.
Red is the color most commonly associated with reactions within a tattoo. Mercury is the base metal in red tattoo dye, and may be known by the names mercury sulphide, cinnabar, vermillion and red cinnabar.
Reactions within the tattoo may be eczematous or granulomatous. These reactions are often seen several years from the time the tattoo is placed and may be associated with exposure to cross reactants. These include such chemicals as thimerasol (a widely used preservative), mercurochrome and some vaccines that also contain thimerasol. For those with known thimerasol allergies who are set upon having red within their tattoos, there are a variety of non-metallic pigments that lend a red color to the skin such as carmine (derived from dried insect carcasses) and scarlet lake, sandalwood and brazilwood which are organic red pigments.
Another option, cadmium red is related to the metal family and may have potential reactivity and cadmium sulfide may be a byproduct within some red dyes which may result in a phototoxic swelling of the area when exposed to light.
Yellow is achieved from the use of Cadmium and is a common cause of reactions within tattoos. Not only may cadmium produce local or generalized eczematous reactions; it has also been associated with phototoxic reactions when exposed to light. Cadmium sulfide is the most common material used in yellow tattoo ink.
Blue dyes are derived from a variety of Cobalt salts and is notorious for deep granulomas as well as causing localized hypersensitivity reactions and a few reported cases of uveitis (an inflammation of the eyes). Light blue colors are also derived from cobalt and may again cause granulomas. Watch for the names cobalt blue and cobaltous aluminate that are terms for this blue pigment.
Green comes from Chromium and is a common cause of eczematous reactions both within the tattoo, as well as generalized eczematous reactions on the body. Chromium oxide has a variety of names including Chrome green, Casalic green and Guignet’s green. These variations while mixed in different suspensions may all cause such significant and long term itching and other eczematous reactions that complete removal of the tattoo may be required. The allergic reaction may arise several years after the tattoo has been placed. Other shades of green such as emerald green are formed from another type of chromium salt called chromium sesquioxide (aka veridan) or copper salt derivatives.
Purple is derived from the metal Manganese which may cause the formation of tattoo granulomas.
Violet again comes from Manganese and may also result in granulomas.
Brown dye may be formed via the use of either Venetian Red which is derived from Ferric Oxide or from Cadmium salts, associated with phototoxic swelling upon exposure to sunlight.
White tattoos are achieved usually from titanium or zinc oxide or from the use of lead carbonates. These may have the potential to contain metallic derivatives.
New trendy colors I have seen in tattoos such as “hot” turquoise, pink, coral, etc. may also be potential allergens, depending upon the compounds mixed to achieve these colors. I have seen patients who are allergic to fluoroscene used to give some highlighter colors a neon appearance and this may also be used in some tattoo dyes, so take this into account as well. Should you have a past history of a tattoo reaction, make sure you discuss the chemical make-up of the specific dye your artist uses before you go ahead with your tattoo. There may be other pigment options available to you.
Since most tattoo inks contain metal, MRI exams may cause tattoos to have a burning or stinging sensation. Redness may even occur. This should be temporary and the presence of a tattoo is not a contraindication to having an MRI.
The following are problems that may be seen later on with tattoos, even years down the road:
* Lichenoid (small bumps or papules of reactive tissue)
* Sarcoidal granulomas (firm balls of reactive tissue beneath the surface of the skin)
* Scaling
* Itching
* Swelling (often due to a photosensitive/phototoxic reaction)
* Ulceration (the formation of a sore)
* Delayed hypersensitivity (a reaction separated by a significant period of time from getting the tattoo, also referred to within the trade as the red reaction)
* Lymphocytoma Cutis (a skin reaction that mimics lymphoma of the skin and has been associated with tattoos in addition to other causes such as insect bites, some drugs and allergy shots).
Large, raised scars may develop known as keloids. Tattooing is not recommended to known keloid formers. Keloids while not easily removable may be improved or flattened with the use of topical or preferably injectable steroids directly into the keloid. This may need to be done on an interval basis to keep them flat. Medical insurance does not tend to cover this as scars usually fall into the “cosmetic” category on policies. Topical steroid creams/ointments/tape may help, but do not tend to be as effective for keloids.
Granulomas are one of the most commonly reported problems with an allergic reaction to typically a specific tattoo ink. So you may find that anywhere a red pigment (derived from Mercury, for instance) was applied, there will be a firm, localized swelling of that portion of the tattoo. These may be single granulomas consisting of the entire color area or multiple tiny granulomas within the affected color region. Granulomas are difficult to treat. Usually the use of topical or injectable steroids will be attempted. If this fails, removal of the tattoo may be required for aesthetic reasons.
Delayed hypersensitivity is a condition in which several years out from the tattoo, suddenly local itching, scaling, and even redness or swelling may arise within a tattoo. This may be dye color specific or generalized within the tattoo.
Sun Sensitivity
Photosensitivity or phototoxicity basically results from a reaction between the sun and the tattoo dye. Photosensitive reactions mean that this is an allergic reaction, resulting in allergic types of symptoms. In phototoxic reactions, the blend of sun exposure with the chemical or dye in question results in sunburn of the area. Photosensitive reactions may also result in local swelling, itching, scaling, redness, etc. This is most commonly associated with Yellow (Cadmium) tattoo dye. "
Source (http://www.dermadoctor.com/pages/newsletter113.asp?AID=1067)
Developed with consumer safety in mind, Purata inks aim to decrease the harm and danger associated with traditional metallic based tattoo dyes and ink compounds.
Purata features
- Organic based dye structures
- Water based dye carrier
- Safer modulated dye delivery system.
- Free of metallic based elements and structures
Purata is currently available only in test samples in Japan.
Expected commercial release in late 2008.