- Sun exposure in summer increases the risk of thermal burns on tattooed skin.
- Black henna tattoos can cause lifelong allergies that prevent the use of hair dyes.
- European legislation strictly regulates colored inks due to possible toxic and allergenic effects.
- It is essential to maintain extreme hygiene and protection of the tattooed area, especially in the sun.
In recent years, tattoos have become an increasingly common practice among people of all ages, genders, and walks of life. Beyond their aesthetic or symbolic value, experts insist on the importance of knowing the possible health risks associated with ink on the skin, especially when temperatures rise and sun exposure is more intense.
One of the main warnings comes from Dr. Pablo Ortiz, head of the Dermatology Service of the 12 de Octubre HospitalCoinciding with the celebration of International Tattoo Day, Ortiz highlights the need to Protect tattoos from the sun with clothing or other materials that prevent direct radiationAccording to the specialist, "sunscreens, although useful, only filter out a portion of ultraviolet radiation and are not sufficient to prevent problems with tattooed skin."
Sun exposure: risk of thermal burns on tattoos
Tattooed skin, especially when intense colors are used, absorbs more heat than uninked skinThis can cause a little-known phenomenon: thermal burnsUnlike regular sunburns, which are caused by ultraviolet radiation, these burns are caused by the accumulated heat in the tattooed area, resulting in redness, blisters, and even more serious injuries in the most extreme cases.
"The color of tattoos acts as a kind of heat receptor, accumulating heat more intensely and promoting the development of burns," warns Ortiz. The recommendation is clear: Avoid direct sunlight on tattoos as much as possible, using opaque clothing, long sleeves, dense fabrics or any other physical covering system when spending time outdoors.
The conventional sunscreens They filter ultraviolet radiation, but do not prevent heating due to visible light and infrared radiation, which is responsible for this type of thermal injury. Therefore, protection with clothing or materials that completely block sunlight are essential, especially in the days following a tattoo, when the skin is more sensitive.
Dangers of black henna tattoos
A separate chapter is deserved by the temporary tattoos made with black henna, especially popular during the summer on beaches and at street markets. Although they may seem harmless due to their ephemeral nature, the truth is that in most cases they are made from a chemical dye—paraphenylenediamine (PPD)—used in hair dyes, and not from natural henna.
This compound has a high allergenic potentialAccording to Dr. Ortiz: "Many patients who get black henna tattoos develop a lifelong allergy." This type of allergic reaction not only causes immediate discomfort, but also leads to the permanent inability to use hair dyes, since the body reacts adversely to the chemical component common to both products.
Experts warn that cases of allergic contact dermatitis For this reason, they have grown in very young people, who years later discover that they cannot resort to hair dyes. Therefore, dermatologists insist on the need avoid black henna tattoos altogether, especially in the summer or in environments where there are no guarantees regarding the composition or hygiene of the products used.
Regulation and risks of colored tattoo inks
Color in tattoos remains a topic of debate and health regulation. European Union regulations, specifically the REACH Regulation, have banned thousands of substances traditionally used in tattoos. manufacturing of tattoo inks, due to their carcinogenic, toxic, or allergenic potential. Pigments such as Blue 15 and Green 7 are expressly prohibited, and most countries require robust technical documentation to approve new products.
In Spain, the authority responsible for ensuring the safety of these products is the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS), which applies even stricter controls than other member states. For now, no colored ink has received state approval, and tattoo studios can only use products with a valid registration number and specific labeling. Unauthorized inks may result in penalties and, more importantly, they pose a risk to the user's health.
Among the problems associated with the use of colored inks are, in addition to chronic allergic reactions, the decomposition into toxic compounds when the ink is exposed to intense light sources (such as laser tattoo removal), as well as the possible migration of pigments to the lymph nodes. It should also not be forgotten that poor sterilization can facilitate contamination with bacteria, fungi, or even viruses.
Keys to hygiene and safety when performing and caring for a tattoo
To minimize the risks associated with tattoos, both in its application and in subsequent care, it is vital to follow a series of hygiene recommendations:
- Ensure that the studio you choose has the appropriate authorizations and employs staff trained in health and safety.
- Verify that inks used are registered and labeled according to regulations, with ingredients, batch number and health registration.
- Require that needles and other materials be single-use and that the entire process be carried out with gloves and a mask.
- Take extreme care after the tattoo., avoiding direct exposure to the sun, keeping the area clean and following the professional's instructions.
