Tattoos are temporary or permanent marking on the skin for the purpose of beatification, socio-cultural reason, religion, record keeping as well as identification of a particular set of people.
Most people place their Tattoos mostly on the arm, face, back, chest, abdomen amongst others.
According to a dermatologist at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital Osogbo, Dr. Oiwoh, he described tattoo as a deliberate self-harm.
He added that the process of tattooing involves the use of sharp objects that penetrate through the skin severely. But he expressed concern that these sharp objects are no longer sterilized as they should.
According to him, anyone who has just drawn a tattoo has a potential infection risk and so, they are prevented from donating blood for 12 months.
Dr. Oiwoh continued further to say that the complication of tattoos vary from immediately after the procedure to long term complications.
- * Immediately after tattooing, there is a local traumatic response with pain
- * Some swellings possible formation of a scar.
- * Infection could be found after the procedure like pyogenic infection, skin infection, Hepatitis, HIV, molluscum and so on.
- * The skin can also react to the component of the ink, especially red pigment cinnabar, cobalt, chrome, manganese, and aluminium.
Treatment
Accorrding to the dermatologist, the treatment may involve a long process like skin grafting, which involves transplant of skin tissues.