Tattoos have long since ceased to be reserved for criminals, sailors, or urban gangs, and have begun to gain popularity among the masses. Now anyone can get one, whether they are young, old, of any faith or wherever they live, because it is a global trend.
Although there are still people who consider that having tattoos gives a bad image, the truth is that it is becoming more and more accepted. When before they said that with tattoos it was impossible to get a job, today it is something rare (although unfortunately there are still places that do not allow it).
Tattoos can even be used to remember a loved one, to express love between siblings, and even to detect health problems!
However, there is still a lot of dubious information circulating around the subject. Some ideas are based on reality, and many are just myths.
Here we show you 7 statements that are commonly said about tattoos, and we tell you if they are true or false (and why):
1. You cannot donate blood while tattooed: FALSE
It is not true that people with tattoos cannot donate blood. In reality, it must only have been a few months since you last got a tattoo (the number of which depends on the country you reside in).
This waiting time from the time the tattoo is done until you can donate blood usually ranges from 4 to 12 months, and has to do with a health check.
Although hygiene and neatness when making tattoos is increasing, the possibility that there has been a contagion of a disease due to the use of poorly sterilized material cannot be neglected.
That is why it is necessary to go through the so-called “window period”, that is, the time that a virus can be in our body without being detected. After that time, if no disease such as HIV or Hepatitis is detected, the possibility of contagion is ruled out and the tattooed person can donate blood normally.
2. It is not advisable to get a tattoo during pregnancy: TRUE
According to different studies, it is not advisable to get a tattoo during the months of pregnancy. This is because, although the percentage is slight, there is the possibility of contracting diseases that put the baby’s health at risk.
However, there is no problem with a woman getting a tattoo before or after getting pregnant.
What doctors do recommend is that those women who think about having children do not tattoo their lower back. The reason is that, at the time of delivery, epidural anesthesia cannot be used if the needle has to go through the tattooed area.
3. The tattooed cannot have magnetic resonances: FALSE, although…
Today’s inks do not contain metal, as they did more than two decades ago. So currently, having tattoos is not a contraindication of any kind to get an MRI.
However, for those who have been tattooed a long time ago, or if for some reason the tattoo was made with ink that contains metal, it can cause complications.
It does not mean that the study cannot be done: but they may feel pain, burning or itching in the tattooed area.
4. Tattoos cannot be erased: FALSE
Technology is advancing more and more, and tattoos are not left out. So the techniques to remove tattoos are becoming more and more efficient.
Although it is still an expensive treatment (much more expensive than getting the tattoo), it is no longer unattainable. The bad thing is that the skin is not always perfect after doing it.
In any case, studies have shown that 86% of people do not regret the tattoo they got and do not want to remove it. As an extra fact, many tattoo artists are dedicated to correcting and improving old tattoos that the wearer no longer likes.
So don’t worry about regretting it later!
5. Tattoos are contraindicated for diabetics: TRUE
This does not mean that people with diabetes are prohibited from getting tattoos, but they do need to take better care of themselves and they are more likely to have complications.
In principle, tattoos should be avoided in areas where insulin is injected, such as forearms, abdomen, and thighs. Also in areas of the body with poor circulation, such as ankles and wrists.
That is if you are certain that you are taking good control of your diabetes. If the control, on the other hand, is bad or doubtful, tattoos can cause severe complications, which is why it is not recommended.
Some time ago, some tattoos were even developed that can help detect a glucose spike.
6. When tattooing you lose a lot of blood: FALSE
Generally, the initial drawing of lines that outline the tattoo does not cause bleeding.
The time when the tattoo can bleed a little is when shading larger areas. However, the bleeding should stop on its own in 5 to 10 minutes.
When the person goes home with the tattoo bandaged, it is normal for the skin to have completely stopped bleeding.
7. Light ink hurts more: FALSE
There is no relationship between the type of ink and the pain they cause. It is believed that this myth may stem from the fact that, in general, light inks are the last to be applied.
As the skin is more sensitive during the tattooing process at the time of use, people may feel more pain, but it is not something that has to do with the ink itself.
The only factor that determines a difference in the pain felt is the part of the body that is tattooed.
Did you know all this? Has tattoos? What do you think of them?