Towards a better understanding of the use of additives in tattoos.

Abstract

Tattooing is a popular practice worldwide, this practice is not free from complications and the last few decades have seen the raising occurrence of complications and adverse reactions. The aim of this study is to evaluate which substances are commonly used as additives among a group of tattoo artists working in Florence, to understand if mixing of colors and dilution of inks can be considered a potential source of infection or hypersensitivity reaction. A questionnaire containing a list of substances suspected to be added during the process of tattooing, was administered in presence of an investigator. Forty-one licensed tattoo artists participated in the study. The cosmetic most frequently used as additive, resulted a rinse on cosmetic (36%) followed by distilled water (34%) and hamamelis lotion (17%). Our study provides new insights about the procedure of ink dilution and mixing of colors, shedding light on the possible risks related to the use of non-sterile products. The results of our study suggest that mixing of colors and ink dilution can be consider a potential source of infection and hypersensitivity reactions. Additional actions are necessary to strengthen and protect public health.