What Is Hidden in Tattoos?

Abstract

To the Editor The article by Carson1 stimulates several questions. The differences between the three groups (persons with no tattoos, those tattooed with nonnegative messages, and persons tattooed with negative messages) are significant in age of death. The author concludes that the comparatively shorter life spans for those with tattoos having negative messages may be explained by more frequent deaths from nonnatural causes in this group. Including illicit drugs and alcohol use contributed. However, the difference between those with tattoos without negative content and those having no tattoos must be understood from other aspects. We propose that the biochemical, toxic, and immunologic aspects of the different compounds in tattoo dyes should be further studied. A market survey examined 14 different metals in 56 tattoo colors.2 Except for metals, tattoo ink also contains carrier substances, some of which may not be safe. Localized reactions in the tattoo area are well known.3 Patients with such tattoo complications have reduced quality of life and often have itching.4 However, there is a …