Skin Care in the Tattoo Parlor: A Survey of Tattoo Artists in New York City

Abstract

To understand the role that tattooists play in providing skin care advice, we conducted an online, survey-based study of 90 licensed tattooists in New York City. The survey asked tattooists about their exposure to adverse tattoo events, advising on tattoo removal/correction, behaviors regarding preexisting skin conditions and aftercare, confidence in addressing client questions about adverse events and preexisting conditions, and prior training about skin conditions related to tattoos. Most tattooists (92.8%) reported being asked by clients to evaluate adverse tattoo reactions, 85% were asked about tattoo removal, and 90% were asked about the safety of getting a tattoo with a preexisting skin condition. About half (56.1%) had received training about skin conditions related to tattoos. Tattooists with prior training reported higher rates of optimal skin care behaviors and higher confidence with tattoo-related skin conditions; 91.4% reported interest in skin care education. Tattooists play a major role in the skin health of their clients. Providing education for tattooists may improve skin care in populations less likely to see a dermatologist.

Atypical Intraepidermal Melanocytic Proliferation Masked by a Tattoo: Implications for Tattoo Artists and Public Health Campaigns

“…The most common short-term complications of tattoos include swelling, itching, and scabbing [ 4 ]. Other complications of tattoos include acute and chronic infections, ranging from local responses to systemic chronic infections, and allergic reactions, such as contact dermatitis from ink pigments, as well as urticarial and granuloma formation [ 5 - 6 ].…”

“…Tattoo artists play a pivotal role in counseling patients on the aftercare and adverse effects of tattooing. A previous report showed that only 55.2% of surveyed tattoo artists either look out or point out atypical moles while tattooing [ 6 ]. Our case highlights that a close examination of tattoos can detect the development of melanoma in early stages.…”

“…Tattoo artists should learn about individuals’ family history of skin cancer prior to tattooing. Nearly 90% of surveyed tattoo artists have expressed an interest in further education about skin conditions, and our case highlights the need for a prospective study to identify the role of dermatological education in the practice of tattooing [ 6 ].…”

Formaldehyde Release From Predispersed Tattoo Inks: Analysis Using the Chromotropic Acid Method

“…Another reason for the lack of formaldehyde-related ACD tattoo reactions may be that clients often contact the tattooist about adverse tattoo reactions instead of seeing a dermatologist. 28 In theory, formaldehyde sensitization from tattoo inks is plausible. Cutaneous sensitization develops when an antigen is recognized by dermal dendritic cells.…”

Tattoo aftercare management with a dermo‐cosmetic product: Improvement in discomfort sensation and skin repair quality

“…Tattoo healing is usually complete after 2–3 weeks 4,5 . Unfortunately, according to a number of European surveys, immediate adverse tattoo reactions can occur in 15%–68% of cases 6 . The most frequent acute tattoo cutaneous reactions are irritation, infection, delay in healing, itching, and stinging, 3,7 which can potentially adversely affect the aesthetic appearance of the tattoo.…”