Tatu

Ever wanted a tatoo? Ever considered the risks behind it, that besides the pain of it? Ever wondered more on the history of the tattoo?

Well, the word tattoo comes from the Polynesian markings known as tatu or tatau. These markings were first described by Captain James Cooks on his journey to the South Pacific in 1769.

Tattoos are generally made by using a needle to deposit pigments within the dermis (the deep layer of the skin which is composed of connective tissue). It is however an ancient practise...

Humans have done tattooing for cosmetic and ritual purposes since around 10 thousand years ago. In the western world historically tattooing has served as a brand of criminality, as a sign of shame, for the branding of slaves and prisoners of war.

And nowadays, tattoos are either a symbol of individuality or that of a gang. Woman too are using tattoos as a means of expression or that for cosmetic purposes i.e. eye liner, lip liner, lip colour, eyebrows and the like.

Considering Removal? J.I.K.E.S.

Until recently, if you had a tattoo...you had it for life. But now tattoo removal is possible and the demand for it has skyrocketed. (makes you wonder why people bother!?)

Essentially dermabrasion or applying caustic chemicals were the means of removal, but that left very nasty looking scars. That however has not dettered people from getting them...

Dermatologists using new laser based technology has no problem destroying the pigments in tattoos but as medicine evolves so does tattoos! Tattoo removal requires several treatments due to the multitude of pigments used in todays day and age. And the pain, so not worth it getting it done in the first place.

There are other risks attached to getting tattoos...

Cancer:

There are regulations concerning the composition of the pigments used for tattoos but the safety of it, yes you guessed it, nOt yet established. Studies have been done and has in some cases shown that the dye used in tattoos contain cancer-causing agents

Hepatitis:

There are risks involved to those people getting tattooed contracting hepatitis C, which is a chronic liver infection

Infections:

To get a tattoo, is to have a needle or needles prick your skin and if those needles are not sterile, the environment is not sterile...your chances of getting one of many types of infections (HIV) are huge

Conclusion?

We cant live our lives by what might happen, but when considering doing something or having somebody do something to you, your skin...it would be wise to weigh up all the pro's and cons so as to make an informed decision. So at the end of the day when you do decide to have it done, you know what to look out for :)