Tattoos: Facts, Myths and Common Misconceptions

Tattoos have been around for thousands of years and have been a part of various cultures and traditions worldwide. In recent times, tattoos have become increasingly popular and have gained mainstream acceptance in many societies. The art of tattooing involves permanently marking the skin with ink, and creating intricate designs or symbols that hold personal or cultural significance. Tattoos can serve as a form of self-expression, a means of cultural identity, or even a way to commemorate an important event or person. While the popularity of tattoos continues to grow, they remain a controversial topic, with some people embracing them as an art form and others criticizing them as unprofessional or inappropriate.

Myth: Colored ink causes more pain than black ink.

Fact: After the initial black outlining, the skin has been subjected to much poking. It is not that the colored ink hurts more but that adrenaline and other pain-relieving hormones will generally fade throughout a tattoo sitting.

 

Myth: Tattoos are extremely painful ordeals.

Fact: Getting a tattoo involves some level of pain and it varies from person to person. Usually, people find that the application process feels similar to scratching a sunburn.

 

Myth: HIV and skin infections can be transmitted through tattoos.

Fact: This is only true if the tattoo artist uses contaminated equipment and inks. As tattoo shops are more regulated today, there is a significantly decreased possibility of an infection.

 

Myth: Donating blood is not allowed for individuals with tattoos.

Fact: This is simply not true. It was believed that chemicals in the ink would make blood donation impossible but it is not the case. Yet, it is recommended to wait for a year before donating blood after getting a tattoo to let it heal.

 

Myth: People with tattoos are more likely to develop cancer.

Fact: Even though early investigators have been researching this myth for years, there is no hard evidence to support the theory that people with tattoos will get cancer. The kind of ink and other equipment used in the application process may affect the health of the individual.

 

Myth: Taking painkillers or alcohol before a tattoo decreases the pain. 

Fact: This is a false belief that can cause many problems. Alcohol and painkillers are blood thinners and use of these before getting a tattoo could lead to excessive bleeding.

 

Myth: Only delinquents and deviants have tattoos.

Fact: This used to be the case years ago but it is not anymore. People between the ages of 18 and 29 who have higher education view tattoos as an art form.

 

Myth: Tattoos are forever.

Fact: This is true but not completely. With the evolution of science and technology, temporary tattoos and tattoo removal techniques have become commonplace now.  

 

Myth: The older the tattoos get, the more they will fade to green or blue.

Fact: Again, this was true around half a century ago due to the inks used then. Now, ink is more resistant to color change than ever before.

 

Myth: Scratching and peeling do not harm the tattooed area.

Fact: Tattoos require care immediately after application. Peeling skin on or around the tattoo could alter the appearance. It can also cause keloids or scar tissue to form around the tattoo and change the pigment of the ink.