Tattoos may increase the risk of skin cancer

The process of getting a tattoo can increase the risk of skin cancer, Alexey Silin, assistant of the Skripkin Department of Dermatovenerology at the Institute of Clinical Medicine of Pirogov University, told "Gazeta.Ru".

"Mechanical and thermal skin injuries that lead to scarring, which can potentially develop into a malignant process, can be considered factors that increase the risk of skin neoplasms. When applying tattoos, mechanical damage to the skin occurs, which can also increase the risk of malignant skin neoplasms," the doctor explained.

However, skin cancer is a rare non-infectious complication of tattooing. Much more often after the procedure, one may encounter allergies to pigments, oils, and healing films. These reactions can manifest as contact dermatitis, anaphylactic reactions, or photodermatitis.

"Infectious complications can occur with improper tattooing (when using non-sterile dyes and tools, non-compliance with aseptic and antiseptic measures by personnel applying tattoos), and with improper wound care. After getting a tattoo, you should properly care for the skin in that area. It is necessary to clean the skin with products that have an antibacterial effect (cleansing gels, soap). Alcohol-based products are not recommended. Properly treat the tattoo site with a wound-healing cream (usually based on dexpanthenol), protect the tattoo with a bandage from dirt and dust when walking or working. It is best to avoid baths, saunas, swimming pools during the healing period, try not to scratch and tear off the forming scabs," the doctor concluded.