ORIGINAL ARTICLE   Free access

Italian Journal of Dermatology and Venereology 2022 February;157(1):69-71

DOI: 10.23736/S2784-8671.21.06948-0

Copyright © 2021 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

lingua: Inglese

Towards a better understanding of the use of additives in tattoos

Nicola MILANESI ✉, Ugo GIGLI, Greta TRONCONI, Gianluca GRIMALDI, Massimo GOLA

Allergological and Occupational Dermatology Unit, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Florence, Italy

BACKGROUND: Tattooing is a popular practice worldwide, this practice is not free from complications and the last few decades have seen the raising occurrence of complications and adverse reactions.
METHODS: The aim of this study is to evaluate which substances are commonly used as additives among a group of tattoo artists working in Florence, to understand if mixing of colors and dilution of inks can be considered a potential source of infection or hypersensitivity reaction. A questionnaire containing a list of substances suspected to be added during the process of tattooing, was administered in presence of an investigator.
RESULTS: Forty-one licensed tattoo artists participated in the study. The cosmetic most frequently used as additive, resulted a rinse on cosmetic (36%) followed by distilled water (34%) and hamamelis lotion (17%).
CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides new insights about the procedure of ink dilution and mixing of colors, shedding light on the possible risks related to the use of non-sterile products. The results of our study suggest that mixing of colors and ink dilution can be consider a potential source of infection and hypersensitivity reactions. Additional actions are necessary to strengthen and protect public health.

KEY WORDS: Allergic contact dermatitis; Tattooing; Ink