Black ink tattoos that cover large sections of skin can cause infections and even make it difficult to detect early signs of skin cancer, experts warned today.
Machine Gun Kelly surprised fans yesterday when he revealed his dramatic opaque tattoo that covers his entire upper torso.
The Bloody Valentine hitmaker, 33, engaged to Megan Fox, took to his Instagram to show off the tattoo that wraps around his upper body and required ’44 needles’ to complete.
But dermatologists have warned that full-body tattoos, which can also be seen on people like Geordie Shore star Aaron Chalmers, are not only more painful than standard tattoos but also increase the risk of infection.
They can also cause ‘lumps, plaques or scaly patches on the skin’, itch the skin in response to sunlight, and make it more difficult to detect cancerous growths on the skin.
Machine Gun Kelly, 33, surprised fans when he revealed his dramatic opaque tattoo on Instagram
“Complications from tattoos are not uncommon and the larger the area of ​​the tattoo, the greater the chance of side effects,” Dr Emma Wedgeworth, a London-based consultant dermatologist and spokesperson for the UK, told MailOnline. British Skin Foundation.
All tattoos are uncomfortable and cause some pain, but large opaque works of art can make this “more extreme,” Dr. Wedgeworth said.
When purchasing new ink, it is always important to remember that infection could occur as a result of contaminated ink or unsterilized needles.
Allergic reactions and skin hypersensitivity can also occur in response to any tattoo, but the risk is even greater for dark or black tattoos, Dr. Wedgeworth said.
“These can manifest as bumps, plaques or scaly patches on the skin over the tattoo area,” he said.
The Bloody Valentine hitmaker, 33, whose fiancée Megan Fox showed off a dramatic new look at the People’s Choice Awards, took to his Instagram to debut an opaque tattoo that covers his entire upper torso; MGK in 2023
His tattoo artist still has work to do with the musician, and said the project is “one of the biggest he’s done in such a short time”; photographed in 2020
Another knock-on effect of covering large sections of skin with a tattoo is that it can be harder to stay alert. potential skin cancer signs, such as moles and skin changes, he warned.
According to Dr. Wedgeworth, it also poses a greater risk of “sun-related itching and swelling” compared to smaller, less dark tattoos.
Dr Radmila Lukian, dermatologist and founder of Lucia Clinic in Dubai, also warned that “dying a large part of the skin carries several risks.”
“These tattoos cause significant trauma to the skin, possibly leading to prolonged healing and an increased risk of scarring,” he told MailOnline.
Additionally, removing black ink can be difficult because the deep, dense black ink makes it a “long-term commitment,” he warned.
Geordie Shore star Aaron Chalmers and MMA fighter also drastically changed his appearance and covered his upper body in black ink.
Research has also shown that tattoo ink can reach the lymph nodes, the body’s center for fighting infection and disease.
In 2019, researchers at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in France found that nickel and chromium, which are allergens, are released from tattoo needles when the ink contains titanium dioxide, a white pigment that is often mixed with colors. bright like blue, green and red.
“Certain tattoo pigments can migrate from the skin into the bloodstream and lymphatic system, potentially accumulating in nearby lymph nodes,” Dr. Lukian said.
‘This could cause inflammation, immune reactions or other effects over time.
“In addition, certain tattoo pigments may contain harmful substances, such as heavy metals or carcinogens, which could pose health risks if they enter the body.”
Black tattoo ink may also contain substances classified as carcinogenic chemicals, warns Dr. Wedgeworth.
‘The main ingredient in black tattoos is carbon black with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
“These substances are classified as carcinogenic and, therefore, we do not want them to reach high levels in our body,” he said.
But Dr. Wedgeworth noted that there is no convincing evidence linking tattoos to an increased risk of cancer.
Those who want to get tattooed should make sure to go to a professional.
“Tattooing is increasingly regulated and there are now regulations that limit the use of certain substances in tattoo inks,” said Dr. Wedgeworth.
“Reputable tattoo artists require a license, so it is important that any tattoo be done by a professional,” he added.