The Truth About Tattoos and Skin Cancer Risk

Okay, let's be real. Tattoos are undeniably the coolest form of self-expression one can get their hands on. But there are still people out there who are wary of it, especially because of all the hubbub about an increasing risk of skin cancer.

To really bust out this myth, we need to know about skin cancer first. And that, dear reader, is why we're here today. To once and for all answer the question: do tattoos really cause skin cancer?

Before we get to that, let's quickly review the main culprits behind skin cancer:

• The Sun: Our biggest enemy? The SUN! Much like many things, moderation is for the best. Those glorious rays some crave can wreak havoc on our skin. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, particularly the harmful UVA and UVB rays, damages DNA in our skin cells, leading to the development of skin cancer. If you're thinking of letting your kids play in the mid-noon sun instead of the mellower evening, think again!

• Tanning Beds: One of those fads that really only gives you shallow results at a great risk. Tanning beds really aren't your friend, folks. They emit intense UVA radiation, significantly increasing your risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

• Family History: If your parents or grandparents have had skin cancer, you're at a higher risk. Genetics, unsurprisingly, play a significant role.

• Fair Skin: This right here is basic maths. People with fair skin, blonde or red hair, and blue or green eyes are more susceptible to sun damage. Why? Melanin, our good friend, of course. It gives us the resistance to withstand the harsh summers.

Here it is, the million-dollar question: Do tattoos themselves directly cause skin cancer?

The short answer is: Not necessarily.

Here's the long answer:

• Tattoo Ink and Sun Exposure: The real concern arises when a tattooed area is repeatedly exposed to the sun. We already know the sun's severe hatred of human skin, but tattoo ink can sometimes interfere with the body's ability to detect early signs of skin cancer within the tattooed area.

This is because the ink can mask subtle changes in skin colour or texture that might otherwise signal a potential problem.

• Ink Ingredients: While modern tattoo inks are generally considered safe, some older inks or those from shady, low-quality places contain potentially harmful substances.

However, the risk from these ingredients is generally considered low compared to the risk of sun exposure.

Again, It's crucial to understand that the risk of skin cancer from tattoos is primarily linked to sun exposure.

• Melanoma: The most serious type of skin cancer, can develop anywhere on the body, including tattooed areas. Which essentially means it's not exclusively limited to tattooed skin.

• Other Skin Cancers: Other types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, can also occur in tattooed skin.

Now that you know skin cancer is not exclusively courting skin cancer, here's how to spot when they do the deed:

• Changes in Colour: Look for new moles, changes in the size, shape, or colour of existing moles, or unusual colour variations within the tattoo itself.

• Bleeding or Sores: Any unexpected bleeding or the development of sores within the tattoo should definitely be investigated.

• Itching or Burning: Persistent itching, burning, or pain within the tattooed area can sometimes be a warning sign. Though itching is normal on freshly inked skin, asking the artist or your doctor for the level you should be expecting before raising the alarms is always great in terms of precaution.

Although it's not the deciding factor, it does contribute to your increased risk if you don't monitor and take “cover”.

The ultimate UNO reverse here, though, is sun protection - Them SPFs are not lying! Always use one or all of the below precautionary methods to protect your tattooed skin from the sun.

• Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed areas, including tattoos, 20 minutes before sun exposure. Most importantly, reapply every two hours or more often if swimming, sweating or working under the sun. Even a SPF 15 can reduce your melanoma risk by 50%!

• Protective Clothing: This fad is a Kofuku approved one! Use long-riding gloves or wear long sleeves, pants, and a wide-brimmed hat to cover your skin. You get to be fashionable while still taking action against the risk of skin cancer.

• Seek Shade: Limit sun exposure during peak hours (10 am to 4 pm), especially during Summer.

Long-Term Effects of Tattoos on Skin

While skin cancer is a primary concern, tattoos can also have other long-term effects on the skin:

• Fading: Over time, tattoos can fade due to sun exposure, ageing, and the natural breakdown of ink pigments.

• Scarring: Some people may experience scarring, especially if the tattoo was poorly applied or if there were complications during healing. For example, itching during the healing process can mess up your tattoo permanently.

• Skin Reactions: In some cases, individuals may develop allergic reactions to certain tattoo ink components. Even besides all that, some come down with a mild fever as a sort of reaction to tattoos if they're getting it for the first time. It's always recommended to visit a doctor in that case since they can accurately determine if it needs more attention than a temporary reaction.

To regale all sorts of fantastical stories to your grandchildren about your tattoos and the life you've lived, you need to learn to take adequate care of them first. If you're surprised that your tattoo needed any care at all, then you're exactly where you need to be. This is the best time to learn how to do it.

• Choose a Reputable Artist: This should've been one of the first things you did before getting a tattoo. If you haven't gotten one already, research artists carefully and choose a licensed professional who uses sterile equipment and high-quality inks. We don't have to tell you how important both sterility and quality actually are.

• Follow Aftercare Instructions: Meticulously follow your artist's aftercare instructions to prevent infection and promote proper healing. This usually involves keeping the tattoo clean and moisturised. You can avoid unnecessary scarring and a doctor's visit.

• Avoid Sun Exposure During Healing: As sad as it is, cover up your sick new tattoo while it heals.

Tattoos and Skin Cancer Prevention

Beyond sun protection, being aware of your body's unexplainable and sudden changes can also go a long way.

• Regular Skin Checks: Perform regular self-exams of your skin, including tattooed areas, to check for any suspicious changes.

• Professional Skin Exams: Schedule annual skin cancer screenings with a dermatologist. They are trained to detect early signs of skin cancer, even in challenging areas like tattoos.

Self-Check Tattoos for Skin Cancer

Here's Kofuku’s guide to self-checking your tattooed skin:

1. Carefully examine your tattoos for any changes in size, shape, colour, or texture.

2. Use the ABCDE rule to help identify potentially suspicious moles:

Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn't match the other.

Border: The edges of the mole are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred. Even their texture would feel off.

Colour: The colour of the mole is uneven, with shades of brown, black, tan, or sometimes white, red, or blue.

Diameter: The mole is larger than 6 millimetres in diameter (about the size of a pencil eraser).

Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or colour gradually.

We hope we haven't scared you with all this talk about the risk of skin cancer. Awareness is your first weapon against misinformation. Tattoos really are fun little things. They express all the selves you've ever been at every single point in time.

While we have successfully busted the myth that tattoos themselves don't directly cause skin cancer, sun exposure can significantly increase the risk, especially in tattooed areas.

By keeping up with your sun protection, practising regular self-checks, and seeking professional advice when you do need it, you can enjoy being a walking art gallery while minimising your risk of skin cancer.