Tattoos, a rising phenomenon: 7 million Italians and 60 million Europeans | EUROtoday

Over the years, tattoos have developed. «Tattoos immediately are sometimes extra in depth, extra complicated, richer in pigments and colours, and this poses new dermatological questions. More tattooed floor means larger publicity to pigments, but it surely additionally means, in some circumstances, larger complexity in controlling the pores and skin – he provides -. A really massive tattoo could make it harder to look at moles or pigmented lesions. Furthermore, there’s a little-known side: tattooing will not be merely shade on the pores and skin, however an invasive process that introduces pigments into the dermis, and research have proven {that a} portion of particles can even migrate to the lymph nodes.” Then there are the precautions and suggestions of the director of the dermatology specialization school: «The first precaution is to choose only authorized practices and qualified professionals. The second, which is very important for me, is to avoid tattooing over a mole or a pigmented lesion. If you have many moles, or are thinking of a very large tattoo, a preventive dermatological evaluation can be a very useful choice. It is important to ask about the inks used, follow after-care instructions carefully and protect the tattoo from the sun. They are simple measures, but they make a big difference.” As for recommendation: «I’d say three issues – concludes the trainer -. First: do not simply select the design, select the skilled nicely. Second: Don’t tattoo areas with many moles with out having them evaluated. Third: think about the tattoo not solely as an aesthetic gesture, however as a alternative that additionally considerations the well being of the pores and skin. A nicely thought out tattoo can also be a tattoo performed with consciousness.”

A look at Europe

The phenomenon is also growing in other European countries, with different characteristics and regulations.

In France, tattoos and piercings are increasingly widespread: already in 2017, 14% of the population had at least one tattoo, a percentage that rose to 27% among those under 35 (it was 10% in 2010). The legislation is quite rigorous, especially for minors, for whom the consent of a parent or guardian is required, which must be documented and kept for three years. French health authorities also highlight the risks associated with the practice: bacterial and viral infections, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, which can only be prevented through strict hygiene measures. Regulation also limits the use of some substances in inks to reduce toxic risks.

In Spain, however, tattooing is now a widely accepted practice: in 2021, 75% of those interviewed declared they had at least one tattoo and the remaining 25% said they intended to get one. The country has between 2,800 and 3 thousand registered studios, concentrated mainly in Andalusia, Catalonia and the Valencian Community, with average costs between 80 and 150 euros per hour. However, regulation is fragmented, entrusted to individual regions, even if there are national and European regulations on inks, such as the EU regulation which limits the use of carcinogenic or toxic substances.

Practices should adjust to stringent necessities by way of hygiene, sterilization and workers coaching, however controls might differ from area to area. There additionally stays the issue of criminal activity: unlicensed operators working in personal environments, fueling security considerations. An investigation by the Consumer Organization (OCU) additionally highlighted important points relating to using inks, discovering that many studios proceed to make use of unauthorized colors.