As we age, skin changes, chronic health conditions, and medications can affect how tattoos heal and raise the risk of infection. Older adults need to consider the health risks before getting tattoos.
People have been getting tattoos for thousands of years, but today, they’re more popular and often accepted throughout society.
Tattoos can be a great form of self-expression and pride, often still serving as symbols of cultural, religious, or spiritual commitment.
However, there are practical considerations to make before getting a tattoo as an older adult, as there could be some potential risks.
Responsible tattoo artists follow strict safety guidelines and should stay informed of the latest scientific and health developments regarding hygiene and skin protection.
As tattoos become more popular, more people may consider getting one in memory of loved ones, to celebrate loved ones, or to commemorate significant life events. Some may even get one just for their appearance.
A study from the Pew Research Center showed that 32% of people in the United States have at least one tattoo, with 13% of baby boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964) also having at least one tattoo.
Despite this, the study from the Pew Research Center also found that among Americans without tattoos, 40% of people age 65 and above report that seeing someone with a tattoo led to a more negative impression of them. This was not the case for younger people.
When you get a tattoo, the tattoo artist uses a handheld machine with a needle attached that punctures the skin.
Each time the device makes a hole in the skin, it simultaneously injects ink into the second layer of skin, known as the dermis.
Tattoo inks contain pigments that manufacturers mix with water, but depending on the ink, they may also contain a variety of other components. The table below shows some of the colors and previously observed ingredients for each one:
| Ink colour | Ink Ingredient |
|---|---|
| red | cinnabar, mercury sulfide, ferric hydrate (sienna), sandalwood, brazilwood, and iron oxide |
| purple | manganese and aluminum |
| yellow | cadmium sulfide |
| green | chromium oxide, lead chromate, phthalocyanine dyes, ferrocyanides, and ferricyanides |
| blue | cobalt |
Mercury, chromium, cadmium, and cobalt, in particular, have been known to cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to those ingredients.
Infections
Unhygienic practices and unsterile equipment can result in infections. However, infections can also come from contaminated ink and nonsterile water used to dilute the ingredients that add color, known as pigments.
There’s no way of telling if the ink is safe to use without testing it. The
The guidance recommends specific steps that tattoo ink manufacturers and distributors should take to help prevent product contamination or to recognize and take action to sanitize potentially dangerous manufacturing and distribution conditions.
Other complications and side effects
As tattoos cause damage to the skin,
- Allergic reactions: It’s natural to experience some discoloration, warmth, and swelling when you get a tattoo, but some people may experience allergic reactions to tattoo dyes. Symptoms may not appear immediately and may take years to develop. A rash, swelling, and discoloration at the tattoo site may indicate an infection.
- Granulomatous response: You could develop granulomas, or small bumps that can form around materials the body considers unfamiliar. These reactions are chronic inflammatory responses that the immune system forms.
- Keloids: This is an overgrowth of scar tissue, which some people may experience with tattoos.
- Bloodborne diseases: In rare cases, if a tattoo artist does not use sanitary needles in their machines, people get conditions like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, and tetanus.
- Test interference: Some people have reported burning sensations on their tattoos when having an MRI scan. Anecdotal reports claim this to be due to trace metals in the ink, although there are no scientific studies to confirm this.
In 2023, 93% of older adults age 65 and above reported having one or more chronic health conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
Diabetes and hypertension
When getting a tattoo, your blood pressure (hypertension) and blood sugar levels should be well managed to avoid improper healing and the risk of infection. If you have diabetes, you should also avoid areas of the body affected by circulation issues for the same reason.
Chronic heart disease
Between 1% and 5% of people experience tattoo-related bacterial infections. This can be potentially dangerous if you have chronic heart disease or are susceptible to endocarditis.
Medications
If you take specific medications, such as blood thinners, you may find that you bleed and bruise more during and after your tattoo.
If you have any concerns about whether getting a tattoo will affect your health, you need to speak with a doctor or another healthcare professional for advice.
As you age, your
Tattoo placement is important. While pain perception differs from person to person, areas closer to bones with little fat could be the most painful places to get a tattoo. Choosing an area with more fatty tissue may provide extra cushioning, potentially making the experience less painful.
Some of the more comfortable places to have a tattoo include:
- forearms
- upper arms
- outer arms
- outer thighs
- shoulders
- specific parts on the back (further away from your spine)
Additionally, choosing a place with less sagging skin can help keep a tattoo looking fresher for longer.
Choosing a tattoo artist should not only be based on whether the artist’s work resonates with you. You also need to ensure they have all the right training and meet state health and safety requirements.
Each state has its own requirements for obtaining a tattoo license, but some may require an artist to:
- complete a body art practitioner license application
- have bloodborne pathogens and communicable disease training
- have proof of tattoo education
- pass a tattooing exam
Once a license is approved, the artist should display it in their studio.
Older adults considering a tattoo need to first consider their health conditions and any medications they may be taking.
Some health conditions can make healing more difficult, which can lead to infection. The same goes for medications, like blood thinners.
Always discuss any health concerns with a healthcare professional before getting a tattoo. If you decide getting one is right for you, ensure the artist is state-licensed and follows strict health and safety protocols.