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Tattoo

Table of contents

1 Etymology 2 History 3 Purpose 4 Procedure 4.1 Permanent Cosmetics 4.2 Temporary Tattoos 5 Health 5.3 Transmission of diseases 5.4 Allergy 5.5 Infection 5.6 MRIs 6 Regulation 7 Popularity 8 References 9 See also 10 External link

Etymology

The word tattoo comes from the Tahitian tatu, which means, "to mark."

History

Tattooing has been a Eurasian practice since Neolithic times. "Otzi," the ice man discovered frozen in the Tyrol and dated ca 3300 BCE, was tattooed as was the mummified man found in the Pasaryk burial whose body was tattooed with stylized animal designs. In the Steppes, other natural mummies up to 7000 years old have been found to have tattoos.

Europeans rediscovered tattooing during the exploration of the South Pacific under Captain James Cook in the 1770s, and sailors were particularly identified with tattoos in European culture until after World War I.

Purpose

The reasons why people choose to be tattooed are diverse; identification, cosmetic, religious and magicalal uses are the most common. Throughout history people have also been forcibly tattooed for a variety of reasons. The best known is the ka-tzetnik identification system for Jews in concentration camps during the Holocaust.

Tattoos are also placed on animals, though very rarely for decorative reasons. Pets are sometimes tattooed with identification marks, and certain of their body parts (for example, noses) have also been tattooed to prevent sunburn. Farm livestock are sometimes tattooed with identification marks. Such tattoos are performed by veterinarians and the animals are anaesthetized to prevent the sensation of pain and ensure their safety.

Procedure

Some tribal cultures create tattoos by cutting the skin and then rubbing the wound with ink, ashes or other agents. This may be an adjunct to scarification. Some cultures create tattooed marks by "tapping" the ink into the skin using sharpened animal bones.

The most common method of tattooing in modern times is to introduce ink via a group of needles soldered to a needle bar and attached to an electric tattoo gun or tattoo machine. When the gun is activated the needles move rapidly up and down; when placed against the skin the action of the needles results in the insertion of ink beneath the uppermost layer of the skin. Tattoo machines operate on an electromagnetic principle -much like an old-fashioned door bell- and are manufactured by many small to mid-sized companies throughout the world.

Permanent Cosmetics

Permanent cosmetics are tattoos that mimic eyebrows, lip liner, lipstick, eye shadow, mascara, and even moles.

Temporary Tattoos

The temporary tattoo art Mehndi, popularly used in Middle Eastern, North_African and Asia, is usually drawn with intricate patterns and designs, on the hands and feet since the stratum corneum is thickest there (especially for males) and the stain will last for a long period of time. Although the body art is predominantly applied onto the hands and feet of brides, there exist traditions in Bangladesh, Kashmir and Sudan where bridegrooms are also are expected to be tattooed before wedding ceremonies. Once the henna plant is converted to powder, it is mixed with a dark liquid like coffee or tea, lemon juice (to release the dye) and sugar (for consistency) into a paste which is then applied. Depending on how long the paste rests on the skin, the tattoo lasts from a few days to two weeks beginning with a red-brown colour and ending with a fading orance presence.

Temporary tattoos made with so-called 'black henna' may cause allergic reactions. 'Black henna' is fabricated by adding PPD (p-Phenylenediamine) to natural henna, in order to achieve a black color rather than the orange through brown stain of natural henna. PPD is very unhealthy and has been known to cause burns[1].

Health

Common sense in choosing a tattoo establishment is key to getting a clean, well executed, and professional tattoo. Visit several studios before choosing one. Look for things like:

• Latex gloves.
• Red biohazard trash cans for all blood-stained objects.
• Sharps containers for old needles.
• An autoclave or details about the sterilization procedure.
• Membership to professional organizations. (While not a must, it shows that the artist is aware of the latest trends in equipment and sterilization, as well as showing professional pride).

Transmission of diseases

A health problem associated with tattooing is the transmission of viruses by blood contact. This may occur if needles or tubes are reused without sterilizing.

AIDS and Hepatitis C are rare in clean, modern tattooing.

Allergy

Allergic reactions to tattoo pigments are rare but not unheard of. People who are sensitive or allergic to certain metals may react to pigments in the skin, causing damage to the epidermis.

People with allergies should consider carefully getting a tattoo because of the risk of anaphylaxis (hypersensitive reaction) and the shock that might occur, which can be life threatening. Tattoo artists can often give small tests, by marking a small amount of ink behind the ear to determine if that person has an allergic reaction.

Infection

Infection from tattooing in clean and modern tattoo studios is rare but can happen. Common infections include surface infections of the skin all the way to staph infections that can cause cardiological damage. People who are susceptible to infection should know the dangers of the abasing of the skin can have and would be advised to consult their regular physician before getting a tattoo.

MRIs

Interference with magnetic resonance imaging has in the past been a concern with tattooing. The magnetic fields involved in a routine MRI scan (used to detect conditions such as multiple sclerosis and breast cancer) would sometimes interact with the metal particles formerly used in tattoo dyes. This causes the site of the tattoo to heat, ranging from slight warming to severe pain-causing heat.[1] The metal particles could also interfer with the scan, producing distortions in the resulting image, though this aspect is not well documented.[1] For the most part, reports of pain during MRIs by tattoo bearers are rare, with no lasting effects, and a cold compress during the procedure will alleviate any discomfort.[1]

Today the majority of professional tattoos do not contain metal particles and therefore there is no concern with MRIs. Tattoos of the "permanent make-up" variety (eyeliner, etc.) are more likely to contain metal particles, and these individuals should consult with their doctor or technician before the process begins. There are alternatives to MRIs—individuals with pacemakers also need to use other diagnostic tools—so when in doubt, ask your doctor.

Regulation

Regulation usually includes one or several of the following measures:

• Tattoo establishments must register for periodic inspections.
• No tattoos on minors.
• No tattoos on intoxicated or drunk people.

Popularity

Along with body piercing, tattooing has become popular with young people in the US in the early 2000s. Many celebrities sport tatoos, such as Angelina Jolie and Britney Spears.

References

• Body modification
• Scarification
• Irezumi - Japanese tattoo
• Military music tattoo, such as the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
• Three Dots Tattoo

• How Tattoos Work from HowStuffWorks.com (Warning: Numerous popups)
• Tattoo Pictures
• Body Modification Ezine Tattoo Index Page
• Experimental Tribal Designs