Countless people worldwide use tattoos to express their beliefs, preferences, beauty, or adornment. However, many don’t consider their skin or the risks it may face after some time.
Research on tattoos has revealed that the ‘Dermis’ layer of the skin can be damaged by the inks used, applied through needles that inject ink into the skin. Meanwhile, Advanced Dermatology reported that 64% of people who got tattoos regret having done so.
This issue was highlighted in the Journal of Dermatology (2016), where skin health expert Dr. N.A.S. Thombs explained that the extent of skin damage caused by tattoos depends on the colors used since they are made from different substances.
In an interview with KURA, Dr. Ndagijimana Jean Bosco, a dermatologist at Neo Derma Clinic and a professor at the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE), discussed the effects of tattoos on many people.
He explained that tattoos are made using various colors, each derived from different chemicals. Dr. Ndagijimana mentioned that there are no regulations governing tattoo ingredients, but a person’s skin may react due to the chemicals introduced into their body.
Commonly used colors include red, which often contains mercury sulfide (cinnabar), ferric hydrate (sienna), iron oxide, and others. Black inks contain carbon (India ink) and iron oxide, while brown inks contain ferric oxide, and green inks include chromic oxide, lead chromate, phthalocyanine dyes, ferrocyanide, and ferricyanide.
He added that although the number of people getting tattoos is increasing, some praise tattoos for having no harmful effects, while others experience complications.
Dr. Ndagijimana advised those considering getting a tattoo to carefully check the hygiene standards of the tattoo artist and the equipment being used.
He warned people prone to allergies to first test the tattoo on a small area of skin and wait for 72 hours. If no reaction occurs, they can proceed with a larger tattoo to test their skin’s resistance to the chemicals.
When chemicals penetrate the skin and the body reacts negatively, one may experience swelling, redness, itching, or even peeling and irritation.
People often wonder which types of tattoos cause the most issues. According to this skin health expert, red tattoos are most likely to cause problems due to the mercury sulfide they contain. Additionally, when exposed to strong sunlight, the area can become irritated, and the skin may start to deteriorate.
Another complication occurs if the tattoo is done under unsanitary conditions, or if the ink used is contaminated with bacteria due to improper storage, leading to pus or pain in the affected area.
He explained that these reactions can cause serious skin infections such as impetigo and cellulitis, which, if left untreated, can spread bacteria into the bloodstream.
He referred to research suggesting that tattooed skin doesn’t release sweat as efficiently as non-tattooed skin.
“When the needles rapidly inject ink into the skin, they damage sweat ducts and skin blood vessels. These tiny ducts help regulate body temperature by releasing sweat, so people with large tattoos may struggle to cool down in hot conditions or during physical exercise.”
No research has been conducted in Rwanda yet to prove that the chemicals used in tattoo inks can enter the bloodstream if a needle punctures a blood vessel, but it’s something to consider.
Aside from one clinic in Kibagabaga that uses modern laser technology to remove unwanted tattoos, it is difficult to find places in Rwanda that offer tattoo removal services, and they tend to be expensive.
In his advice, Dr. Ndagijimana recommended avoiding red tattoos in particular and thoroughly considering other colors before making a decision.
He said, “The machine called ‘Q Switched Nd:YAG Laser’ easily removes black and dark blue tattoos. However, it is challenging to remove red, green, and light blue tattoos because the necessary laser machines are not available here in Rwanda.”
President Paul Kagame highlights Rwanda’s success in banning plastic bags
President Paul Kagame pointed out that after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, one of the key areas Rwanda focused on was reforming the justice sector, particularly implementing laws aimed at environmental protection.
He emphasized this on Monday, September 9, 2024, while opening the 24th Conference of Judges from Commonwealth countries at the Kigali Convention Centre.
The conference, attended by over 20 Chief Justices from various Supreme Courts and judges from different courts, brought together over 300 participants from 45 countries to discuss ways to advance environmental justice and the rule of law across the Commonwealth.
In his speech, President Kagame thanked those who chose Rwanda to host the conference and warmly welcomed participants to Kigali.
He stressed the importance of environmental protection, as the consequences of environmental degradation continue to manifest.
“Environmental justice, which is the focus of this important conference, remains a top priority for the Commonwealth. Two years ago, when Rwanda hosted CHOGM, climate change was at the forefront of the agenda. Today, air pollution continues to affect Africa and small island developing states.”
He added that implementing environmental protection laws is key to ensuring a sustainable future.
“Across the globe, temperatures are reaching unprecedented levels, and the quality of the air we breathe is diminishing, putting us all at risk. Enforcing environmental laws and policies is crucial if we want to build a clean and sustainable future.”
President Kagame highlighted that one of Rwanda’s key post-genocide reforms was the implementation of laws focused on environmental protection.
“In Rwanda, after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, we began the journey of reforming the justice sector, based on our belief that laws are essential for building peace, security, and development.”
“One of the laws Rwanda enacted was the ban on plastic bags, and the results have been remarkable, contributing to the cleanliness of our streets and homes while helping us manage our resources without over-relying on external aid.”
He also noted that Rwanda has invested efforts in protecting biodiversity within its national parks.
Rwanda committed to banning the use and importation of plastic bags in 2005, followed by the enactment of a law in 2008 prohibiting their use, as part of its environmental protection efforts.
“With independent and experienced judges, much can be done to protect our environment and deliver justice where it is needed.”
