Sometimes tattoos can make scars on your skin. Scars are marks that do not go away. They can look like bumps, red spots or raised areas.
Scars can also happen if you have a skin problem or are old, young or pregnant.
Some parts of your body can cause more scars than others, for example, near your elbows or knees.
Infections
Many people have tattoos now. But tattoos can make you sick. Tattoos can give you infections that are hard to cure.
Infections can make your skin red, swollen, itchy or bumpy. It is normal when your tattoo is new. But if it lasts over a week, you should see a doctor. Some infections are nasty and need medicine.
Cancer
tattoos can also cause cancer. Cancer is when some cells grow too much and hurt you.
Some people are allergic to the ink in tattoos. It means their body does not like the ink and tries to fight it. It can make them itch, swell or have other problems.
Tattoos can also hide moles on your skin. Moles are tiny brown spots that can turn into cancer. If you have a tattoo over a mole, you may not see it change and get cancer.
Tattoo ink can also have harmful chemicals in it. These chemicals can make your body sick and weak.
Fading
Fading means your tattoo gets lighter over time. It happens because your skin changes as you grow older. But other things can make your tattoo fade too, like the sun, rubbing or not taking care of it.
The sun has rays that can damage your skin and your tattoo. You should use sunscreen to protect them.
tattoos on parts of your body that move or touch things a lot can fade faster too. For example, your hands, feet or elbows.
A tattoo artist said that tattoos that are too deep in your skin can fade too. He also said that some things you do could make your tattoo fade faster, like going out in the sun or wearing tight clothes that rub it.
