Life style
Can Tattoos Cause Cancer?
Tattoos can potentially lead to a number of risks, including skin infections, allergic reactions, and scarring. Such risks may increase if you don’t see a licensed tattoo artist or if the wound itself heals improperly.
Aside from these risks, do you have to worry about the potential of cancer from getting new ink? Read on to learn what the science says, and how you can best guard yourself against common side effects associated with tattooing.
Do tattoos cause or increase the risk of cancer?
While researchers have studied the possible link between tattooing and cancer for years, any direct association is currently regarded as a myth.
There’s no concrete evidenceTrusted Source supporting the development of skin cancer from getting a tattoo. Instead, researchersTrusted Source believe that there may be a coincidenceTrusted Source between the two.
Can tattoo ink cause cancer?
Getting a tattoo alone is unlikely to cause skin cancer, but there may be risks associated with certain ingredients in tattoo ink. Different colors are created with variations in pigment and dilution, while some contain materials that may be considered carcinogenic (which means “having the potential to cause cancer.”)
Some tattoo inks contain a substance called azo, which is also used in car paints. Red ink has also been studied for decades, with earlier research indicating an increased risk of liver cancer in rats who were exposed to red azo pigments.
Black inks are also considered a higher risk. A 2016 reportTrusted Source from the Australian government found that 83 percent of the black inks tested contained a carcinogen called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
Other pigments may include potentially harmful substances such as:
alcohols
barium
cadmium
copper
lead
mercury
minerals
nickel
plastics
vegetable dyes
Overall, tattoo ink is safer than in previous decades. Yet it’s still important to ask your tattoo artist what types of inks they use, what the ingredients are, and where they come from. It’s also worth noting that no tattoo inks are regulated or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Are there other health risks associated with tattoos?
Making sure you receive quality ink that’s designed for tattooing may help protect you against possible cancer risks. It’s also important to be aware of other more immediate health risks associated with tattoos. Talk with a doctor about the following risks.
Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions may be possible from getting a tattoo. Unlike a skin infection though, this type of reaction is usually caused by the ink used. Your risk for developing an allergic reaction may be higher if you have a history of allergies or have sensitive skin.
Symptoms of a tattoo-related allergic reaction may include:
redness
swelling
rash or hives
blistering
itchiness
It’s important to know that, while many allergic reactions occur immediately after getting a tattoo, it’s also possible to develop these symptoms weeks or years after.
Skin infections
Skin infections may develop as a result of contamination from unsterile needles or other items from tattooing. These infections can also occur if you don’t properly take care of your fresh tattoo wound.
Symptoms of a skin infection may include:
swelling
redness
itchiness
discharge
pain
open sores
fever
chills
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, see a doctor right away for treatment. They may prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection. You’ll also want to continue following your tattoo artist’s aftercare instructions to prevent possible scars.
Scarring
The process of tattooing creates a wound deep within the dermis (middle layer) of your skin. It’s important to take care of your new tattoo so that this wound may heal and you’re left with ink you can be proud of.However, tattoos that don’t heal properly may result in scarring. Skin infections, allergic reactions, and scratching at your tattoo wound can also increase these risks.
If your tattoo does scar, you may be left with uneven ink along with raised bumps of scar tissue called keloids. These may take 3 to 12 months to develop. Depending on their severity, you may need dermatological treatments, such as surgery, to help get rid of your scars.
Infectious diseases
Professionally licensed tattoo artists are required to use sterilized needles in their studios. The use of unsterilized needles is linked to an increased risk of certain infectious diseases, including:
hepatitis C
HIV/AIDS
methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
While there is not a definitive causal relationship between tattoos and cancer, both hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS are associated with increased risk of different types of cancer.
Reactions from MRIs
While rare, it’s possible to experience significant skin reactions at the site of your tattoo if you undergo an MRI. Also called magnetic resonance imaging, these tests use a combination of radio waves and magnets to help your doctor see organs, bones, and other parts of your body.
But when tattooed skin undergoes this process, you may be left with red rashes and inflammation. First or second degree skin burns are also possible.Avoiding an MRI may not always be possible, but if you expect to undergo this type of test at any point in the near future, you may consider holding off on getting a new tattoo.
You should also tell your doctor if you have tattoos. Also, it’s thought that red tattoo ink may increase reactions to MRIs due to its magnetic qualities, say the experts at Penn Medicine.
What’s the best way to avoid health risks when getting a tattoo?
Finding a licensed, reputable provider is your first step to ensuring the best tattoo experience possible. Before going under the needle, find a few prospective tattoo artists and ask about their:licensing and experience sanitation practices process for handling and disposing materials policy of wearing gloves inks, and what types they use — the inks used should be intended for tattooing portfolio of work
You should also consider getting a skin check from a dermatol-ogist before getting a tattoo, especially if the area of skin you want to get inked contains moles or other skin growths. In some cases, a tattoo can cover up skin issues, which could make possible skin cancers more difficult to detect. Never get a tattoo over moles.Finally, once you have received a new tattoo from a reputable artist, it’s important to carefully follow their aftercare instructions. This will help reduce your risk for infections and scars. Call your tattoo artist if you notice any signs of infection or discoloration in your new ink.
HEALTHLINE RESOURCE
Your guide to beauty buzzwords Confused about which skin care ingredients live up to the hype? You’re not alone. Find out which products are worth using or worth skipping.To date, there’s no definitive proof that getting a tattoo causes skin cancer. While certain tattoo ink ingredients may be considered carcinogenic, there’s still a lack of evidence showing a link between these and any other cancers.
Still, it’s worth remembering that tattoo inks aren’t approved or regulated by the FDA. Until more is known about the carcinogenic properties of certain inks, you may consider asking your tattoo artist whether their pigments contain any metals, plastics, or other potentially harmful materials.
Despite concerns over cancer and tattooing, there are other risks that are far more likely to occur if you see an unlicensed artist, or if you don’t follow your aftercare instructions. Such risks include allergic reactions, skin infections, and keloid scarring.
Institute of Hospitality Sri Lanka
The 32nd Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the UK-based Institute of Hospitality’s Sri Lanka Chapter was held recently at the Ramada Hotel Colombo,.The event provided an evening of camaraderie , reflection of the past and present achievements,setting new benchmarks for the future
The AGM had the presence of two distinguished guests, the Chief Guest Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, and the Guest of Honour British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Andrew Patrick. Their inspiring speeches were lauded by all hoteliers who were present at the occasion
A special thanks was extended to Robert Richardson, CEO of the Institute of Hospitality UK, along with his team, sponsors, committee members, and all attendees for making the event memorable.
Dr. Harsha Jayasingh, Past President of the Institute of Hospitality (UK) Sri Lanka Chapter, emphasised the Institute’s longstanding history and the strength of its Sri Lankan branch. “The Institute of Hospitality (IH) UK has a history of 86 years, and we are proud to be the Sri Lanka Branch. IH Sri Lanka is much stronger now with many members from all areas of the hospitality industry,” he stated.
Dr. Jayasingh highlighted the significant role of tourism in Sri Lanka’s economy,. He said tourism it is the third-largest source of revenue for the country. “Tourism accounts for about 13.3% of total foreign exchange earnings and employs 450,000 people directly and indirectly. The hospitality industry in this island of pearl holds tremendous potential for economic growth, job creations, and cultural exchange,” he added.
He also pointed out more women should be attracted to the industry and advocated for the use of technology in hospitality sector to attract the younger generation.
The newly appointed Chairman Ramesh Dassanayake spoke about the challenges faced by the industry, including the reluctance of youth to join the sector. . Dassanayake expressed concerns over the migration of staff between hotels and the overall ‘brain drain’ in the sector. ” We must maintain high standards in the hotel We must try to attract tourists to Sri Lanka, we must have with many facilities Hence, hotel schools and other professional institutions involved in skills development mustincrease their intakes,” he pointed out.
Chief Guest Sajith Premadasa emphasised the importance of eco tourism and said “We need to have an environmental policy related to tourism in place,” . .
The 32nd AGM of the Institute of Hospitality UK, Sri Lanka Chapter, was a testament to the strength and potential of Sri Lanka’s hospitality industry. The insights and commitments shared during the event set a new benchmark for the future.(ZC)
Pix by Thushara Attapathu
Life style
He recognizes human identity beyond boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
Visit of Sri Gurudev to Sri Lanka
Humanitarian, spiritual leader and Global Ambassador of Peace Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Sri Gurudev) was in Sri Lanka on a three day tour on the invitation of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka Dinesh Gunewardene. Gurudev who inspired a wave of volunteerism and service to moot one of the largest volunteer-based organisations in the world – The Art of Living – visited the various projects under the aegis of the foundation and launched twelve vocational and technical centers around the island. He was accompanied by thousands of followers from Sri Lanka and around the world.
Gurudev who visited Sri Lanka for the sixth time also had a first day cover launched in honour of his visit. He is a strong proponent of spreading happiness, using the unique Sudarshan Kriya, yoga, meditation and practical wisdom to unite people, empower individuals and transform communities. His programmes provide techniques and tools to live a deeper, more joyous life, while his non-profit organisations recognize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion.
The Art of Living which has more than 30,000 teachers and over one million volunteers across 180 countries has touched in excess of five hundred million people around the world. CNN called it “Life Changing” and The Washington Post headlined it, “Fresh air to millions”.
In Trincomalee, Gurudev met with war victims and had a heartwarming engagement with the children from the children’s homes run by the Foundation. He also visited the Koneswara Temple in Trincomalee and graced the Kumbhabhishekam at Seetha ecogPnize the human identity beyond the boundaries of gender, race, nationality and religion. Amman temple at Nuwara Eliya. He held discussions with the trustees on the progress of the foundation’s social service projects, while also holding a special event – Ekamuthuwa – attended by a large number of dignitaries and his devotees from around the world.
His time with the Prime Minister was spent discussing the prospects of unity in diversity and uniting Sri Lanka by adding happiness into the formula of living. In addition he had discussions with the Speaker of the Parliament of Sri Lanka Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, prominent business stewards and civil society leaders.
by Zanita Careem
Envison your dream wedding day come to life at the Epitome Hotel, a prestigious city hotel in Kurunegala offering an unrivalled luxury rendors experience for weddings.
The venue is designed to embody opulence and luxury from all quarters for a spectacular wedding in kurunegala,Thier ballroom is the largest banquet facility in Sri Lanka It can be divided into six luxurious pillarless wedding halls on the ground floor and 25pax smaller banquet halls.
It can be easily named as a five star heaven in the heart of the city contributing to a myriad of immense experiences tailored to inspire and delight wedding experiences.
From opulent décor set up to exquisite table decor, lavish food, every detail is meticulously curated to spark your imagination and ignite creativity for a perfect wedding. The previous prestigious wedding shows season one and season two attracted large crowds
were unique events which gave the wedding vendors and potential clients had an opportunity to connect and interact with each other. Beyond being a showcase it was a chance for the wedding vendors to unite and contribute to the vibrancy of the wedding industry. The wedding show covered all area of the bridal industry providing a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became the most popular bridal exhibitions in Kurunegala.This bridal exhibitions allowed brides and grooms to experience first hand the products and services available from suppliers in Sri Lanka
These wedding shows held at The Epitome created a benchmark and gave an opportunity for vendors to create connections to the utmost satisfaction said Harshan Lakshita Executive Director. of the magnificent Hotel
Our wedding shows featured experts and professionals in every field‘ It covered all areas of the bridal industry provided a comprehensive variety of bridal supplies from Sri lanka and became most popular bridal exhibition in this region.We are always open to everyone to join us at our wedding shows in the future. It is an opportunity to discover the incredible talent within our local wedding and bridal vendors to make meaningful relationships and plan thier special day at our breathtaking hotel The Epitome said General Manager Kavinda Caldera
The Epitome Hotel’s bridal show which will be held end of June will buzz with great ideas,advice and inspiration for all those who plan thier dream wedding
…….
The Hotel Epitome’s Wedding Season 3 will marked excellence, celebration and inspiration for those in the wedding industry. The exhibition halls will resonate with ideas on exquisite bridal wear to decor, florists , photography etc and showshowcase the rich tapestry of talent within the local wedding industry. .
US sports envoys to Lanka to champion youth development
Rahuman questions sudden cancellation of leave of CEB employees
