Can having a permanent tattoo lead to skin cancer?

While having a permanent tattoo may seem like an exciting way to show off your individual style, many people are unaware of the potential health risks associated with it. The fact is that tattoos can, in rare cases, lead to skin cancer.

The most common form of skin cancer related to tattoos is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), which typically starts as a rash or lump around the site of the tattoo. This type of cancer develops when cells that make up the top layer of skin (epidermis) start growing out of control and multiplying quickly. It's important to note that this type of tumor does not always show up immediately after getting a tattoo; Often times it can take years for symptoms to appear.

When getting a permanent tattoo, it's important to choose experienced and well-reviewed artists who use sterile needles and fresh inks. Improperly sterilized equipment or expired ink can increase your risk for developing SCC as they may contain contaminants that could affect your immune system over time. Additionally, sun exposure is known worsen symptoms so be sure to always apply sunscreen regularly and avoid prolonged exposure when possible if you do have any tattoos on exposed areas like arms and legs.

In general, having just one or two tattoos should not increase your risk too much but be aware that SCCs tend come along with larger collections of ink so proceed with caution if thinking about adding more pieces!