Quick Answer
It is not at all. Printer ink may cause some several skin issues as the nature of your skin.
With the advent of the summer season, youngsters go gaga over getting a temporary tattoo.
Temporary tattoos last from three days to a few weeks.
Even though they are not injected into the skin, they come with a certain risk.
It is likely to have allergic reactions, and in some cases, the effect can result in severe skin problems.
In this article, I will talk about potential problems one can have from temporary tattoos.
So, before getting one, I think you better consider a few things.
Are printer ink temporary tattoos safe?
To put it into direct words, it is not at all safe
In case you have sensitive skin, you must avoid them.
Well, inks of pen, markers, and highlights contain minimal toxicity, even in small quantities.
However, the ink in the printer cartridge and stamp pads is highly toxic.
Hence after getting a printer ink tattoo, you might notice rashes in the area.
According to a poll, 69 percent of U.S. adults have two or more tattoos.
The research also suggests, the ink used for temporary tattoo sometimes get contaminated with mold and bacteria.
Therefore, they can cause serious infections later.
In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recently issued potential health risks for temporary tattoos.
Even they asserted the allergic reaction from this tattoo could last longer than the tattoo itself.
What ink is used for temporary tattoos?
There are a few types of tattoos you better be aware of. The most common types are:
- Water-based temporary tattoo
- Airbrush temporary tattoos
- Henna-based tattoos
The most widely used temporary tattoo is water-based
The design is printed on water-absorbent paper. Then the paper is placed ink-side down on your skin, and by applying moisture, one transfers the image to the skin.
Now, the ink used in the tattoo can be computer ink. I must suggest being aware of the ingredients or chemical compounds used in ink.
In general, these printer and computer inks are highly toxic and likely to pose a serious health risk.
The ink used in temporary airbrush tattoos is basically cosmetic products.
Moreover, one can easily remove it using an alcohol-based solution or baby oil.
However, some of them are not certified by FDA.
Try not to apply a product without the certification batch.
Apart from these, the third one is very popular at theme parks and beaches.
Henna is a plant-based material that comes in a thick liquid texture.
Organic henna lasts for a couple of weeks; however, it doesn't look like a real tattoo.
FDA reports suggest hand-painted temporary tattoos are extremely dangerous.
In most cases, inorganic materials and chemical inks are infused to darken the color.
There are several inks marketed as black henna that contain toxic chemicals.
The additional ingredient in black henna contains p-phenylenediamine or PPD.
In contrast, the ink used for tattoos is very special without any chemicals.
Moreover, the industrial solvent used in printer ink can damage the smoothness of your skin also.
It can cause a severe skin reaction if you have sensitive skin.
Can you get ink poisoning from a temporary tattoo?
Look, in the medical field, a poisoning means when something gets infused into your bloodstream.
So, for a temporary tattoo, the ink doesn't get infused into your blood cells.
Hence, ink poisoning does not occur from drawing it on your skin.
However, harmful ink can cause temporary stains or even serious skin problems.
But, it won't poison you. Unhygienic practices in a tattoo parlor and unsterilized equipment can also be a reason for skin poisoning
You should get one thing clear; unless the ink is not getting pierced through your skin, you are free from the danger of poisoning.
Risk of applying temporary tattoos
Recent research conducted by FDA reported many adverse reports of severe and lasting reactions.
Most of the consumers did not feel any uneasiness when they first got the tattoo.
Problems started to arise after one day of the interval. The most common issues are:
- Redness in applied areas
- Blisters
- Red weeping lesions
- Loss of skin pigmentation
- Increased sensitivity
- Permanent scarring
Apart from skin problems, there could be a risk of eye irritation.
If you neglect generic discomfort, it might also develop blurred vision.
In that case, you need to get medical attention.
The first step is to contact your doctor to diagnose and find suitable treatment.
Your doctor might ask for the details of the ink.
Key takeaway
The ink from pen or highlighter has minimal toxicity, and it is difficult to be exposed in large quantities.
However, the risk of printer ink in temporary tattoos cannot be avoided.
Even though you are free from the risk of poisoning, it can cause potential skin problems.
If you are too eager to have a tattoo, it is always to use ink specially designed for tattoos.
Or, just don't do it. Any other option can simply put your skin in danger.
People also asked:
Are laser printer tattoos safe?
Laser tattoo paper works very easily. It is safe to use on your skin.
The laser tattoo foil is wafer-thin and transparent, so one can easily apply the tattoo as well.
Can temporary tattoos be harmful?
Even though temporary tattoos do not directly come in contact with blood cells, they do have some potential skin risks.
The problems include redness, blisters, high sensitivity, and even permanent scarring.
Can tattoos cause blood poisoning?
If you are getting a permanent one, it can cause blood poisoning if the contaminated pins are used to pierce the ink.
However, with temporary ink, you can avoid the risk of poisoning.
