Tattoo

A tattoo is a permanent mark on the skin produced by inserting pigment into the dermis with needles. Modern tattoos are usually created with electric tattoo machines using sterilized, disposable needles. The pigment particles lodge in the dermis, becoming visible through the skin.

Tattooing dates back thousands of years and is found in many cultures. Ötzi the Iceman, dating to around 3300 BCE, had tattoos. Traditional practices include Polynesian and Māori moko, Japanese irezumi, and numerous African and American Indigenous traditions. In the West, tattooing expanded in the 18th to 20th centuries, and the electric tattoo machine was developed in the late 19th century.

Materials and techniques: Inks are colored pigments suspended in carriers; pigments may include carbon black, iron oxide, titanium dioxide, and organic dyes. Safety concerns include contamination, allergic reactions, and difficulties with erase or fading. In many places inks and pigments are regulated to reduce health risks. Tattoos require proper sterilization, single-use consumables, and aftercare such as cleaning and moisturizing to protect healing skin.

Health, safety, regulation, removal: Tattooing carries risks of infection, scarring, and allergic dermatitis. Regulations for licensing and hygiene standards vary by jurisdiction. Removal is typically by laser therapy using Q-switched lasers; complete removal can be difficult, and multiple sessions are often needed. Smaller tattoos may be excised or dermabraded in some cases.

Cultural and contemporary aspects: Today, tattoos are widely practiced and integrated into art, fashion, and personal expression, with cultural significance varying by tradition and individual. The practice continues to evolve with trends, regulation, and advancements in ink technology and safety.