Cheryl is an attractive looking young lady with or without tattoos. She may or may not wish to have them removed in later life.


• There are no official statistics but up to a quarter of British adults - especially in Cheryl's age group - may have them ( with around 1500 UK “ tattoo parlours “ ) and possibly a quarter of those later want them removing.




• Tattoos have been around in many cultures for thousands of years ( the Spaniards called Visayans "Pintados" / Painted Ones ). Tattoos are becoming more popular in the Philippines, where at least some " tattoo parlors " have strict sanitation practices, modern equipment, and are approved by the Department of Health.



• Modern tattoo pigment is usually carbon-based. It's inserted into the skin with one or more needles, often using an electrical machine. The needles should be "single-use", the equipment and the skin to be tattooed must be sterilised, and strict hygiene is needed.

• Possible risks are:-
* allergic reaction
* infection - local
- hepatitis B / C (hence blood donation not allowed for a year afterwards )
* scarring - local "bumps" (granulomas)
- excessive (keloid)
* local swelling / inflammation if MRI ( magnetic resonance imaging) scan required, as some pigments contain trace elements like iron oxide.



• Tattoo pigment remains in the skin and doesn't enter the blood stream. It does not cause cancer ( although it may "mask" a pre-existing cancer like a mole ). A very few skin cancers have been described arising in tattoos, but the association is thought by the experts to be coincidental.


• Tattoos can be removed surgically ( with / without grafting ), dermabrasion ( "sandpapering" the skin), or laser, not always with good cosmetic results.



• Treatment to remove tattoos is available at some private clinics ( presumably Cheryl’s choice if she wishes ).


• They have in the past been removed on the NHS, but this will probably become increasingly difficult as the NHS is under pressure to make savings.

If a GP thinks someone may be suitable for NHS treatment, they will refer them to a consultant dermatologist or plastic surgeon, who will decide – based on clinical and psychological assessment - whether treatment on the NHS is appropriate.



• By contrast, henna tattoos are non-permanent dying or staining of the skin surface, using a paste derived from a plant (Lawsonia Inermis). They are safe, fading in 2-3 weeks, and may only cause an allergic reaction, so a sensible alternative to “ real “ tattoos at least in the first instance. ( "Black Henna", which may cause scarring, is a chemical which should not be used ).