RENO, Nev. (KOLO) - It's estimated 32% of Americans have one tattoo. 22% have more than one.
Tiffany Silva is in the second category.
"I think I'll have more," says Silva. "For me it is a form of therapy. I like to go and just be quiet and get a tattoo."
Pigments from the tattoos are placed in the dermis or the second layer of skin. We do know some particles don't stay there.
Instead, they travel to the body's lymphatic system. That's the part of the body that helps fight off infection, drain fluids and works with the circulatory system.
The question is, what impact do the particles within the lymphatic system have on the rest of our bodies?
Two studies out of Europe involving mice may shine a light on the issue.
Researchers say tattooed mice were given a COVID shot and a flu shot.
The COVID shot's impact was minimized, while the flu shot was enhanced.
Board Certified Dermatologist Dr. Cindy Lamerson calls the results interesting.
"The ink from tattoos, some of it comes from ink in plastics, and varnishes, and paints," says Dr. Lamerson. "And so, they haven't really known what it does to the human body. So, these things are important. If we are putting them in our body, and in our body permanently, we certainly want to know what the risks are. And these kind of studies look at that so we can make an informed decision."
Dr. Lamerson says Europe has already regulated tattoo ink.
Here in the U.S. that's not the case.
Are human studies far behind?
Dr. Lamerson says it will be helpful. But immune response may not point to tattoo ink. It could be something else within the patient.
Tattoo removal might not be the answer either as lasers are used to break up the tattoo sending the particles throughout the body.
Dr. Lamerson says with so many people having or getting tattoos in this country, more studies definitely need to take place.
Right now, she says, we just don't know enough.
For more information: https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2510392122