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Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital and University of Cape Town, South Africa
Abstract
Tattoos are becoming increasingly common. They have an impact on many aspects of clinician-patient interaction. Therefore, it is necessary for clinicians to have a basic knowledge of pertinent issues relating to tattoos. We provide a brief overview aimed at pointing the practising clinician who interacts with a tattooed person in the right direction. We discuss types of tattoos; their evolving epidemiology; the process of tattooing and variety of pigments used; medical application and relevance of tattoos; complications of tattooing; methods of removing tattoos, the efficacy of these methods and their associated complications; legislative framework guiding tattooing in South Africa and recent significant developments in the industry.
S Afr Med J 2018;108(9):714-720
S Afr Med J 2018;108(9):714-720