Your Tattoo is INSIDE Your Immune System. Literally
Kurzgesagt – In a Nutshell・8 minutes read
The skin sheds millions of dead cells constantly, including those where tattoos are embedded, leading to the immune system's involvement in response to ink particles and leading to the eventual fading and spreading of tattoos in the body. Macrophages play a crucial role in defending against tattoo ink, trapping and sometimes releasing particles, showcasing the immune system's protective function and the complexities of tattoo permanence.
Insights
- Dead skin cells shed at a rapid rate, with around 200,000,000 cells being replaced every hour, showcasing the constant renewal process of the skin.
- Macrophages play a crucial role in the immune response to tattoos, attempting to neutralize ink particles, highlighting their protective function and the complex interplay between the immune system and tattoo permanence.
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Recent questions
How does the immune system react to tattoos?
The immune system responds to tattoos by sending Macrophages to defend against bacteria and toxic ink particles.
How do tattoos fade over time?
Tattoos fade over time as Macrophages age and die, allowing some ink to escape and spread throughout the body via fluids.
What is the role of Macrophages in tattoo permanence?
Macrophages play a crucial role in tattoo permanence by attempting to engulf and neutralize ink particles, trapping them within themselves to prevent spreading.
How are tattoos removed with lasers?
Tattoos are removed with lasers by breaking down ink particles, potentially harming Macrophages, which continually work to retain the ink.
Why do tattoos spread throughout the body over time?
Tattoos spread throughout the body over time as ink particles escape when Macrophages age and die, allowing them to travel via fluids.
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Summary
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"Immune system battles to keep tattoos"
- Your skin is a conveyor belt of dead cells, constantly replaced by new ones, shedding around 200,000,000 dead skin cells every hour.
- Tattooing involves breaking through layers of dead cells into the dermis, causing wounds and introducing ink made from substances like lead, nickel, and chromium.
- The immune system responds to the tattoo by sending Macrophages to defend against bacteria and toxic ink particles, which are too large to be dissolved.
- Macrophages attempt to engulf and neutralize the ink particles, but when unsuccessful, they trap them within themselves to prevent spreading.
- Over time, Macrophages age and die, allowing some ink to escape, causing tattoos to fade and spread throughout the body via fluids.
- Removing tattoos with lasers breaks down ink particles, potentially harming Macrophages, but new ones continually work to retain the ink.
- Understanding the immune system's role in tattoo permanence highlights its protective function and the sacrifices made by Macrophages.
