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Is It True That Writing on Skin Is Unhealthy or Risky?

Tricia Christensen
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Updated: Jun 04, 2024
Views: 233,021
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In general, occasionally writing on skin with water-based inks is considered non-hazardous. Concern arises when people write on their skin frequently with permanent ink, or with inks that have certain coloring agents. If one is writing on skin on purpose, then using skin paint or skin ink is a far better choice, although even water-based inks may cause some skin irritation for some people.

The primary concern with writing on skin with permanent ink is that permanent ink may contain xylene. Xylene is a toxic substance, though toxicity is normally linked to inhalation. A mark or two of permanent ink on the skin because one is using a permanent pen is not likely to cause significant harm.

People can cause damage to their skin however, by cutting the skin and then writing on skin with a permanent marker. This is a type of amateur tattooing that can be very difficult to get rid of and may cause skin irritation and infection. Usually, if this occurs, one must see a doctor in order to get rid of the marking and treat infections.

Some permanent inks now use an alcohol-based substance instead of xylene. While this is less hazardous than xylene, it still may irritate the nose, throat, mouth and sensitive skin. Both types of permanent ink pens are more hazardous if the ink is ingested or large quantities of ink are inhaled. However, most doctors recommend avoiding writing on skin with any type of permanent ink.

Further if one has a child writing on skin with permanent ink, it is very important to ignore most Internet advice given for removing such writing. It will fade in time, or many use alcohol handwash to diminish appearance. Many people suggest using bleach, but this is a very unsafe practice that can further damage skin, and can also be dangerous in small amounts if inhaled.

If a child seems to be unable to avoid writing on skin, keep only water-based, non-toxic markers on hand. Conversely, let the child write on his or her skin with specially designed non-toxic body paint or inks. Water-based inks tend to be easily removed as well.

Scented inks, popular with children, are not a good choice. These, too, can be permanent and may contain xylene or other solvents. As well they may encourage young children to eat their art or suck on the markers. Ingestion of xylene is hazardous.

Dyes in inks can also be a potential irritant. Some inks will now only work on special paper and these are probably the best for children who want to write on themselves or the walls, for instance. With regular inks, such as those used in ballpoint pens, writing on skin is not considered dangerous, though the occasional person might be irritated by the dyes in inks. Normally for such ink to be considered poisonous, one would have to ingest three or four penfuls of ink. The occasional writing on skin with a ballpoint pen, uses a tiny amount of ink, and is thus not considered harmful.

Writing on the skin can be playful, accidental, and sometimes necessary. Some people love to be creative and get artistic. People even draw on themselves to display artwork on their skin.

Toxic ink poisoning is a common rumor and a widespread myth. It is time to put everyone’s minds at ease and know which pen inks are unhealthy or risky to use on the skin.

Ballpoint Pens 

Ballpoint pens are the most widely available. The ink in these pens is oil-based and intended for writing on almost any medium. Oil-based inks are believed to be potentially harmful due to the solvents such as xylene and toluene and the acidic ph value.

In the past, when the ink of ballpoint pens was deemed unsafe, there was a lack of regulations. Times have changed since then. Safety regulations and policies are now strongly enforced. Nowadays, the ink does not contain most of the toxic chemicals associated with ink poisoning. 

Generally, the ink from a standard ballpoint pen is non-toxic on the skin.

Felt Tip Pens

Pressed felt fibers make up the tip of the felt tip pen. Felt tip pens can dispense various types of inks such as water-based, acid-based, oil-based, acid-free, and permanent ink. 

As with all pens, the felt tip pen with water-based ink is safe on the skin. Water-based inks use water as a solvent and are less acidic compared to oil-based pens. This type of ink is safer to use and easily washes off.

Gel Pens

These pens are the ideal medium when a person wants to use their body as a canvass. The ink in the smooth-writing pens is made with a water-based gel. Lower toxicity levels in gel pens make them safer to use on the skin. The water base is also easier to wash off and will not cause any irritation when removing it from the skin.

Sharpie Markers

Sharpie is a brand of permanent markers that carry a strong smell. The odor and long-lasting ink in these markers seem like a dangerous type, but they are generally safe to use on the skin. Ink in sharpie markers does not contain any toxic ingredients that can cause poisoning.

However, while the ingredients may not be toxic or poisonous, permanent markers may still be harmful in other ways due to other ingredients. The xylene, alcohol, and acetone ingredients of sharpie markers can irritate the skin. Therefore, avoid these types of markers when looking to write on skin.

How Long Before the Ink Goes Away?

When the skin suffers from irritation, it could peel after becoming dry and flaky. The surface of a person’s body is made of dead skin cells which constantly shed away little by little. Therefore, one needs only to wait a few days for any permanent ink to disappear on its own through the shedding process.

Here’s what one must do when ink gets on their skin:

  • Immediately wash the area with soap and water
  • Avoid having ink contact the eyes
  • Avoid putting ink into the mouth
  • Air dry or pat dry after washing

How Do You Avoid Ink Poisoning?

While many pen inks are AMCI certified to be non-toxic, there are some instances where one could become poisoned by having ink applied on their skin. For instance, if one has itchy bug bites that have been scratched and broken and then pen ink is applied to the area, the ink could likely make its way into the bloodstream.

Manufacturers generally advise against using marker ink on the skin. However, if the ink has been inadvertently applied, there’s no need to worry if the affected area has no broken skin. Ink will usually just dry up and remain harmless.

Should You Worry?

There is no need for alarm. Although our skin is highly absorbent and can absorb toxic chemicals into the bloodstream, the amount of ink you expose yourself to would need to be high for it to be potentially harmful.

Ballpoint, felt tips and fountain pens do not contain enough ink to be poisonous or dangerous. All types of ink can irritate your skin but there are no reports of serious poisoning caused by ink exposure.

Writing on your skin daily with any pen and ink can cause irritation and possible harm. It is best to limit your doodles and scribbles on your skin to a minimum. Be mindful of how often you write on your skin. Reach for a paper whenever possible.

Otherwise, you can draw on yourself when you’re feeling inspired or need to do so without fear of dangerous, toxic ink poisoning. Simply wash away most of the ink with soapy water and wait for the body to naturally shed away the inked skin cells.

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Tricia Christensen
By Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a The Health Board contributor, Tricia Christensen is based in Northern California and brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her writing. Her wide-ranging interests include reading, writing, medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion, all of which she incorporates into her informative articles. Tricia is currently working on her first novel.
Discussion Comments
By anon1004874 — On May 06, 2021

I've been drawing marks on my wrist near the veins. Is it OK? Because my friend told me I can get cancer but it's nearly an obsession for me to draw there and I also drew on the bruise I have(there's some flaking skin because I got the bruise from falling).

By anon995488 — On May 03, 2016

For some reason, I put a Sharpie on my hand and now looking at that hand. Compared to my other hand that I barely put any on, the one without as much sharpie looks normal and the same color that it used to be, and then I look at the other. My hand that I put quite a bit of Sharpie on is darker, has a big bump on it, and has some small cuts. I think that there is something wrong.

By anon994327 — On Feb 01, 2016

I have sensitive skin. Do expo markers hurt me?

By anon994041 — On Jan 08, 2016

Is it okay to write with black Expo dry erase original chisel point markers on your skin? It doesn't get smeared, which is why I like it, but is it safe?

By anon989038 — On Feb 16, 2015

In reality, it's not going to do anything if you're just doing simple doodles. On the safe side, I wouldn't draw directly above your veins in case it seeps into your skin.

By anon354902 — On Nov 12, 2013

So we can't die from writing on our skin?

By anon338423 — On Jun 13, 2013

Just because you've done it to yourself or your friends and nothing happened doesn't mean that people don't have negative reactions to ink on their skin.

And yes, it does get absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. To think otherwise is just absurd.

When I get ink from a pen, marker, sharpie, etc on my skin, I get incredibly painful, throbbing migraines that last for days. The only time this ever happens is when I get ink on my skin (unless I wash it off immediately). I don't have any reactions on the skin itself, but the pain from the migraines can be so intense that I am absolutely immobilized until they are gone. And in most cases, painkillers do not help.

Not everyone's bodies will react in the same way. Also, just because you don't have an allergy now doesn't mean you can't develop one in the future.

By anon304143 — On Nov 18, 2012

I write every day over some old grazes, but it became really itchy and so I removed the ink that I drew over every day in the same place, and saw there were small colorless lumps. They're itchy but not painful. I don't know if this is serious or not since articles only say it's dangerous if penfuls are used or ingested. I've used ballpoint, etc. on the same place, same design, for ages.

By anon301044 — On Nov 02, 2012

You're not going to die from it. I've been doing it since I was little and it really ticks me off when people warn me I'm going to have dire complications and end up in hospital or something idiotic like that.

By anon200984 — On Jul 28, 2011

For those who think you can't absorb anything through your skin and into your bloodstream, how do you think contraceptive patches and nicotine patches work?

Yes, our skin absorbs a portion of the things we put on it, from lotions to inks. And no, you probably aren't ever going to have any kind of measurable, immediate reaction unless you're allergic. That doesn't mean that down the road you might not have problems with cancer, infertility or any number of other problems from accumulated toxins in your body.

By anon167927 — On Apr 14, 2011

ACTUALLY, 164679, you are correct that we ingest through our mouths; however, our skin does have the capability to absorb. No, you do not absorb water from washing your hands because the exposure is too short. However, if you have ever sat in a bathtub and experienced "wrinkly skin" you know that our "barrier" skin can easily be bypassed. To use similar syntax:

How do you think lotions work? They are absorbed through your skin through pores (tiny holes in your skin).

Or, why do you think one should not touch infected blood or other body fluids? Same answer.

Writing on your hand occasionally is not a problem, but as a high school teacher, I can tell you the problem is much worse. I have students entering my class after lunch with "sleeves" in permanent marker because it lasts longer. And again, the longer it stays on the skin, the more likely it will be absorbed. Will they contract liver disease? Most likely not, but in the end writing on yourself is more of an annoyance to parents and adults than anything else.

It also baffles me how under-educated individuals are-- especially when they are so condescending but not entirely correct.

By anon165675 — On Apr 05, 2011

I had a bit of a cut, and I drew on it in Sharpie. I'm feeling a bit nauseated (8-10 hours later). Am I just paranoid, or is the Sharpie causing this?

By anon164679 — On Apr 02, 2011

LOL @ the liver comment. Clearly some people need to brush up on your physiology. Only things we ingest will go through the liver - ingest meaning consumption.

Our skin is the first barrier to bacteria, as such, ink will not harm you. The most it could do is irritate your skin, but this is for people who already had sensitive skin in the first place.

Picture this. If ink is absorbed through your skin, then wouldn't water be automatically absorbed too? So why is it that when you wash your hands, you don't absorb water?

Your body is constantly generating new skin cells each day and dead skin cells are constantly flaking off. That's why ink fades with time. It doesn't get absorbed or some nonsense like that, unless you have a cut. (If you have a cut, you should cover it anyway, because that's how bacteria gets in.)

People are so under-educated in science that it baffles me. Especially when it comes to the human body. I've been writing reminders on my hands for years, and I've never experienced any skin irritation or infection or had any liver problems.

By anon93663 — On Jul 05, 2010

"it's just like packets of nuts have to say "will contain nuts" on the packet."

Actually, I think they put "May contain nuts," which bothers me to some extent.

By anon87606 — On May 31, 2010

You cannot die from ink poisoning. this whole harmful to your skin nonsense is a old wives tale.

the only reason the pen companies will say this is just in case of a freak accident. it's just like packets of nuts have to say "will contain nuts" on the packet.

I say if you want to draw on your skin go for it. i do all the time and know for a fact that it is very rare for any company to put toxins in their pens. so don't worry and color yourself in black.

By anon76878 — On Apr 12, 2010

I've done literally full sleeve "tattoos" on people in Sharpies which are labeled "Non-toxic." They're still alive and never had any complications. People always tell me that it will cause ink poisoning, but is there any proof that Sharpies do that? Any at all?

By anon69896 — On Mar 10, 2010

If it doesn't belong on your skin then don't put it on there. Ink has chemicals that could get in to the bloodstream. It might take quite a lot to cause a reaction but we don't know. Everything we ingest goes through the liver. Writing on you skin in combination with other things you may invest in your lifetime could cause serious complications. Why risk it?

By anon64456 — On Feb 07, 2010

rubbing alcohol gets rid of permanent marker marks quickly.

By anon59886 — On Jan 10, 2010

I draw on my skin with sharpies a lot. my parents tell me that i can get skin poisoning from doing this. i have been doing this for the past few years and have never - i repeat - never had any allergic reaction or reaction at all towards writing on my skin with permanent markers.

so, am i right in this case? Or are my parents?

By anon38065 — On Jul 23, 2009

A little home remedy I know to remove permanent ink is to spray hair spray on it. I've forgotten the scientific reason now but essentially it breaks down the ink and you can just wipe it away afterwards!

By anon17356 — On Aug 27, 2008

Can you die from writing on your skin? Is it harmful to your skin?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
With a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and years of experience as a The Health Board contributor, Tricia...
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