Generally, writing on yourself with a pen infrequently or with small amounts of ink is not considered acutely harmful, but doing so frequently or in high quantities does carry potential risks.
While a quick note on your hand is unlikely to cause immediate harm, the inks found in pens and markers contain various chemicals. The concern arises from potential exposure to these chemicals over time.
Potential Risks Highlighted by Research
Research suggests that it is the long-term exposure and the amount of ink that matter most regarding safety concerns.
What the Research Says
Based on available information, including insights from reference sources:
- Chemical Composition: Pen and marker inks contain various chemicals, solvents, and dyes.
- Long-Term Exposure Risk: Over a sufficiently long period, repeated exposure to these chemicals can accumulate.
- Quantity Matters: High quantities of ink absorbed into the skin increase potential exposure levels.
- Increased Risk: As stated in some sources, "over long enough timelines and in high enough quantities, the impact of chemicals in pen ink or marker ink could lead to an increased risk of cancer—or other problems."
- Recommendation: For this reason, it is generally advised that "you shouldn't write or draw on yourself frequently."
Frequency and Quantity Matter
The key distinction when considering if writing on yourself is "bad" lies in how often you do it and how much ink is involved.
| Aspect | Occasional Use (e.g., writing a phone number once) | Frequent/Extensive Use (e.g., drawing patterns daily) |
|---|---|---|
| Ink Quantity | Very Low | Potentially High |
| Exposure Time | Short-term, single event | Long-term, repeated exposure |
| Potential Risk | Minimal to Negligible | Increased risk over time (based on chemical exposure) |
An occasional mark is absorbed by the outermost layers of skin and sheds quickly. Frequent, extensive drawing saturates larger areas with chemicals over time, increasing the chance of absorption and potential long-term effects.
Best Practices
To minimize any potential risks associated with ink exposure through the skin:
- Avoid writing or drawing on your skin whenever possible.
- If you do write on your skin, use the smallest amount of ink necessary and for the shortest duration.
- Wash the ink off your skin as soon as you can.
- Do not use pens or markers designed for industrial use or permanent markers, as these may contain harsher chemicals than standard pens.
In summary, while a single instance of writing on yourself is unlikely to be harmful, making it a frequent habit or using large amounts of ink exposes you to chemicals that, over extended periods, could pose health risks.
