Tattoo Study: Inking & Related Complications Can Cause Long-Term Health Risks

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In addition to permanence, a new study has shown that tattoo inking may cause chronic itching, swelling and long-term medical complications.

The study published in the journal Contact Dermatitis, showed that 1 in 10 people with tattoos experience swelling, redness, itching and even infection with cases lasting for a number of years.

"I'm not anti-tattoo at all; I happen to think tattoos are beautiful," according to Dr. Marie Leger, co-author of the study and dermatologist at New York's University Langone Medical Center.

"We were rather alarmed at the high rate of reported chronic complications tied to getting a tattoo," said Dr. Leger, according to Eureka Alert. "Given the growing popularity of tattoos, physicians, public health officials, and consumers need to be aware of the risks involved."

In the study, Leger and her colleagues conducted interviews with around 300 people, ages 18 to 69, at Central Park. A majority of the respondents had tattoos that were inked on their arms.

They found that about 10 percent of the people in their study suffered from short-term complications i.e. swelling, infection and slow healing within weeks of their last tattoo session.

Unfortunately, only one-third of that number sought medical help. Others who experienced complications had severe itching, swelling and rashes for at least four months up to several years, according to Medical Daily.

"It is not yet known if the reactions being observed are due to chemicals in the ink itself or to other chemicals, such as preservatives or brighteners, added to them, or to the chemicals' breakdown over time," Leger said. "The lack of a national database or reporting requirements also hinders reliable monitoring."

According to the study, most long-term complications occurred in individuals whose tattoos are colored in red and black. Among the respondents who noted negative reactions, 44 percent had red ink and one-third had black ink.

"Tattoo inks aren't very closely regulated in the United States," Leger said, reports Live Science. Although the main cause of tattoo complications hasn't been identified yet, researchers were able to determine some.

"Some of the stories we got do definitely sound like tattoo allergy," Leger said. "They'll have a red tattoo, and then a few years later, they will get a new tattoo - and, all of a sudden, the new red and the old red tattoo become itchy and raised."

Leger added that it is important to see a doctor if one is experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned. According to Fox News, doctors may prescribe ointments for itchiness and oral steroids for serious allergies. If the reaction still persists, tattoo removal may be an option.

If they choose to have their inks removed, they should go see someone licensed to do the procedure because there have been case reports of tattoo removal that led to adverse allergic reactions.