Dermatologist warns consumers about complications linked to newer tattoo inks

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. (March 1, 2013) —Tattooing as a form of body art is increasing in popularity, especially among young adults. In fact, the Pew Research Center found that 36 percent of Americans ages 18-25 report getting a tattoo. As a result, dermatologists are seeing increased complications such as allergic reactions, serious infections, and reactions to tattoo ink that can mimic skin cancer.

American Academy of Dermatology expert

Information provided by Michi Shinohara, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Tattoo inks evolve

The composition of tattoo ink has changed dramatically over the years. In the past, metal salts, lead, cobalt, and carbon were used in inks. Today, many modern tattoo inks (especially intense reds and yellows) contain organic azo dyes with plastic-based pigments that also have industrial uses in printing, textiles, and car paint. As a result, Dr. Shinohara explained that there are many unknowns about how these inks interact with the skin and within the body and if they are responsible for an increasing number of complications.

Allergic reactions

One of the most common problems associated with tattooing is allergic reactions to the tattoo pigments.

Itching, bumps, or rashes can occur days, months or even years after the initial tattoo. These reactions need to be treated with a topical steroid ointment.
In cases where an allergic reaction occurs months or years later, the affected person might not suspect that the tattoo is the culprit.
In people with psoriasis and eczema, tattoos may cause the chronic skin conditions to flare.
Sarcoidosis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by swelling and itching that can occur in a tattoo decades after the procedure and can involve other organs, such as the lungs or eyes. This type of reaction is not directly caused by the original tattoo, but can show up within the tattoo. Treatments include topical creams and, in severe cases, immunosuppressant medications.

Skin cancer

Skin cancer can occur within a tattoo, and for that reason Dr. Shinohara explained that tattoo artists need to be careful not to place a tattoo over an existing mole. However, one reaction that can result is a bump that mimics skin cancer, which can ruin the tattoo.

This type of bump or lesion that can occur within a tattoo looks like a type of skin cancer known as squamous cell carcinoma. Because the bump is so hard to distinguish from this skin cancer, it requires a biopsy and, in some cases, may need to be treated as a skin cancer, with additional surgery.
Dr. Shinohara noted that this unusual reaction is thought to stem from tattoo ink and can result in potentially unnecessary and expensive skin cancer treatment.

Infections

Some tattoo-related infections can pose serious health implications. Common infections linked to tattooing include localized bacterial infections. In addition, there have been reports of syphilis and hepatitis B and C being transmitted due to non-sterile tattooing practices. However, Dr. Shinohara noted that outbreaks can also stem from the tattoo ink rather than the tools used in the procedure.

A recent outbreak of atypical mycobacterial infections has been traced to contaminated tattoo ink, which causes itchy, painful pustules and red bumps within a tattoo during the first month of the procedure. With this type of infection, a biopsy of the tattoo is taken and the bacteria are cultured. This type of bacteria is harder to treat than regular staph bacteria and can require a several-month course of oral antibiotics to clear the infection.

Tips to minimize skin reactions from tattoos

Dr. Shinohara offered the following tips for those who insist on getting tattoos:

Be sure to go to a professional tattoo parlor and to a tattoo artist who is licensed based on a state’s requirements.
Insist on seeing equipment in sterile packaging.
Let the tattoo artist know if you have a reaction. If a problem lasts more than one to two weeks, see a board-certified dermatologist.
Those with a chronic skin condition such as psoriasis, eczema, or a tendency toward keloid scarring should check with a board-certified dermatologist before getting a tattoo.
Avoid tattooing over a mole because it will make it more difficult to diagnose a problem if the mole changes in the future.

American Academy of Dermatology expert advice:

“Since tattoos are not regulated in any way, there are many unknowns that could pose potential problems for consumers in terms of the inks and tools used,” said Dr. Shinohara. “It is especially important for consumers to be aware of the potential risks, report any problem that develops to the tattoo artist and see a board-certified dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.”

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Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 17,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1 (888) 462-DERM (3376) or visit www.aad.org. Follow the Academy on Facebook (American Academy of Dermatology) or Twitter (@AADskin).