Tattooing can lead to various complications such as allergies, infections, keloids, blood-borne diseases, and even skin cancer. As tattooing becomes a more popular trend, the quality of tattoo establishments and raw material sources may not always be verified, leading to an increase in complications in recent years. Causes of these complications can include tattooing techniques that are not sterile, tattoos placed in the wrong layer of skin, and the use of tattoo ink of unknown origin.
Allergies are common in people with multi-colored tattoos, cosmetic tattoos, and red or yellow tattoos, leading to symptoms such as itchy red rash and peeling skin. Infections can occur due to bacterial contamination of tattoo ink, with studies showing a high rate of contamination with gram-negative bacteria. Keloids can develop in individuals prone to keloid scars or those who do not properly care for their tattoos. Improperly sterilized equipment can also lead to the transmission of blood-borne diseases like HIV and hepatitis B and C.
Additionally, some studies suggest a potential link between tattoos and skin cancer risk, although further research is needed to confirm this relationship. It is important to be aware of these potential complications when considering getting a tattoo to ensure proper safety measures are followed.