What Are the Harmful Effects of Tattoos and Piercings?

Tattoos and piercings have been around for thousands of years and have never been more popular. Approximately one-quarter of the U.S. population has at least one tattoo, and 15 percent have at least one piercing. The increasing popularity of so-called "body art" corresponds with the large number of retail establishments across the U.S. offering tattoo and piercing services. This industry is not regulated by the U.S. government. Knowing the risks involved with tattoos and piercings helps the consumer make wise purchase decisions.

Bacterial Infections

• Bacterial infections resulting from tattoos or piercings can happen either during the procedure or before the affected area has fully healed. Documented types of bacterial infections from tattoos and piercings include staphylococcus, syphilis, toxic shock syndrome, chancroid, tetanus, leprosy and tuberculosis. The most common bacterial infections are minor skin infections that heal without needing medical attention. The more serious infections, although rare, can be deadly or debilitating.

Viral Infections

• Documented cases of viral infections from obtaining a tattoo or piercing include HIV and the various forms of hepatitis. Both HIV and hepatitis are highly communicable and potentially deadly. These viruses are most commonly spread via contaminated needles. Another way viruses can infect a person getting a tattoo or piercing is via contaminated surfaces such as drawer handles and table tops.

Allergic Reactions

• Types of allergic reactions to tattoos and piercings include skin irritation and urticaria, granulomatous reactions, lymphadenopathy, pseudo lymphomas, and sarcoidosis. Those who elect to get a tattoo may be allergic to either the pigments in the dyes used for tattoos or the type of carrier added to the pigment in tattoo inks. In body piercings, the type of metal used for the jewelry inserted into the piercing can cause an allergic reaction.

Cancer

• There have been reported cases of skin cancers developing within the borders of a tattoo and not being noticed until the cancer spreads outside the tattoo's border. Mercury-cadmium pigment has been implicated in skin cancer. Since cancer treatments are most effective when the cancer is caught early, this can be a potentially dangerous problem. The types of skin cancers that have been reported on people with tattoos include malignant melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma.

Other Harmful Effects

• People with tattoos can develop granulomas, which are bumps that form to encapsulate tattoo ink particles. Some hospitals will not perform potentially needed MRIs on people with tattoos due to complications caused by metal components of tattoo inks. If a person decides to have a tattoo removed, there are dangers of scarring and of the inks breaking down into toxic substances that will burden the person's kidneys and liver.

Precautions

• There are common sense steps that individuals can take to minimize potential hazards associated with getting a tattoo or piercing. Consumers should make sure that new disposable needles and ink trays are used and verify that the establishment is licensed. Individuals with tattoos are well advised to check them regularly for changes to the skin that could indicate skin cancer. People should not make the decision to get a tattoo or piercing while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.