(WXYZ) — If you're thinking about getting a tattoo, you may want to consider this first.
The Food and Drug Administration is advising consumers, tattoo artists and retailers of tattoo inks to avoid using or selling certain inks.
Why?
The tattoo inks listed below were recalled Wednesday due contamination with microorganisms:
- Scalpaink SC, Scalpaink PA, and Scalpaink AL basic black tattoo inks manufactured by Scalp Aesthetics (all lots)
- Dynamic Color - Black tattoo ink manufactured by Dynamic Color Inc (lots 12024090 and 12026090)
- Solid Ink-Diablo (red) tattoo ink manufactured by Color Art Inc. (dba Solid Ink) (dba Antone's Ink) (lot 10.19.18)
According to the FDA, "Tattoo inks contaminated with microorganisms can cause infections and lead to serious health injuries when injected into the skin during a tattooing procedure, since there is an increased risk of infection any time the skin barrier is broken."
How to know if you have a tattoo-ink related infection?
Commonly reported symptoms of tattoo-ink-associated infections include the appearance of rashes or lesions consisting of red papules in areas where the contaminated ink has been applied. Some tattoo infections can result in permanent scarring. Indications of an infection can be difficult to recognize as other conditions (e.g., allergic reactions) may initially have similar signs and symptoms, leading to misdiagnosis and ineffective treatments.
If you decide to get that tattoo anyway, be sure to ask the artist or studio about the inks they use and avoid the products listed above due to risk of infection.
Click here for more information.
