Did you know that the growth in popularity of tattoos and permanent makeup has also led to an increase in ink-related infections? Approximately 30% of Americans have tattoos, according to a survey by Statista. A recent study by a scientist, Dr. Sunghyun examined tattoo and permanent makeup inks under various conditions and found something surprising. Even tattoo inks that are supposed to be sealed off from oxygen can still harbor bacteria that thrive in low-oxygen environments, such as the skin’s dermal layer. It means that contaminated tattoo inks could potentially lead to infections caused by both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. These findings emphasize the need to closely monitor tattoo inks for both types of bacteria, including those that could risk our health.
“Our research has uncovered that even sealed tattoo inks can contain anaerobic and aerobic bacteria, which thrive in low-oxygen environments similar to the skin’s dermal layer. It means that tainted tattoo inks could lead to infections from both types of bacteria. Our findings stress the need to monitor these products for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, including potentially harmful microorganisms,” said corresponding author Seong-Jae (Peter) Kim, Ph.D.
They evaluated the presence of aerobic and anaerobic microbial contaminants in tattoo inks currently available in the U.S. market. The researchers employed a rigorous methodology to identify these contaminants. To detect aerobic bacteria, they combined 1-2 grams of the tattoo ink solution with appropriate culture media, which were then incubated in a standard incubator. To detect anaerobic bacteria, the ink solution was combined with suitable media and incubated in an anaerobic chamber to cultivate anaerobes in an oxygen-free environment. It’s worth noting that the research encompassed the testing of 75 tattoo inks sourced from 14 different manufacturers.
“Approximately 35% of tattoo and permanent makeup inks sold in the U.S. were contaminated with bacteria,” Kim said. The researchers found both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in the inks, regardless of whether the product claimed to be sterile. It highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and quality of tattoo and makeup inks.
“The rising popularity of tattooing in recent years has coincided with an increase in tattoo-related complications or adverse reactions,” Kim said. “It should be noted that microbial infections constitute just one aspect of these complications. In addition to microbial infections, immunologic complications, such as inflammatory reactions, allergic hypersensitivity, and toxic responses, represent a significant portion of these issues. In light of our study results, we want to emphasize the importance of continuously monitoring these products to ensure the microbial safety of tattoo inks.”
Another researcher has revealed that tattooing can lead to various complications, including bacterial, viral, fungal, and mycobacterial infections. The study has linked tattooing to adverse skin reactions that can manifest in different forms, such as swelling, allergic reactions, itching, pain, redness, bleeding, bumps, lumps, intense pain, and, in rare cases, tumors. Even temporary henna tattoos can cause red, itchy skin that can lead to loss of skin color, raised scars, or more severe skin reactions. Due to these risks, in certain countries, individuals may be restricted from giving blood for 4 months to 1 year after getting a tattoo, as per local laws and regulations.
When it comes to bacterial infections, the bacteria responsible for causing impetigo, folliculitis, furunculosis, abscesses, ecthyma, cellulitis, erysipelas, and gangrene are staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Clostridium difficile, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Similarly, viral infections may be caused by tattooing includes HIV, HBV, and HCV, which is alarming if proper hygiene protocol is not followed. It can also cause fungal infections, which include ringworm, pityriasis versicolor, candidiasis, sporotrichosis, aspergillosis, zygomycosis, or Acremonium infections. Moreover, during the process of tattoo healing, superficial mycoses may occur, and the primary cause is Microsporum canis, a type of dermatophyte found in the hair of domestic animals.
The research has been published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology.
