Tattooing carries some risks. For instance, just as with any invasive procedure, tattooing carries with it the risk of infection through dirty needles or improper after-care. Research has shown an infection rate for tattoos as high as 10% with symptoms ranging from swelling and pain to hepatitis infections. In addition, common reactions to tattoo coloring agents, particularly red and yellow inks, include allergic reactions characterized by severe rashes and repetitive scratching. The first place to look to minimize these risks is choosing a tattoo studio that is fully sterile.

One area researchers are investigating is whether tattooing may be connected with increased cancer risks. One large study found a significantly increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma among tattooed individuals. Many researchers believe this is due to the particles in tattoo inks travelling to lymph nodes and causing them to become inflamed and develop lymphoma. In addition, heavy metals such as mercury, cadmium, and lead are easily absorbed by the skin and can lead to skin cancer, such as melanoma or basal cell carcinoma. While these studies do not provide concrete evidence of cause-and-effect between tattooing and skin cancer, researchers strongly recommend avoiding exposure to tattoo inks that contain heavy metal nanoparticles.

Last but not least, tattooed individuals are at risk of chronic health issues as well. Research has shown that about 6% of tattooed individuals have ongoing issues with itching, swelling, and inflammation for months or years after getting a tattoo. Many tattooists believe that fibrotic tissue is the result of the breakdown of tissue that was traumatized by the needle. As the tattooing process continues, more severe systemic effects may begin to manifest such as arthritis or uveitis. Because tattooing is considered an invasive procedure, if you have a significant number of tattoos, you may wish to consider obtaining an MRI at some point in time.