As the popularity of tattoos continues to grow, so does the concern about potential risks. Some risks, such as the spread of infections through the use of unsterilized needles, have long been known. But what isn't clear is the safety of tattoo inks.

Permanent tattoos are made by using needles to inject colored ink below the skin's surface. Permanent make-up is considered a permanent tattoo that mimics the results of cosmetic products such as an eyebrow pencil, lip liner, eyeliner or blush.

While state and local authorities oversee the practice of tattooing, ink and ink colorings (pigments) used in tattoos are subject to FDA regulation as cosmetics and color additives. However, because of other public health priorities and a previous lack of evidence of safety concerns, the FDA has not traditionally regulated tattoo inks or the pigments used in them.

The FDA has received reports of bad reactions to tattoo inks right after tattooing or even years later. Some people report itchy or inflamed skin around their tattoos in the summer when they've been out in the sun. Recent reports associated with permanent make-up inks have prompted the FDA to study tattoo ink safety.

What Are the Risks?

Infection – Dirty needles can pass infections, like hepatitis and HIV, from one person to another.

Allergies – Allergies to various ink pigments in both permanent and temporary tattoos can cause problems.

Scarring – Unwanted scar tissue may form when getting or removing a tattoo.

Granulomas – These small knots or bumps may form around material that the body perceives as foreign, such as particles of tattoo pigment.

MRI complications – People may have swelling or burning in the tattoo when they have magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This happens rarely and does not last long.

Tattoo Tips

• The FDA has not approved any tattoo pigments for injection into the skin. This applies to all tattoo pigments, including those used for ultraviolet (UV) and glow-in-the-dark tattoos. Many pigments used in tattoo inks are industrial-grade colors suitable for printers' ink or automobile paint.
• The use of henna in temporary tattoos has not been approved by the FDA. Henna is approved only for use as a hair dye.
• Consider tattoos permanent. Removal is time-consuming, costly and doesn't always work. The most common method of tattoo removal is by laser treatment, which delivers short flashes of light at very high intensities to the skin to break down the tattoo ink. Some color inks are harder to remove than others. Many repeat visits every several weeks may be required to remove a tattoo, and it may never be entirely gone.
• Do not buy or order online do-it-yourself tattoo removal products. These are acid-based products that can cause bad skin reactions.
• Consult your health care provider — not a tattoo parlor — if you want a tattoo removed. The American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery can help you find a doctor experienced in tattoo removal.
• If you need to have an MRI done, don't avoid it. Inform the radiologist or technician that you have a tattoo so that appropriate precautions can be taken.